New Bern Historic Preservation Commission Design Review Meeting July 1, 2026

The City of New Bern Historic Preservation Commission held a design review work session on July 1, 2026, focused primarily on historic preservation projects and related design considerations. Key procurement-related discussions included a detailed review of a proposed building project involving raising the first floor elevation to meet floodplain requirements, adding underground parking, and facade modifications. The commission discussed compliance with local flood elevation standards, structural details, materials, and parking impacts. Another agenda item involved a demolition and redevelopment application for a storage building, with concerns about property line setbacks and construction materials. The meeting also featured an extensive presentation on historic paint types, emphasizing the benefits of linseed oil paint over modern latex paints for preservation purposes, and discussed potential certification programs for local painters. Updates on ongoing preservation projects, demolition by neglect cases, and upcoming training opportunities were also provided. No formal votes or contract awards were recorded during this work session, but several action items were identified for follow-up, including submission of revised design details and coordination with planning and zoning on setback issues.