Historic Properties Following a Natural Disaster

(www.hpo.ncdcr.gov or 919-807-6570)
The NC State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)'s website has a wealth of information on protecting historic resources, including information for owners of damaged buildings following a natural disaster: www.hpo.ncdcr.gov/disaster.htm. In order that they may assist you efficiently, the SHPO requests that you submit a brief Historic Property Damage Report. Another resource for technical information is the National Trust for Historic Preservation: http://www.preservationnation.org/resources/technical-assistance/disaster-recovery.

If your property is located within a National Register Historic District, you may be able to justify more costly repairs; for instance, if your slate roof is damaged, the insurance company may urge you to replace it with a less-costly asphalt shingle roof. By providing documentation of your property as historically significant, the insurance company may be willing to repair or replace the more costly slate roof. SHPO's website provides tips for handling insurance claims: www.hpo.ncdcr.gov/instips.htm.

(www.raleighnc.gov or 919-516-2495)
Building repairs often require a building permit; the City's Development Services Customer Service Center is available to guide you through the permitting process.

(www.fema.gov or 800-621-3362)
If the President declares a major disaster area for North Carolina, Federal Government assistance may be available. FEMA's website offers information on federal aid for disaster recovery.

(www.hpo.ncdcr.gov or 919-807-6570)
If you own a property that is listed individually in the National Register or that is located within a National Register Historic District, repair projects may be eligible for state and/or federal rehabilitation tax credits. SHPO may expedite the review for property owners with storm damage; please contact them directly for assistance.

Certificates of Appropriateness (COA)
(www.rhdc.org or 919-832-7238)

If your property is located within a local historic district (Blount Street, Boylan Heights, Capitol Square, Moore Square, or Oakwood), and you are making exterior changes to your property that exceed basic repair, you need to apply for a COA. RHDC staff is available to assist you in this process.