The City established the Historic Preservation Commission to implement a uniform procedure to provide for the protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of places, district, sites, buildings, structures, objects, and landscape features having a significant historical, cultural or aesthetic interest or value.

The HPC is an appointed body, and as such its members do not speak to applicants about their proposed projects outside of public hearings or meetings. All communication must go through the Community Development Department. 

If you're thinking about remodeling a home in our historic district, check out the Historic District Design Review Guidelines.

The HPC meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. in the City Community Room, at 138 E. Hightower Trail. See Agendas and Meetings.

Commission Members: 

Tom Brown, Chairman                           Lynn Mills

James Williams                                        Cornelia Lambert

Debbie Conner-Smith

Boards & Commissions Application

Why go through the Design Review Process? 

The purpose of the design review process, according to the City's 2011 Historic District Design Guidelines, is to "provide guidance for property owners and builders on appropriate approaches for maintaining and improving historic properties. Such reviews ensure that changes made in the historic district are compatible from a design perspective and consistent in nature. This benefits all property owners within the historic district by preserving the character of the community, which affects the value of their property and their enjoyment of it."

Steps in the Design Review Process:

1. Schedule a Pre-Application Meeting to consult with staff if you are wanting to do any sort of work within the Historic District.
2. Fill out an online application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, if applicable, and gather the necessary materials to submit with the application. These may include elevation drawings, site plans, photographs, or manufacturer's information.
3. Once the applicant completes all application work, the HPC will place it on the agenda for their next meeting if it is not an administrative decision. At this point they will place a sign indicating the date and time of the meeting in front of the property where the proposed project will take place.
4. During the scheduled meeting, the HPC will discuss the proposed project and vote on its approval or denial. The property owner should be present at this meeting to answer any questions the HPC may have concerning the proposed project.
5. At this point, the HPC will make a decision. If they approve the project, the applicant will receive a Certificate of Appropriateness subject to certain conditions outlined in the letter. Upon the receipt of the Certificate of Appropriateness, the applicant may proceed with a building permit if needed. If the HPC does not approve the proposed project proceed to step 7.
6. Upon the denial of an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, the applicant may appeal the decision to City Council.

Design Guidelines for the Social Circle Historic District

Owners of historic properties can find detailed guidelines as to what is permissible in the City's Historic District by accessing this document. 

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