Historic Preservation Board

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ARTICLE II. - CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD
Sec. 38-21. - Creation, operation and responsibilities.

(a) Composition and qualifications. The historic preservation board shall consist of five members. The mayor shall make every reasonable effort to appoint persons with a demonstrated interest, knowledge or training in fields closely related to historic preservation, such as history, architecture, landscape architecture, architectural history, archeology, planning, engineering, real estate, law, finance, building trades, urban design or geography. At least two members shall be in a preservation-related profession, such as archeology, architectural history, conservation, cultural anthropology, curatorship, engineering, folklore, historic architecture, historic landscape architecture, historic preservation planning, historic preservation or history, unless the board of city commissioners provides written documentation to the state historic preservation office that it has been unsuccessful, despite reasonable efforts, in appointing such members. The state historic preservation office shall be provided with the résumé and/or qualifications of all board members.

(b) Term of office. Each member of the historic preservation board shall be appointed for a three-year term.

(c) Ex officio members. City commissioners or their designees shall be considered ex officio members of the historic preservation board entitled to attend all meetings and have an opportunity to provide input, but they shall not have the authority to vote.

(d) Continuing education. The historic preservation board shall participate in continuing education as required by the board of city commissioners.

(e) Duties and responsibilities. All of the powers and duties enumerated herein are subject to approval, denial or modification by the board of city commissioners. Further, all funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this article shall be approved and appropriated by the board of city commissioners. In addition to other responsibilities specified in this article, the historic preservation board may:

(1) Adopt its own bylaws and procedures related to the conduct of meetings subject to the laws of the state, the policies and ordinances of the city, and the policies of the state historic preservation office.
(2) Recommend to the board of city commissioners that the city conducts an ongoing survey to identify historically and architecturally significant properties, structures, and areas that exemplify the cultural, social, economic, political, or architectural history of the nation, state or city.
(3) Identify historic structures, historic sites and historic districts eligible for listing in the city register of historic places.
(4) Make recommendations to the board of city commissioners on applications for designation and the adoption of ordinances designating properties having historic, community, or architectural value as historic structures, historic sites or historic districts.
(5) Research and recommend to the board of city commissioners an appropriate system of markers for designated historic structures, historic sites and historic districts.
(6) Review all proposed national register of historic places and state register of historic places nominations for properties within the city, pursuant to the guidelines established by the state historic preservation office.
(7) Recommend that the board of city commissioners inform and educate the citizens of Arkansas City concerning the historic and architectural heritage of the city, and advise and assist owners of designated historic structures, historic sites or historic districts of physical and financial aspects of preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration by publishing appropriate maps, newsletters, brochures and pamphlets, and by holding programs, workshops and seminars.
(8) Review applications for certificates of appropriateness pursuant to this article.
(9) Make recommendations to the board of city commissioners regarding funding for the purpose of carrying out the duties and powers of the historic preservation board, and the purposes of this article.
(10) Make recommendations to the board of city commissioners regarding retaining such specialists or consultants, or recommend appointing such citizen advisory committees, as may be required from time to time.
(11) Advise other city boards on any matter affecting significant historic structures, historic sites and historic districts.
(12) Periodically make recommendations to the board of city commissioners regarding actions it deems appropriate for the protection and continued use of significant historic structures, historic sites, and historic districts.
(13) Recommend to the board of city commissioners that board members be encouraged to participate in a historic preservation-related educational program each year.
(14) Undertake any other action or activity necessary or appropriate to the implementation of its powers and duties, or to the implementation of the purpose of this article.
(15) Review and make recommendations upon all actions requiring building or demolition permits on properties listed on the national, state and/or city register of historic places.

The Historic Preservation Board meets on the 4th Monday of the Month (except May when it is usually moved to the 3rd Monday due to Memorial Day) in the City Commission Room at City Hall 118 W Central Ave.

2025 Meetings 

*Normal date falls on Memorial Day