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1. Can my property be designated for historic landmark status?

Maybe. There are 3 initial criteria tests:

1. The structure must be at least 50 years old.
2. Is it on the Cornelius Historic Survey list?
3. Is the structure historically significant to Cornelius either architecturally or by ownership?

2. What is the benefit of historic designation?

The main benefit of historic designation is an automatic deferral of 50% of property (Ad Valorem) taxes on those portions of the property which have been designated as an historic landmark.

3. What is the designation process?

1. Meet with a Preservation Planner to determine if the property meets the minimum requirements for designation.
2. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) Survey Committee meets and directs the Preservation Planner  to conduct/not conduct the required survey and research report on the property in question.
3. The Preservation Planner presents a Designation Report to the HLC. The HLC conducts a public hearing and votes on a designation recommendation.
4. The Preservation Planner presents the Designation Report and HLC findings to the Cornelius Historic Preservation Committee (HPC). The HPC makes a recommendation to the Town Board.
5. The Town Board conducts a public hearing to determine final designation status.

4. Once designated, can I make any changes?

Yes. However, any significant changes to a historic landmark must be reviewed and approved by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg historic Landmarks Commission through a Certificate of Appropriateness.

5. Can I demolish an historic landmark?

The demolition of an historic landmark may be delayed for up to 365 days by the Historic Landmarks Commission.