Pick a job on the outside of your building and see whether it's a quick approval at City Hall, a full Historic District Commission review, or not reviewed — in a town where nearly every property is in the historic district.
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Most jobs on the outside of a building in Eureka Springs need the city's sign-off before you start, because nearly the whole town is a historic district.
Eureka Springs is unusual: the whole town was listed as a National Register historic district in 1970, so nearly every property sits inside it. The outside of your building is protected — the inside isn't — and exterior work needs the city's approval, a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA), before it starts. Much of it is a quick sign-off at City Hall; bigger, more visible changes go to the Historic District Commission, which meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.
First, check your property
Because the district covers almost the entire city, assume your property is in it unless City Hall tells you otherwise. If you're not sure, ask City Hall to confirm before you plan any exterior work.
City of Eureka Springs — Historic District Commission
Historic Preservation Officer, City Hall
City Hall, 44 S. Main St. Bring your address, a description of the work and photos, and staff will tell you whether it's a counter approval or a Commission item. The Commission meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month; get your application in about one to two weeks ahead — City Hall confirms the current deadline.
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