What the Charlotte Historic District Commission is
The Charlotte Historic District Commission (HDC) is a 12-member city-appointed board that reviews exterior changes and development activity inside Charlotte’s local historic districts. Its job is simple in concept (and complicated in practice): protect the historic character of designated neighborhoods while allowing property owners to maintain, renovate, and build. (Charlotte NC)
This commission is one of the most consequential parts of Charlotte’s land-use ecosystem, because it’s where seemingly small decisions—windows, fences, additions, demolitions—add up into long-term neighborhood change.
Mercury note: In a media world that often treats attention like a commodity, this page is built to be a durable reference—so residents can find the process, not just the headline.
What the HDC does (and why you should care)
1) Issues Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs)
If you want to change the outside of a building or property inside a local historic district, you generally need HDC approval—often issued as a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)—before work begins. The City describes a COA as the approval document showing the HDC has signed off on proposed work in a local historic district. (Charlotte NC)
2) Applies design standards
Charlotte’s HDC uses city design standards to guide what materials, forms, and changes “fit” a district’s historic character. The City notes its then-newest HDC Design Standards were adopted in December 2021. (Charlotte NC)
3) Provides a public forum for neighborhood change
The HDC is also where neighbors show up—sometimes to support, sometimes to oppose—projects that would reshape the feel of a block. If you care about teardown pressure, additions, density-by-a-thousand-cuts, or whether Charlotte keeps any physical memory at all, the HDC is part of that story.
Where the HDC has authority: Charlotte’s local historic districts
Charlotte currently has eight designated local historic districts. (Charlotte NC)
- Dilworth
- Fourth Ward
- Hermitage Court
- McCrorey Heights
- Oaklawn Park
- Plaza Midwood
- Wesley Heights
- Wilmore
To confirm whether a property is inside a district, the City provides an interactive map of historic districts. (Charlotte NC)
Meeting schedule, agendas, and how to speak
Regular meeting rhythm
The City states HDC meetings are generally held the second Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. (with date changes possible for holidays). (Charlotte NC)
The City’s board listing also describes a public workshop from 12:00–1:00 p.m. and the meeting window 1:00–7:00 p.m. (charlottenc.granicus.com)
Where to find the official schedule
For upcoming dates, use the City’s events listing for the Historic Districts Commission (includes future meeting dates and location). (Charlotte NC)
Where to find agendas
The City posts meeting agendas on its HDC Agendas page. (Charlotte NC)
Speaking or submitting materials
The City typically posts meeting-specific instructions on the agenda page—often including deadlines for written submissions and WebEx registration details. For example, the City’s December 10, 2025 agenda notice listed specific cutoffs for written submissions and WebEx participation. (Charlotte NC)
Always confirm the current meeting’s instructions on the City’s agenda page before relying on an older notice. (Charlotte NC)
How the COA process usually works (plain-English steps)
- Confirm the property is in a local historic district (use the City’s interactive map). (Charlotte NC)
- Figure out whether your project is “exterior” work (windows/doors, fences, additions, demolition, etc.). The City notes exterior changes in historic districts generally require HDC permission. (Charlotte NC)
- Review the HDC design standards so you know what the commission is evaluating. (Charlotte NC)
- Apply for a COA and submit required materials. The City links COA information and applications from its Historic District page. (Charlotte NC)
- Attend the meeting (or workshop) if your case is scheduled and be prepared for questions and conditions. (charlottenc.granicus.com)
Not legal advice: City rules and staff guidance matter here—confirm requirements with the City for your specific address and scope.
Charlotte Mercury coverage: Historic District Commission
This section is meant to show our reporting and explainers about the HDC—meeting recaps, cases that matter, and the zoning/land-use implications.
Latest HDC coverage (auto-updating)
FAQ: quick answers Charlotte residents search for
Do I need HDC approval if I’m just replacing windows or a door?
If the property is inside a local historic district, the City says exterior changes (including windows/doors) typically require HDC permission. (Charlotte NC)
Can I start work before getting a COA?
The City states a COA is required before construction begins on work requiring HDC approval in a local historic district. (Charlotte NC)
Where do I find agendas and deadlines?
Use the City’s HDC Agendas page; meeting-specific instructions and deadlines are posted there. (Charlotte NC)
Which neighborhoods are covered?
Charlotte lists eight local historic districts (Dilworth, Fourth Ward, Hermitage Court, McCrorey Heights, Oaklawn Park, Plaza Midwood, Wesley Heights, Wilmore). (Charlotte NC)
Stay in the loop (privacy-first)
If you want updates on Charlotte’s “small decisions with big consequences”—HDC cases, zoning fights, and neighborhood change—subscribe to The Charlotte Mercury. We don’t sell your data, and we don’t run third-party trackers.
Tip line: If you’re seeing a controversial demo/renovation proposal or a COA fight brewing, send us the address (or the case number) and what you’re hearing.