Harnett County, NC Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

176 lets the Board of Commissioners adopt, amend, or repeal a designation resolution for a historic landmark on a quarterly basis. The Historical Properties Commission (HPC) must find the property has special significance in history, prehistory, architecture, archaeology, or cultural importance and possesses integrity of design, setting, workmanship, materials, feeling, or association before recommending designation. Every designation resolution must name the owner, describe the property and its historically significant elements, and provide for a sign or plaque marking the site as designated. Applications go through the Planning Department, are reviewed at the HPC's next meeting if filed at least 15 working days ahead, and the resulting designation report goes to the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources' Division of Archives and History for a 30-day comment period before the HPC can recommend designation to the Board.

178 requires a certificate of appropriateness before any exterior feature, above-ground utility structure, or outdoor advertising sign can be erected, altered, restored, moved, or demolished, whether or not a building permit is also required; the Planning Department can approve minor works administratively, but cannot deny a minor-works application without formal HPC action. The HPC may delay approval of a demolition certificate for up to 365 days to negotiate preservation options, though it cannot outright deny a demolition certificate, and it may shorten that delay if the owner shows extreme hardship. Ordinary maintenance, repair not changing exterior appearance, and emergency safety work certified by a building inspector are exempt.