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Lenoir council reestablishes five-member Historic Preservation Commission
Summary
The council unanimously approved an ordinance amendment to convert the de facto Planning Board role into a separate five-member Historic Preservation Commission so the city can pursue Certified Local Government status and related preservation funding.
Lenoir — The City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance amendment on June 16 to reestablish the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) as a separately appointed five‑member board, a change city staff said is required for the city to pursue Certified Local Government status and related preservation grants.
Planning Director Hannah Williams told the council the amendments would move the commission away from its current de facto role within the Planning Board to an appointed body composed of members with demonstrated expertise in history, architecture or related fields. "Lenoir is interested in getting a historic preservation status called certified local government," Williams said, and that designation "opens up some funding opportunities that can help fund preservation studies and looking into ways of preserving our historic resources in Lenoir." Williams read the five Planning Board members who have indicated they are willing to serve on the reestablished commission: John Arnaud (term to 2027), Ed Terry (2027), Lucy McCarroll (2027), Kyle Case (2029) and Sharon Bryant (2028).
The council opened a public hearing on the amendment, during which staff reiterated that North Carolina General Statutes 160D‑303(b) requires at least three commission members have demonstrated special interest or expertise in historic preservation. After the hearing, Mayor Pro Tem Perkins moved to approve the amendment; the motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.
The ordinance takes the next step toward creating a standalone five‑member Historic Preservation Commission and positions the city to seek certification and grant funding aimed at preserving local historic resources. The council considered the amendments following Planning Board review on May 11, 2026.
Next steps include formal appointment of members to the reestablished commission and any follow‑on administrative actions needed to apply for Certified Local Government status.
