Alternatives to Demolition by Neglect

Raleigh Historic Districts Commission (RHDC) and the City of Raleigh Inspections Department  work together to preserve the city's history and public welfare. When a property is judged by the Inspections Department to be unsafe according to demolition by neglect standards, RHDC is contacted to evaluate the property's contribution to the city or the historic district in which it is located.

The city's Inspections Department implements specific Demolition by Neglect Procedures to evaluate and determine an unsafe property. Applicable standards for the determination of demolition by neglect are stipulated in Raleigh City Code §10-6180. Procedures for such termination include a public hearing, which provides the owners and/or parties of interest the opportunity to petition the RHDC for a claim of undue economic hardship. In addition, the Inspections Department may issue an order to repair the property within a specified time, if such an order is warranted.

State law generally provides that the RHDC may not deny an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for the demolition of a historic district or landmark designated building, structure, or site; however, it can delay the demolition for a period of up to 365 days. During this time period the RHDC is granted an opportunity to explore favorable alternatives to demolition. The one exception is for buildings determined by the State Historic Preservation Officer to have statewide significance through a review process triggered by an application from the commission. Should the property be determined to have statewide significance, the commission may permanently stay the demolition.

The City of Raleigh is committed to preserving its historic character while improving the living conditions for its citizens. The RHDC and the city's Inspections Department work in collaboration with property owners and/or parties of interest to simultaneously preserve historically-contributing properties and the safety of the public.

More Information

• Demolition by Neglect Procedure
• Raleigh City Code §6180: Demolition By Neglect

Neighborhood Watch

A deteriorating house is noticed first by its neighbors. Members of the community may be proactive in neighborhood preservation through their community associations. The City has specific procedures for citizens who want to prevent demolition by neglect.

Saved Through Demolition by Neglect Procedures

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