Our Services
Historic District Guidelines
Economic Development Incentives
All members of the Preservation of Wilson Board encourage preservation minded buyers to take advantage of incentives available.
Contact: 252-234-7694 or info@preservationofwilson.com
State & Federal Historic Tax Credits
Homeowners and investors can take advantage of historic tax credits when working on a historic structure. Most construction costs are eligible. Tax credits reduce taxes owed rather than deduct.
Contact: John Wood, 252-830-6580, john.p.wood@ncdcr.gov
Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund
The City of Wilson initiated the Brownfields program to address blight with intent of returning properties to active use.
Brownfields Application Guidelines (PDF)
Contact: Michelle Brown, 252-399-2226, msbrown@wilsonnc.org
Landmark Property Tax Reduction
When a property is recognized as a Local Landmark a 50% savings on annual property taxes is offered. Approval involves City Council, Historic Preservation Commission, and Planning & Development Services.
Visual Improvement Matching Grants
Matching grants up to $2,000 for: windows, front doors, garage doors, exterior painting, fences, porches.
Grant Guidelines (PDF) | Grant Application (PDF)
Contact: Kathy Bethune, 252-234-7694
NC Homestead Exemption
Provides financial assistance to low-income elderly and disabled homeowners. Exemption: $20,000 or 50% appraised value (whichever greater). Income limit: $18,000 or less.
Contact: Wilson County Tax Office, 252-399-2900
Waiving Permit Fees
Building, zoning, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and land development fees are waived for any new construction, renovation, remodel or addition for a residential structure in the historic districts (owner-occupied).
First Citizens Purchase & Rehab Loan
Renovations: up to 75% of total project costs. Loans: up to 95% of total project costs, or 97% for first-time homebuyers.
Contact: Pete Dempsey, 252-399-4869
Certain Treatments to Avoid
If improperly applied, certain materials may cause or accelerate physical deterioration of historic buildings. Inappropriate treatments include: improper repainting, improper masonry cleaning, improper insulation. These typically result in certification denial.
The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
Published 1977, revised 1990 (36 CFR Part 67)
- A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires minimal change to the defining characteristics of the building and its site and environment.
- The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.
- Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development shall not be undertaken.
- Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved.
- Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property shall be preserved.
- Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where replacement is required, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities.
- Chemical or physical treatments that cause damage to historic materials shall not be used. Surface cleaning shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible.
- Significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and preserved.
- New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property.
- New additions and adjacent construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property would be unimpaired.