Purpose:
The Valdosta Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is responsible for ensuring any new development or redevelopment within the Local Historic District is consistent with the locally adopted Design Guidelines. Any exterior material changes, including the installation of signs, to properties within the Local Historic District must first receive a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). Click here for a printable version of the COA application. The HPC is also tasked with several other responsibilities, including recommending historic properties for local historic designation. A full listing of the HPC's powers and duties can be found in the City of Valdosta Land Development Regulations, Chapter 238, Section 238-5.
Members:
The Valdosta Historic Preservation Commission consists of seven (7) citizens. All seven members are appointed by the Mayor and Council and serve three-year terms. Members must be a resident within the City of Valdosta and have demonstrated special interest, experience or education in history, architecture, or the preservation of historic resources.
The current members of the Commission are:
- Dr. Harry Hamm, Chair (2/13/08 - 2/13/11)
- Dr. Richard Saeger, Vice Chair (2/13/09 - 2/13/12)
- Latesha Bradley, Secretary (2/13/07 - 2/13/10)
- Mary Bryant (2/13/07 - 2/13/10)
- Celine Gladwin (2/13/09 - 2/13/12)
- John Holt (2/13/09 - 2/13/12)
- King Smith (2/13/08 - 2/13/11)
Meetings:
The HPC meets the first Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. to decide on Certificate of Appropriateness applications and discuss other preservation-related matters. Meetings are open to the public and held in the City Hall Annex, Multi-Purpose Room at 300 North Lee Street.
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Applications
COA Applications need to be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Office by the 15th of any given month in order for the request to be decided by the HPC at the following month's meeting. These applications will appear before the HPC for review on the first Monday of the following month.
Interested in Serving:
HPC members are appointed by City Council for three-year terms. In order to serve, you must reside within the City limits. Any City resident interested in serving on the HPC should submit a completed Boards Commissions, Authorities, and Advisory Committees Application to Teresa Bolden, City Clerk, at City Hall, 216 E. Central Avenue.
More Information:
For more information, please contact the Planning and Zoning Division at (229) 259-3563 or email Emily Foster, Special Projects/Historic Preservation Planner. For more information about Historic Preservation in the City of Valdosta, click here.