Historic Preservation Commission

Overview

The Kinston Historic Districts are some of the most valued and important assets of Kinston. Historic districts protect and conserve the heritage of the city of Kinston, promote the education and enjoyment of residents and visitors to the city, and stabilize and enhance property values throughout the district thus contributing to the improvement of the general health and welfare of Kinston and the residents of the districts. The Historic Preservation Commission exists to advise the City Council on the creation and management of these important districts.

Schedule

The Historic Preservation Commission meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. No meetings are held in July or December.

COA applications are due 10 business days prior to the scheduled meeting. A full list of meeting dates and corresponding submission deadlines can be found under the "Living in Mitchelltown" Page or by calling the planning department at 252-939-4021.

Helpful Documents

COA Application

Landmark Designation Pre-Application

Kinston HPC Rules and Procedures

Kinston Design Guidelines

Unified Development Ordinance

Helpful Links

Historic SHPO Map

SHPO Main Page

Responsibilities

  • Inventory properties of historical, prehistorical, architectural, and/or cultural significance
  • Advise the City Council regarding adding, amending, or removing historic districts, proposing new ordinances regarding historical resources, and identifying structures worthy of historic recognition. Recommend areas to the City Council to be considered, amended, or removed as historic districts designated by ordinance as historic districts
  • Review applications to alter structures currently part of a historic district or recognized as a landmark.
  • Give advice to property owners concerning the treatment of the historical and visual characteristics of their properties located within the district, such as color schemes, garden and landscape features, and minor decorative elements
  • Conduct an education program with respect to historic properties and districts within its jurisdiction 
  • Prepare and recommend the official adoption of a preservation element as part of the city's comprehensive plan.

Membership

The HPC is composed of at least three (3) members who serve staggering 3-year terms; after two terms, a member must take a 1-year break. All members must reside within the city limits or extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). Ideally, members will have a demonstrated interest in or knowledge regarding historic preservation, history, architecture, or a related field.

  • Clifton Hargett (Chair)
  • Stephen Hill- 1st term
  • Travis Towne- 1st term
  • Cathy Reese-1st term,
  • Rose Clark- 1st term
  • Matthew Young - 1st term

City of Kinston is ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for Historic Preservation Commission members.  

Apply today using the Online Citizen Board Application!

Mitchelltown Local Historic District

The Mitchelltown Historic District is a residential neighborhood developed mainly between 1895 and 1941. It contains one of Kinston’s largest and most cohesive collections of historic houses, showcasing popular architectural styles such as Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and Minimal Traditional. The neighborhood reflects Kinston’s growth during the tobacco boom era and remains an important example of early 20th-century community planning and architecture.

As Kinston’s only local historic district, Mitchelltown is under the jurisdiction of the Historic Preservation Commission. A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required for most exterior changes within the district.

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National Register Historic Districts

In addition to Mitchelltown, Kinston is home to several National Register Historic Districts: the Kinston Commercial District, the Hill–Grainger District, and the Trianon District. These areas are recognized by the State of North Carolina and the National Park Service for their architectural and historical significance.

Unlike the Mitchelltown Local Historic District, the National Register districts are not under the jurisdiction of the Kinston Historic Preservation Commission. Property owners in these areas do not need a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for exterior changes. However, being within a National Register district may make certain rehabilitation projects eligible for state and federal historic preservation tax credits. A description of eligible tax credits can be found here, on NC's Historic Preservation Page.

Together, the local and National Register districts highlight Kinston’s diverse architectural heritage, from residential neighborhoods to commercial and institutional landmarks.