Serves as the City Council's official historic preservation advisory body to identify, preserve, protect, and promote Raleigh's historic resources. The RHDC consists of twelve members, appointed by City Council to overlapping two-year terms. Members have a demonstrated interest or training in fields related to historic preservation and reside within the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction (at least one-quarter must live or own property in designated historic overlay districts or historic landmarks).
Predecessor organization established by Mayor Dec. 18, 1961; historic districts commission established by Ordinance No. (1973) 484, Revised by Ordinance (1992) 66 TC 399 - 12 Members.