Frequently Asked Questions

A local governing board cannot designate a local historic landmark unless it has first established a Historic Preservation Commission, or participates in an interlocal agreement with the Historic Landmark Preservation Commission.

The Randolph County Historic Landmark Preservation Commission was established by Ordinance of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners. Through interlocal agreements, the Commission also serves as the advisory body to participating municipalities in Randolph County.

The Commission has these main functions:

1. To make recommendations to local governing boards regarding designation of a property as a Local Landmark;
2. To approve or disapprove applications from property owners who wish to make changes to properties that have been locally designated as historic landmarks;
3. To advise and assist local governments in historic preservation planning; and
4. To issue or deny Certificates of Appropriateness for repair or other changes to Historic Landmarks.
5. A local governing board cannot designate a Local Historic Landmark unless it has first established a Historic Preservation Commission, or participates in an interlocal agreement with the Historic Landmark Preservation Commission.

Historic landmark preservation helps give our county individual character and ourselves a sense of place, pride and historic connection. Many counties and cities have found that historic preservation is a useful tool for stimulating new investment by increased tourism and commercial activity. Perhaps the most compelling reasons for historic landmark preservation are not economic but psychological: association with the continuity and quality of human life. Historic preservation seeks not to prevent change, but to moderate it and to reduce the sense of dislocation it can produce. Historic landmarks provide a tangible link with the past, with people and events that have made significant contributions to Randolph County history and thus have shaped our present. The history, architecture, and heritage of Randolph County are important. We are all part of a community and events that were here before us, and we all have a long-term interest as temporary custodians of our communities, in protecting and recognizing Randolph County’s history, character, and heritage. As demographics of Randolph County change, it is increasingly important for new residents to become knowledgeable about our history, heritage, and culture in order to continue to build a sustainable future.

A local historic landmark is a designation indicating that the property is important to the heritage and character of the community and that its protection enriches all the county’s residents.

A landmark designation will be appropriate only for properties that meet the criteria used to evaluate an application.

In considering a local landmark designation, the following criteria is used by the Commission in making a determination: Critical part of Randolph County’s heritage; significant historic event; significant person; important architecture; distinctive theme; unique visual feature; and a historical significance achieved for at least 50 years.

Local Historic Landmark designation applies to individual buildings, structures, sites, or objects. The Historic Landmark Commission recommends designation, and the local governing board designates the historic landmark by adopting a designation ordinance. Landmark designation has the following consequences:

1. Owners who wish to make certain changes to the property designated as a Local Landmark must first have their plans reviewed and approved by the Commission.
2. Owners of designated landmarks may apply for an annual fifty percent local tax deferral for as long as a property’s important historical features are retained.
3. Future owners of the property are subject to the same restrictions unless the landmark status is revoked by the Commission.

Properties designated as historic landmarks are treated as a special class of property under state law (General Statutes of N.C. c.105,ss.105-278). They are taxed on the basis of fifty percent of their true value as determined by the Randolph County Tax Supervisor.

A landmark tax deferral is comparable to the farm-deferred tax program available through the County Tax Department for many years to promote agricultural and forest land uses. A designated landmark is eligible for the property tax deferral; the deferral is not at the option of the local governing board. The tax deferral is not automatic; to receive it, the owner of the designated landmark must apply to the County Tax Supervisor. Payment of the deferred fifty percent of the property tax will not be required as long as the property’s significant historical features are retained. The reduction applies only to real property, not personal property.

The deferred tax becomes payable if the property loses its eligibility either because the property’s integrity has been lost or substantially impaired (other than fire or natural disaster) or because the designation ordinance has been repealed. If the property is disqualified for the tax deferral, the deferred taxes for the current year and the three proceeding years, plus interest, becomes due. If only part of the property loses its eligibility, the amount of deferred taxes due is prorated.

The property tax deferral provides an incentive for preservation of historic landmark properties reflecting the belief of the North Carolina General Assembly and the Randolph County governing boards, that historic preservation is to the public’s benefit. The substantial tax penalty if the designated property is demolished, moved, or altered so that it loses its historical significance also gives the property owner an incentive to maintain the landmark property.

If a designated historic landmark is demolished, moved, or altered so that it loses its integrity or historical significance, the Commission may recommend that the local governing board revoke that property’s landmark designation by repealing the designation ordinance. Neglect of a property can be grounds for revocation.

The Commission’s primary regulatory responsibility is to prevent changes to landmark’s that would not be keeping with the special character of the landmark’s designation. An owner proposing changes to a historic landmark must apply to the Commission for a Certificate of Appropriateness. Proposed changes requiring a Certificate of Appropriateness include alteration; restoration, reconstruction; relocation; or demolition. No building permit can be issued until the Commission has approved a Certificate Of Appropriateness.

1. The request for local landmark designation may be instituted at the request of the governing body, the Historic Preservation Commission, or by application of the owner of the property to be considered.
2. Applications may be obtained at the Randolph County Planning Department, 204 E. Academy Street, Asheboro, N.C;. Telephone Asheboro - 336-318-6555, Liberty - 336-218-4555, or Archdale/Trinity - 336-819-3555. Applications may also be obtained at the Commissions web site www.co.randolph.nc.us/hlpc. Cost of application is $125.00. $75.00 is refunded if the application is denied.
3. Once an application is received, the Historic Landmark Preservation Commission conducts an investigation and prepares a report on the significance of the proposed landmark and places the request on a study list.
4. The Commission forwards a copy of its report to the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources to receive comments and recommendations.
5. The Historic Landmark Preservation Commission conducts a public hearing on the proposed landmark designation and makes a recommendation to the local governing body. (Randolph County Commissioners or appropriate City/Town Council)
6. The governing body conducts a final public hearing and adopts (or rejects) the proposed landmark designation ordinance.
7. Once the designations ordinance is approved a marker sign can be placed on the structure or site identifying it as a local historic landmark.

Designation by a local governing board has no direct connection with listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register is the nation’s official list of buildings, structures, objects, and sites worthy of preservation for their significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, or culture. The National Register is a federal program administered by the National Park Service in partnership with state and local governments. A Local Historic Landmark designation is an honor conferred by the local community on a landmark. A property may qualify for both local designation and National Register listing, but these are separate processes, with different consequences.

The Commission consists of nine (9) members and one (1) alternate appointed by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners. In addition to possessing unique experience and backgrounds, the makeup of the Commission is as follows:

1. One member shall be appointed from each of the five County Commissioner districts.
2. Three members are At-Large.
3. One At-Large Alternate Member
4. The County Planning Director

The Randolph County Planning Department provides staff support and coordination for the Historic Landmark Preservation Commission. The County Planning Department is located at 204 E. Academy Street, Asheboro, N.C.; telephone: Asheboro- 336-318-6555, Liberty- 336-218-4555, or Archdale/Trinity- 336-819-3555. The Planning Department email address is planning@co.randolph.nc.us.

The Deputy Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners also serves as Clerk to the Historic Landmark Preservation Commission. She can be reached at 336-318-6300.