Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission is a nine-member board appointed by the City Council. Members must be qualified based on interest or experience in history, architecture, archaeology, or related fields. Meetings are conducted according to established Rules of Procedure.

The Commission reviews applications for Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior work in Greensboro's three local Historic Districts.

Historic District Program
Deadlines, Meetings, Agendas and Minutes
Commission Members

Front Steps Historic House Roof Line

There are three locally zoned historic districts in Greensboro: College Hill, Dunleath, and Fisher Park. Check out this interactive map of the districts.

In historic districts, a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) must be obtained before beginning work to the exterior of buildings or property. The COA ensures that the work meets Historic District Standards.

Minor work items such as exterior repairs, landscaping or building a fence or a back yard deck can usually be approved by City staff. Projects like new construction and additions or major alterations to buildings must be approved by the Historic Preservation Commission.

See the Commission's monthly agenda for major work, Certificate of Appropriateness applications, and a report of staff approvals issued during the prior month.

Download the COA application form.

Find out if your property is in a local historic district.

Questions? Call 336-373-2144 or send an e-mail.

Application Deadline	Meeting Date	Agenda	Minutes
September 3, 2025	September 24, 2025	Agenda	Minutes
October 8, 2025	October 29, 2025	Agenda	Minutes
November 19, 2025	December 10, 2025	Agenda	Minutes
January 7, 2026	January 28, 2026	Agenda	Minutes
February 4, 2026	February 25, 2026	Agenda	Minutes
March 4, 2026	March 25, 2026	Agenda	Minutes
April 8, 2026	April 29, 2026	Agenda	Minutes
May 6, 2026	May 27, 2026	Agenda	Minutes
June 3, 2026	June 24, 2026	Agenda	Minutes
July 8, 2026	July 29, 2026	Agenda	Minutes
August 5, 2026	August 26, 2026	Agenda	Minutes
September 9, 2026	September 30, 2026	Agenda	Minutes
October 7, 2026	October 28, 2026	Agenda	Minutes
November 18, 2026	December 9, 2026	Agenda	Minutes

NAME	term begins	TERM EXPIRES
Jess Arnett, Chair	02/05/2019	08/15/2025
Sharon Graeber, Vice-Chair	08/31/2021	08/15/2027
Bert VanderVeen	02/15/2020	08/15/2028
Joe Thompson	09/02/2025	08/15/2028
Arlen Nicolls	03/15/2023	08/15/2026
Jo Leimenstoll	01/19/2021	08/15/2027
Eric Woodard	08/05/2024	08/15/2027
Katherine Rowe	02/01/2022	08/15/2028
Deborah Kaufman	09/14/2021	08/15/2027

FAQs

What as a City Historic District?

A City Historic District is an area of the city designated on the official zoning map where additional regulations apply. The purpose of the regulations is to protect architecturally significant buildings and the neighborhood setting.
What is a Certificate of Appropriateness?

A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is a required official document certifying that proposed exterior changes meet Historic District Standards. A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required before making exterior changes to structures or to the property.
How do I know if my property is in a City Historic District?

Find out if your property is in a local historic district. You may also check out this interactive map of the districts or call the City Planning office on 336-373-2144.
Where can I get the COA Application Form and the Standards?

The COA application form and Standards are available on the links provided. They can also be mailed upon request by calling the Planning Department at 336-373-2144.
Is there a fee for a Certificate of Appropriateness?

No, currently there is not a fee.
Is a COA required for interior work?

No. A COA is required only for exterior work. However, some interior work like kitchen or bathroom remodeling can result in exterior changes that require a COA—like modifying a window or installing an air conditioning compressor.
Who approves the COA?

City Planning Department staff approve COAs for minor projects like repairing a front porch, building a fence or deck, removing a dead or diseased tree, or installing a satellite dish.

The Greensboro Historic Preservation Commission approves major projects such as new construction, additions, and significant alterations to buildings, parking lots, and signs.
When and where does the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meet?

The HPC meets on the last Wednesday of each month at 4 pm in the Plaza Level Conference Room of the Melvin Municipal Office Building, 300 West Washington St. Check the Deadlines, Meetings, Agenda, and Minutes tab for specific dates.
Do I need a building permit if I have a COA?

Yes. A Building Permit for exterior work will not be issued without a COA. Some projects require a COA even if a Building Permit is not required. Examples are fences and other site improvements, tree removal, and exterior repairs.
Do utility companies have to abide by Historic District rules?

Yes. Duke Energy and other utility companies, as well as the City of Greensboro, must obtain a COA for projects such as constructing a new sidewalk, installing new streetlights, or trimming trees along power lines.
How are the historic district rules enforced?

The City’s Zoning Enforcement Officers enforce Historic District rules. They issue Notices of Violation when work is begun without a COA. The property owner is given an opportunity to correct the violation by obtaining a COA. If not, then civil penalties are issued.
Can I install solar panels or a satellite dish on my roof?

A COA is required for both. City Historic District Standards recommend that these items be located where they are as inconspicuous as possible, ideally not visible from the street.
Do I need a COA for work at the back of my house?

Yes. A COA is required for exterior work anywhere on the property.
Are pre-fabricated storage buildings allowed under the Standards?

Yes. A COA is required for accessory buildings. Pre-fabricated storage buildings are acceptable if their design is compatible with the house and the historic district.
Are replacement materials such ss fiber-cement siding or PVC trim allowed?

The Standards recommend repair rather than replacement of original materials. The Standards recommend selective replacement of rotted or missing siding and trim with “like kind” (wood for wood) materials. Fiber-cement, PVC or similar materials are not recommended. A COA is required for replacement of exterior materials.
Is paving a gravel driveway with concrete allowed?

Yes. A COA is required. Concrete is considered an acceptable paving material for driveways.
Do I need a COA for landscape changes?

A COA is not required for most landscaping projects like planting trees, shrubs, flower and vegetable gardens, clearing brush, removing over mature shrubs, etc. A COA is required for removing trees 4” dbf or larger.
Does re-roofing require A COA?

A COA is not required to replace old asphalt roofing shingles with new asphalt shingles. A COA is required to replace special roofing materials like slate or terracotta tiles.

More FAQs