The Historic Preservation Commission was formed by the City of Opelika to support the historical, cultural, and aesthetic heritage of the City of Opelika. The purpose of the Historic Commission is to:

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

The Historic Commission consists of seven members that are nominated by the Mayor and appointed by the City Council. Members serve three year terms and may be reappointed. Since the adoption of a Historic Preservation Commission by the City Council in 1997, three areas have been designated as Historic Districts:

• Downtown Central Business District 
• North Opelika Residential Area. 
• Geneva Street Residential Area

To view a map of the historic areas, click here.  (You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. Download Acrobat Reader here.)

The HPC reviews alterations, additions, or demolition of structures that are located in the City of Opelika's Historic Districts. A plan review must be completed by the Historic Commission.  The proposed construction or demolition requires a Certificate of Appropriateness before the City will issue a building permit.

Current Historic Preservation Commission Members 

• Charlie Brewer (Chairman)
• Debbie Purves
• John Marsh
• Margaret Mayfield
• Jerry Katz
• Emily Severin
• Alexander Bell  

The buttons below provide access to applications for Planning Commission, Zoning Board, or Historical Commission review. Complete the appropriate application and submit the original for Planning Department review at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Al 36801. You may fax (334-705-5159) or e-mail a completed application for review purposes or to meet deadline.

Historic Preservation Commission Application Forms

The Historic Preservation Commission application is avaliable is Microsoft Word and PDF formats. In order to view PDFs, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. Download Acrobat Reader here.

 Historic Preservation Commission application

  Historic Preservation Commission application

Click here for Guidelines for Repair, Renovations and Alterations of structures in Historic Districts.

Historic Commission Meeting Schedule
The Commission meets on the second Thursday each month at the Public Works Facility, 700 Fox Trail. The deadline for application to the HPC is two weeks prior to any scheduled meeting; Mail applications to the Planning Department, 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Al. 36803. There is a $50 application fee.

2008 Calendar