Owning a Home in a Charlotte Historic District

Three designations are commonly confused. They have different administrators, purposes, and consequences. This page is general guidance, not legal advice — always confirm current rules with the responsible agency.

The three designations

• Local historic district: designated by the City of Charlotte and administered by the Charlotte Historic District Commission. Many exterior changes require a Certificate of Appropriateness.
• Local historic landmark: an individual property designated through the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, with its own review process.
• National Register of Historic Places: a federal list. Listing alone generally does not restrict what a private owner does with private funds, but may affect eligibility for certain incentives.

Checklist before you buy or build

1. Verify the parcel in Mecklenburg County Polaris.
2. Check the HDC district maps and the Landmarks Commission list.
3. Read the applicable design standards.
4. Contact the responsible agency with your specific plans.
5. Confirm approvals and permits before committing to contractors or closing.

Frequently asked questions