The purpose of the Historic District Commission is to promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the public through the preservation and protection of buildings, sites, places and districts of historic interest, through the maintenance of such landmarks in the history of architecture of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and through the development of appropriate settings for such buildings, places, and districts. Also, to issue Certificate of Appropriateness in accordance with Ordinance No. 3193 and Amendment Ordinance No. 3359 as to exterior architectural features which includes the architectural style, general design, and general arrangement of the exterior of the structure, including the kind of texture of the building material and the type and style of all windows, doors, light fixtures, signs and other appurtenant fixtures.  The style, material, size and location of outdoor advertising signs and bill posters within a Historic District shall also be under the control of the Commission. The Commission shall not consider interior arrangement or use except for the purpose of preventing the construction, reconstruction, alteration, restoration, moving or demolition of buildings, structures or other appurtenant fixtures, in the Historic District obviously incongruous with the historic aspects of the District.

The Historic District Commission is authorized to make an investigation and report on the historic significance of the buildings, structures, features, sites or surroundings included in any proposed historic district. The Commission is also authorized to recommend an area or areas to be included in a historic district or districts and from time to time recommend amendments to established districts or additional districts.

Fort Smith has been designated a Certified Local Government (CLG) by the United States Department of Interior. One of the benefits of being a CLG is to be eligible for various grant funds each year. CLG's are required to attempt to appoint preservation related professionals to their Historic District Commissions, to the extent available in the community.

The Historic District Commission consists of five (5) members appointed by the Board of Directors of the City of Fort Smith, who holds no salaried or elective municipal office.  Appointments to membership on the Commission is so arranged that the term of at least one (1) member expires each year, and their successors are appointed in a like manner for terms of three (3) years.  Vacancies are filled in like manner for the unexpired term. All members shall serve without compensation. The Commission shall elect a Chairman and Vice-Chairman annually from its own number. The Vice Chairman acts in the absence of the Chairman. A quorum of three (3) members is necessary at any regular or special meeting of the Commission. The majority is the majority of those present at any meeting.  A member of the Commission who misses more than two (2) meetings may be requested to resign by the Commission. It is expected that any member of the Commission will publicly declare any direct legal or financial interest in any property under consideration by the Commission.

Voting meetings are the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. and study sessions are the last Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m.  Both meetings are held at the Darby Community Center, 220 North 7th Street.

Staff Contact:
Maggie Rice, Senior Planner
Phone (479) 784-2266
Fax (479) 784-2462
Email   mrice@fortsmithar.gov