Sanford/Lee County Development provides staff support for The Sanford Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). The HPC works to protect Sanford’s architectural heritage by nominating properties and districts to the National Register of Historic Places, and establishing local historic districts where residents desire protection of their neighborhood’s historic resources. Sanford has four National Register Historic Districts, Downtown Sanford, Rosemount McIver Park, Hawkins Avenue, and Lee Avenue. Property owners in National Register Districts are eligible for state and federal tax credits for substantial rehabilitation projects, which are approved in advance by the State Historic Preservation Office. Sanford’s two Local Historic Districts are Downtown Sanford and Rosemount McIver Park. Property owners making changes to the exterior of their properties in local districts must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the HPC. Staff issues COAs for minor works, and major works must be approved by the HPC at a public hearing.

Preservation North Carolina website recommends professionals for various types of preservation work.

226 Carthage Street
Sanford, NC 27730

Liz Whitmore, Planner II

(919) 775-8239

(919) 775-8207 fax