The Purpose of the Historic Preservation Commission

The mission of the Historic Preservation Commission is to promote the economic, cultural, educational and general welfare of the city by:

1. Conserving and improving the value of property within the Historic Preservation Overlay District;
2. Protecting and enhancing the attractiveness of Columbia to home buyers, home owners, residents, tourist, visitors, and shoppers, thereby supporting and promoting business, commerce, industry and providing economic benefit to the city;
3. Providing a mechanism to identify and preserve the distinctive historic and architectural characteristics of Columbia;
4. Fostering civic pride in the aesthetics and cultural accomplishments of the past as represented in Columbia's landmarks and historic areas;
5. Fostering and encouraging preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of structures, areas, and neighborhoods.