Welcome to New Bern, NC

Historic Preservation

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New Bern Local Historic Districts map - Copy (2) - Copy (2)

Click this link or the image above to
print/download the map of historic districts.

Check out our gallery featuring some of New Bern's historic homes! (coming soon)

Notice of Fee Schedule Changes
(Effective July 1, 2023)
Click here for a complete list of fees.
For Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs)
Minor Work: $50
Minor Work After-the-Fact: $150
Major Work with Design Review: $150
Major Work After-the-Fact: $300
Tree Replacement Permit: $25

Historic preservation helps tell the stories of the past and share them with present and future generations. It provides other benefits too. According to state statute, "the conservation and preservation of historic districts and landmarks stabilize and increase property values in their areas and strengthen the overall economy of the State." Historic preservation in New Bern is an economic success story in its own right, with the revitalization and restoration of downtown as well as the preservation of properties within our locally- and nationally-designated historic districts. New Bern's 300+ year-old history makes it a tourism and conference destination, and a popular place for young professionals, families, and retirees looking to settle down in our area. One visit to downtown with its colonial and Swiss influences, and you'll see why historic preservation is an important part of our story.

About the Historic Preservation Commission
New Bern's Historic Preservation Commission is a nine member board appointed by the Board of Aldermen. The Commission has many responsibilities including consideration of certificates of appropriateness, negotiating with property owners who propose to demolish or relocate contributing properties within the historic district, and prevention of demolition by neglect. For more information on the Historic Preservation Commission, click here.

Want to Serve?
Want to serve on the Historic Preservation Commission? Complete and submit this short form by clicking here and a city representative will contact you when an opening occurs.

About the Historic Preservation Commission
HPC Meeting Calendar
Meeting Agendas & Minutes
HPC Contacts
HPC Guidelines
HPC Process
HPC COA for Minor Works

Historic Preservation Award

The New Bern Historic Preservation Awards Committee, a partnership of the City’s Historic Preservation Commission, the New Bern Historical Society, and the New Bern Preservation Foundation, announces the New Bern Historic Preservation Award.

The Committee invites nominations from the Downtown New Bern and Riverside Historic Districts. The purpose of the award program is to recognize projects of excellence in historic preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, or in interpretation of the City’s, State’s, and National recommendations or guidelines.

For more information on nominations please click this link (New Bern Historic Preservation Award Nomination Form).