The City of Vicksburg Board of Architectural Review was created by Ordinance No. 73-11, adopted June 18, 1973 to:

(A) Review applications for Certificates of Appropriateness as required in Section 814 for any action affecting historic resources in historic districts, landmarks or landmark sites when subject to public view from any public building, public street or way, or from any building or grounds open to the public to include:

1. All exterior features of new construction; and
2. All exterior features of construction, alteration, restoration, moving, demolition, or repair of existing building or improvements involving or resulting in a change in the existing structural composition or architectural design or character of such building or improvement; and
3. All proposed changes to existing plot plans, site layout, off-street parking areas and other features such as walls, walks, terraces, fences, signs and lights.
   

(B) Grant or deny applications for Certificates of Appropriateness.

(C) Consider the following factors when considering applications for Certificates of Appropriateness:

1. The general exterior design and appearance of the building, structure or site as proposed to be changed, including height, mass, texture, materials, colors and layout; and
2. The general appearance of the land, building or improvement proposed to be altered; and
3. The structural condition of existing building or improvement; and
4. The size of existing land parcels, buildings, or improvements and proposed alterations; and
5. The historical significance of existing land, building or improvement; and
6. The economic use of existing land, building or improvement; and
7. The relative cost of the proposed project and alternatives, and the owner’s legitimate right to earn a reasonable return from his investment in the project; and
8. That every reasonable effort has been made to provide a compatible use for a property that requires minimal alteration of the building, structure, or site and its environment, or to use a property for its originally intended purpose; and
9. The distinguishing original qualities or characteristics of a building, structure, or site and its environment; and
10. Alterations that have no historical basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance; and
11. Changes that may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a building, structure, or site and its environment, and may have acquired significance in their own right; and
12. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship that characterize a building, structure or site; and
13. The relationship of the aforedescribed factors to, and their effect upon, the immediate surroundings of the landmark, landmark site or historic district.
    

In making its evaluation, the Board shall seek to accomplish the purposes of this ordinance [article], and in particular, to preserve and protect the architectural and historical integrity and character of landmarks, landmark sites or historic districts. (Ord. No. 86-4, § 13, 1-27-86)

The Board consists of nine members who are appointed by the Mayor and Aldermen for staggered terms and serve without compensation.
The current members of the Board of Architectural Review are:

• Toni Lanford, Chairman
• John Smith, Vice-Chairman
• Charlie Gholson
• Tom Pharr
• Nelda Sampey
• Dorwin Shields
• Blake Teller
• Mary Lynn Thomas
• Steve Bryant

The Board of Architectural Review meets every second and fourth Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. in the old council chambers, 2nd floor City Hall, 1401 Walnut Street.

Click here to download an application for Certificate of Appropriateness