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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: [email protected]
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 (prior to October 1, 2021)
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 - Linda Lanz, Secretary
September 17, 2020 - August 19, 2022 - Mark Grantham, Member
August 20, 2019 - August 19, 2022 - Elaine Burton, Member August 18, 2021 - August 19, 2024
- John Marsh, Member
August 18,2021 - August 19, 2024 - Debbie Purves, Member
August 18,2021 - August 19, 2024 - J. Rush Denson, Member
August 19, 2020 - August 18, 2023
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.