Historic Preservation Commission

In 2019, the City of Water Valley enacted Ordinances to create the Water Valley Main Street Historic District (see attached survey map) and the Historic Preservation Commission.  

The Historic District designation uses the same boundaries as the existing Water Valley National Register of Historic Places district, designated in 2012 and built on the Inventory work of David Preziosi completed in 2011.

The City Board of Alderpersons have appointed Commissioners who oversee proposed changes made to properties in the district, inventories and designations and use of federal and state historic tax credits. Commissioners volunteer their time to serve on this Commission and also attend mandatory trainings as required by the MS Dept. of Archives and History.  

Current Commissioners are:

Leigh Ann Black 

Robbie Fisher

Mickey Howley

Nicolas Trepanier

Emily Fransee

Cinnamon Foster is Water Valley’s appointed Certified Local Government Coordinator.

Any modifications to the exteriors of any part of the buildings, land, or signage in the district as well as proposed demolitions or changes to parking areas and landscaping must be approved before the work is begun.  The change of paint colors on surfaces other than brick is excluded from the required approval process.  The City’s 2006 zoning ordinance prescribes the enforcement and penalty procedures if the process is not followed. 

The Commission meets the last Monday in January, April, July, and October.  Meetings are noticed at City Hall and the public is welcome to attend and speak or offer input.  Special meetings are also noticed and held if matters needing attention arise in between regular meetings.  

Any property owner or tenant and landlord in the District may file a Certificate of Appropriateness form for free at City Hall (link to form below) to have their proposed project considered. The Commission may approve or deny applications, or defer a determination based on needing more information, in which case the application may return for another public meeting when further requested information is obtained. 

The City has local Design Guidelines adopted in July 2022 to give property owners and citizens of Water Valley detailed and helpful guidance on anyone planning to make changes to buildings or features in the Historic District. A copy of these Guidelines is available at the link on this website and a hard copy is available to view at the Office of the City Clerk at City Hall.

Further inquiries or digital copies of forms and Guidelines may be directed to the Chair of the Commission:  Robbie Fisher:  robbiedfisher@aol.com