Local Historic Landmarks

Overview

A local historic landmark is a property so-designated by the City Council as a property of special significance in terms of its historical, prehistorical, architectural, or cultural importance; and that possesses integrity of design, setting, workmanship, materials, feeling, and association. Property owners can apply to have their property designated as a local historic landmark.

For additional information, contact the planning department by email at planning@kinstonnc.gov or by phone at 252-939-3269.

Criteria

To be eligible for Local Historic Landmark Status a property must meet at least two of the criteria listed below:

• The property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local, regional, or national history.
• The property has yielded or may be likely to yield, information important to Kinston’s history or prehistory.
• The property is associated with the lives of persons significant in local, regional, or national history.
• The property embodies distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction.
• The property represents the work of a master or possesses high artistic value.

The City of Kinston Planning Department and Historic Preservation Commission prioritize local landmark status for those properties that have been restored or will be restored in the near future. Documentation of restoration or plans for future restoration is a required component of the application for local landmark status.

How to Apply

1. Contact the Planning Department – Staff will review your property’s eligibility, explain the process, and provide the application form.
2. Submit an Application – Complete the application under the Documents and Resources section on this page and provide supporting documentation, including photographs, maps, historical information, and documentation of restoration work (or plans for future restoration).

3. Participate in Review – Applications are reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) at a public meeting, where property owners may be asked to provide additional information or answer questions about the property.