Local Historic Districts

The City of Gastonia has two locally zoned historic districts, York-Chester & Brookwood, designated as such for their unique architecture and character, lot layout, development pattern, and historic significance.
 
Within these districts, the seven-member Historic District Commission and its staff work with property owners and businesses in the districts to assure that development and renovation occurs in a manner that is consistent with the character of the neighborhood. Any changes made to the exterior of a property in a historic district requires review by the HDC or its staff. The HDC Design Standards guide the types of projects and materials that are permitted and if they require review by staff or the commission. New Gastonia Historic District Design Principles and Standards were adopted on October 28, 2021.
 
HDC Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) must be obtained prior to work commencing on the exterior of a resource within a local historic district.  A COA is a document issued by the Historic District Commission (HDC), that indicates the Commission has approved of the proposed work on a resource or property within a local historic district. For work that has received a COA, a yellow sign will be posted on the property with the COA information while the work is in progress. For more information on the HDC COA process, pre-submittal meetings, deadlines, and how to apply for an HDC COA, please see the information below
 
Meetings
Fourth Thursday of each month at 6pm. Please consult the meeting schedule for details.

 

Location
City Hall, 181 S South Street, Gastonia, NC. Meet in the Council Chambers.
 
 
Commission Staff
1. Jalen Nash, Planner
     704-854-6644
 
2. Joe Gates, Assistant Planning Director
     704-833-1576
 

Need to report work done without a COA? Please call 704-854-6644 or email jalen.nash@gastonianc.gov.

 

Historic District Commission Information

 

Steps for Applying for a Planning Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Application:

  1. To begin, complete the appropriate online Certificate of Appropriateness application form—either the Short Form or Long Form, depending on your project’s scope. After submitting your form, a PDF copy will be emailed to you for your records.

    Please note: Completing the COA form is required, but it is not the same as submitting a permit application. Use the links below to access the correct COA form under Certificate of Appropriateness Application Forms.

  2. Register on the City of Gastonia CityView Portal at https://devsvcs.gastonianc.gov/.

  3. Apply on the City of Gastonia CityView portal for a Planning Certificate of Appropriateness permit. You will need to attach (upload) your application form during this step.:

    1. Select Apply for a Permit under the Planning Department heading.

    2. Choose the Application Type: Certificate of Appropriateness.

    3. Complete all remaining questions and steps. In Step 7: Upload Files – upload your appropriate Certificate of Appropriateness form (Short or Long Form, depending on the project scope). 

  4. After staff reviews your application, you will receive an email with instructions to pay (if applicable). You will not be able to pay the fees until after staff review. Once you receive the email, go to My Shopping Cart at the top of the CityView portal home page (https://devsvcs.gastonianc.gov/) to pay the fee.

 

Certificate of Appropriateness Application Forms 

 

Resources & Neighborhood Information 

 

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Gastonia, N.C., just minutes west of Charlotte, is one of the area’s best places to live and work with an ideal combination of location, size and livability. Gastonia is the largest of Gaston County’s 13 municipalities and one of the largest cities in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Selected as an All-America City three times, Gastonia’s desirable quality of life is the result of its beautiful natural surroundings, friendly neighborhoods, responsive government and vibrant business environment.










Contact


✆ 704-866-6714

⟟ 181 S. South Street
Gastonia, NC 28052