Historic District Commission
The Historic District Commission reviews applications for exterior changes within the Hillsborough Historic District. A majority of the commission’s members have specialized training or an interest in architecture, preservation, archaeology, history or building methods.
For more information, contact Planner Justin Snyder by email or by phone at 919-296-9473.
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Mission
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The commission’s mission is to identify, protect and preserve Hillsborough's architectural resources and to educate the public about those resources and preservation in general.
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Role
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The commission has a quasi-judicial role. The commission hears evidence, determines relevant facts and then applies the law as it concerns the exterior changes to or demolition of any properties as well as new construction in the district.
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Historic District
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The Hillsborough Historic District presents a visual history of Hillsborough's development. The town chose to respect this development history through passage of a preservation ordinance in 1973, creating the district. A structure is considered historic if it falls within the period of significance. This period ends 50 years before the current year.
The Historic District includes the town’s commercial core and the surrounding residential neighborhoods. It contains more than 100 houses, churches and buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Included is development from Georgian- and Federal-style buildings dating to the late 1700s to contemporary construction. The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Certificates of Appropriateness
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It is unlawful to begin construction, moving, demolition, alteration or restoration of any structure or site within the Historic District before a Certificate of Appropriateness has been issued.
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Documents
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The exempt and minor works list below is provided as a guideline, but exemption is determined by Planning Department staff. Staff must be consulted before beginning any exterior work on a site or structure within the historic district.
Exterior Materials Compatibility Matrix
Hillsborough Historic District Design Guidelines
Hillsborough Historic District Inventory
Hillsborough Historic District Inventory Map
Hillsborough Historic District Map
Historic District Commission Meeting Schedule
Historic District Commission Rules of Procedure
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Membership
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NameTerm expiresCandice CobbAug. 31, 2021Max DowdleDec. 31, 2020Jill Heilman — vice-chairSept. 30, 2021Reid Highley — chairOct. 31, 2019Laura SimmonsMarch 31, 2022Virginia SmithJan. 30, 2022William SpoonApril 30, 2022-
Candice Cobb
- Term expires Aug. 31, 2021
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Max Dowdle
- Term expires Dec. 31, 2020
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Jill Heilman — vice-chair
- Term expires Sept. 30, 2021
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Reid Highley — chair
- Term expires Oct. 31, 2019
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Laura Simmons
- Term expires March 31, 2022
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Virginia Smith
- Term expires Jan. 30, 2022
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William Spoon
- Term expires April 30, 2022
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Candice Cobb
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Meeting information
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Upcoming:Special MeetingDate:July 18, 2019Time:10:30 a.m.Location:Administration Building
101 E. Orange StDocuments: