Historic Preservation Commission

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission will hold public hearings with virtual participation capabilities to discuss upcoming applications.

There are several options available to provide input for consideration, listed below:

1. In advance by written comment. There's no need to attend in-person. Submit written comments by email at hpc@tuscaloosa.com or through the comment form below no later than 3:00pm on the meeting date. Written comments from individuals will be provided to the commission for consideration at the meeting and read into the record during the meeting for up to three minutes for each written comment.  If there is a large group with similar comments, we strongly encourage one letter to be written with multiple signatures on the letter. If a large number of letters are submitted for a single case, staff reserves the right to summarize the sentiments of the letters as either for or against.
2. During the meeting, by phone. Comments can also be provided through phone by making an appointment with Staff no later than 10:00am on the meeting date. Following your request, you will receive instruction on joining the meeting via phone to provide your comments.
3. During the meeting, by video conference. To speak for or against an application by video conference, you must schedule an appointment with staff no later than 10am on the meeting date or put in your request through the comment form below.
4. During the meeting, in person. You can attend the meeting in-person to speak, but you must make a request with Staff no later than 10:00 a.m. on the meeting date. For health and safety reasons, participants will be required to wear appropriate face coverings. During the meeting, you will wait in designated areas and enter Council Chambers when called to comment on the specific application.

Any individual wishing to provide supplemental information (PowerPoint, handouts, etc.) must submit the information to staff via email no later than 3:00pm the Monday before the meeting date.

The City of Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was formed in fall 2004. It was created to ensure that Tuscaloosa’s historic resources are maintained in a manner appropriate to the city’s heritage. The HPC provides primary guidance in the planning and design of projects that are sympathetic to the special character of the historic districts. 

Historic properties may be occupied by no more than two (2) unrelated persons, unless the property has been certified as a legal non-conforming use to allow its occupation by no more than three (3) unrelated persons. If you are considering buying or renting a property in a historic, please read Sec. 20-15.34 Occupancy Restrictions in Historic Districts and call 205-248-5100 to find out the occupancy restrictions on the property.

Please use the Occupancy Complaint Form to notify the City that an address may be in violation of Section 20-15.34: Occupancy Restrictions in Historic Districts. Please return the form to the Office of Urban Development, Planning Division via email, USPS mail or in person.