Historic Preservation Commission

Meetings

  • 4:30 p.m.
  • 2nd Thursday of every month
  • Meeting Chambers
    Opelika Municipal Court
    300 MLK Boulevard
    Opelika, AL 36801

Application Deadlines

The deadline for application to the HPC is three weeks prior to any scheduled meeting. Mail applications to:
Planning Department c/o Historic Preservation Office
700 Fox Trail
Opelika, AL 36803

Or email to: lthrift@opelika-al.gov 

Application fees are $10 for staff-approved items, and $50 for those that require Commission approval.

A $150 fee will be accessed to all retroactive COA request.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Agenda and Minutes Center

Members

The Historic Commission consists of seven (7) members that are nominated by the Mayor and appointed by the City Council. Members serve three-year terms and may be reappointed. 

Length of Term:  3 years.

Nominated by: the Mayor and appointed by the City Council. All members must be residents of the City and shall have demonstrated training or experience in the field of architecture, history, urban planning, archaeology or law or who shall be residents of a historic district.


  • Margaret Mayfield, Chair
    August 20, 2019 - August 19, 2022
  • Leigh Whatley, Secretary
    August 20, 2017 - August 19, 2020
  • Mark Grantham, Member
    August 20, 2019 - August 19, 2022
  • Elaine Burton, Member February 5, 2019 - August 19, 2021
  • John Marsh, Member
    August 20, 2018 - August 19, 2021
  • Debbie Purves, Member
    August 20, 2018 - August 19, 2021
  • J. Rush Denson, Member
    November 18, 2019 - August 19, 2020

About the Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission was established under Ordinance No. 110-97 in the City of Opelika to provide for the issuance of certificates of appropriateness and to support the historical, cultural, and aesthetic heritage of the City of Opelika. The purpose of the Historic Commission is to:

  • Enhance the opportunities for federal or state tax benefits
  • Protect and enhance local historical attractions to tourists and thereby promote and stimulate business
  • Provide for the designation, protection, preservation, and rehabilitation of historic properties and historic districts
  • Stimulate revitalization of the business districts and historic neighborhoods

Historic Districts

Since the adoption of a Historic Preservation Commission by the City Council in 1997, four areas have been designated as Historic Districts:

  • Downtown Central Business District
  • Geneva Street Residential Area
  • Northside Opelika Residential Area
  • Pepperell Mill and Village

Of the four districts, the Pepperell Mill and Village is not a designated district and does not fall under the scope of design guidelines.

View a Map of Historic Areas (PDF).

As a property owner in an Historic District, it is important to remember that prior to obtaining the necessary building permits for all exterior improvements, alterations, repairs, additions, demolition, new construction, signs, fencing or out buildings an application for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) must be completed.