Historic District Council

The mission of the Historic District Council is to preserve and protect the architectural heritage of the City of Fernandina Beach as set forth in the City’s Charter and Land Development Code.

The mission of the Historic District Council is to preserve and protect the architectural heritage of the City of Fernandina Beach as set forth in the City’s Charter and Land Development Code. Serving on a quasi-judicial board is an honor and weighty responsibility. The community depends on its HDC members to ensure that all parties receive a fair hearing, free from personal bias or outside influence. Residents interested in applying for HDC service are encouraged to carefully consider these roles and responsibilities prior to submitting an application.** The Historic District Council (HDC) of the City of Fernandina Beach, FL, was established to be the City’s primary agency responsible for furthering historic preservation within the city. There are five (5) regular members and two (2) alternate members, all appointed by the City Commission, acting upon recommendations of the Historic District Council. The term of office is three (3) years. Members serve at the pleasure of the City Commission. The Council functions to protect sites of historical and architectural significance by acting as a design-review board for exterior alterations, repairs, moving or demolition of structures or historic landscape features within the city's local historic districts. The purpose of the review process is to ensure that any proposed changes are compatible with existing historic features in terms of design, texture, material, siting and location. The members of the Historic District Council are city residents whose interests, backgrounds and experience, taken together, provide the City with expert advice on matters pertaining to the preservation of districts and specific buildings of the City that reflect elements of its cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history. The HDC consists of seven members. Meetings are held in the City Commission Chambers on the third Thursday of every month at 5:00 pm. Historic District Council Members HDC Administrative Procedures Opens a New Window. Commission Agendas and Minutes Commission Agendas and Minutes Commission Agendas and Minutes Commission Agendas and Minutes Commission Agendas and Minutes Commission Agendas and Minutes Commission Agendas and Minutes Commission Agendas and Minutes Click Here Opens a New Window. for Historic District Council agendas and minutes. If you would like more information, please contact the staff coordinator.** The City of Fernandina Beach welcomes and appreciates residents who volunteer to serve on its advisory boards and committees. Please be advised that the Historic District Council ("HDC") is an advisory board with quasi-judicial roles and responsibilities. This means that the HDC holds hearings which are less formal than a court hearing but similar in procedures and the presentation of evidence. The HDC may hear applications, review competent substantial evidence, and make determinations on applications. Due to these important roles and responsibilities, it is essential that all members serving on the HDC remain impartial, fair, and unbiased in their decision-making. HDC members are expected to: • Approach each matter with an open mind. • Base decisions solely on the competent substantial evidence presented at the meeting and the standards set forth in applicable laws, codes, and ordinances. • Avoid prejudgment of applications or issues prior to public hearings. • Disclose any potential conflicts of interest as required by Florida law. • Disclose any ex-parte communications (communications that occur outside of the hearing) as required by Florida law. • Uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and respect for due process.