AN ACT to allow the city of new bern to require a permit prior to demolition of a contributing structure within a locally designated historic district.

Whereas, New Bern was North Carolina's first permanent State capital; and
Whereas, New Bern is the home of the restored Tryon Palace Complex, where legislators first governed; and
Whereas, New Bern contains over 1,100 original 18th, 19th, and early 20th century contributing structures which complement and enhance the Palace Complex and the historic character and integrity of the City; and
Whereas, historic preservation contributes to the economic, social, and cultural well‑being of New Bern and the State of North Carolina; and
Whereas, protecting New Bern from the loss of its historic architectural resources is of statewide importance; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.(a)  Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 160A‑400.14, a municipality may adopt an ordinance providing that no contributing structure within a locally designated historic district in the municipality may be demolished without a permit.
SECTION 1.(b)  The municipality may adopt, modify, and revise such ordinances as are necessary to implement this section and to further its intent.
SECTION 2.  This act applies to the City of New Bern only.
SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 30th day of April, 2007.

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		 Beverly E. Perdue
	 President of the Senate

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		 Joe Hackney
	 Speaker of the House of Representatives