Historic Preservation Commission

The Beaufort Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Train Depot, 614 Broad Street. The submittal date is 14 business days prior to the meeting. 

The HPC is composed of seven Beaufort residents (required to live within the corporate limits of the Town) who serve three-year terms, who have a knowledge of and interest in historic preservation. The HPC is appointed by the Town Board of Commissioners.

The HPC reviews and regulates changes to the exterior appearance of buildings in the historic district, the historic setting, including streetscapes, landscaping, and the waterfront area, all new construction, relocations, and partial or whole demolitions and all signs in the historic district. The HPC also conducts surveys and studies of Beaufort’s historic architecture, recommends designation of additional historic districts and landmarks, and reviews applications for historic plaques to be placed on buildings in Beaufort.

Purpose:

The HPC's purpose is to promote the education, culture, and general welfare of the public through preservation and protection of historical buildings, places and areas; and to maintain such properties as examples of past architectural styles. To find out about the HPC's powers, duties, organization, etc. please see Section 23 of the Town's Land Development Ordinance.

The HPC hosts several workshops throughout the year and also coordinates workshops with the State Historic Preservation Office.

Historic District 

Beaufort Town Commissioners designated about  a 12-block area of Town, including part of Taylor’s Creek, as a local historic district. Within the district there are specific standards for alterations and new construction to protect Beaufort’s architectural character. The Town has also designated landmarks outside the local historic district boundaries that are also of historic importance.
Under the HPC’s sponsorship, the Design Guidelines for the Beaufort Historic District and Landmarks was developed in 1994 and updated in 2008. The purpose of the Design Guidelines is to assist property owners and the HPC in the ongoing goal of historic preservation. Town property owners in the historic district are encouraged to familiarize themselves with its provisions.
 

The National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form for the Town of Beaufort NC