🏡 Renovating in the Natchez Historic District? Here’s What You Need to Know

Written By Chester Greer

A step-by-step guide to navigating preservation requirements with confidence—

brought to you by Levi & Grace Construction

Why Preservation Matters in Natchez

Natchez isn’t just home to some of the South’s most beautiful architecture—it’s a living history. The city’s seven designated historic districts are protected by ordinances meant to preserve that legacy. If your property falls within one of these areas, certain rules apply when it comes to renovations.

At Levi & Grace Construction, we understand that while preservation is important, it can also feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this guide—to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

Step 1: Is Your Property in a Historic District?

First things first: you’ll need to determine whether your property falls within Natchez’s Historic District boundaries. The City of Natchez provides a Historic District Map to help you confirm your location.

🛠️ Need help figuring it out? We’ll verify it for you during our free phone consultation.

Step 2: Know What Requires Approval

If your property is within a historic district, you must receive approval before making changes to any exterior feature visible from the public right-of-way.

Here’s what typically requires review by the Natchez Preservation Commission:

  • Painting or changing exterior colors

  • Replacing windows, doors, or shutters

  • Modifying siding or roofing materials

  • Adding or altering porches, decks, fences, or outbuildings

  • Removing large trees or altering major landscaping elements

  • Signage (for commercial properties)

Even some maintenance work—like replacing wood siding with fiber cement—may trigger review.

When in doubt, it’s best to ask.

Step 3: Apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)

Before any work begins, you’ll need to apply for and receive a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Natchez Preservation Commission.

Here’s how the process works:

  1. Prepare Your Application
     You’ll need:

    • A detailed scope of work

    • Photos of the current condition

    • Drawings, renderings, or product specifications

  2. Submit for Review
     The Commission meets once a month, so plan ahead. Submit your application before the monthly deadline to get on the agenda.

  3. Attend the Meeting (if needed)
     Some projects are approved administratively, but others require a public hearing. If yours does, you (or your contractor) may be asked to attend and answer questions.

  4. Receive Approval Before You Begin
     You must not start any exterior work before your COA is granted.

🔗 Download the COA Application Here

Step 4: Follow the Historic Design Guidelines

The City of Natchez follows the Historic Natchez Design Guidelines, developed in partnership with the National Park Service. These guidelines offer direction on:

  • Compatible Additions:
     New structures or additions should be distinguishable from the original home—but still blend in with the surrounding architecture.

  • Materials:
     Replacement materials should closely match the originals in appearance and texture. Modern alternatives (like vinyl or aluminum) are often discouraged.

  • Details Matter:
     Windows, trim, columns, chimneys, and even fencing should reflect the historic character of the neighborhood.

Step 5: Renovate with Confidence

Once you have your COA, you’re cleared to move forward. At Levi & Grace Construction, we ensure the work performed on your home aligns with your approved scope, preserving both the structure and your peace of mind.

🛠️ How Levi & Grace Construction Can Help

Renovating a historic home comes with added layers of complexity. We make it simpler.

Here’s how we support you from start to finish:

  • ✅ Initial consultation to verify historic district status

  • ✅ Project design and specification review

  • ✅ Assistance with preparation and submission of the COA application

  • ✅ Direct coordination with the Preservation Commission (as needed)

  • ✅ Execution of approved work using appropriate materials and techniques

📚 Additional Resources

Ready to Start?

Let us help you bring new life to your historic home—

while preserving everything that makes it special.

📞 Call us at 601-870-5267
 🌐 Visit our homepage
 📅 Schedule a Free Consultation


Chester Greer