Comstock Historic District Commission

The Comstock Historic District Commission was created by Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 384 and dates to 1969. This state commission encourages the preservation and promotion of historic resources within what the state recognizes as the Comstock Historic District located within the Virginia City National Landmark District. The Commission provides Certificates of Appropriateness for projects affecting the exteriors of all buildings within the district, the construction of new structures, and work affecting pavement, retaining walls, signs, and fencing. The Commission also takes a proactive role in encouraging archaeological investigations, the rehabilitation of historic resources, and the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the Comstock.

Questions? FAQs here.

Upcoming Meetings

July 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM: 20 North “E” Street Virginia City NV 89440; Agenda; Agenda Item 1

Submissions for the July 1, 2025, meeting are due Wednesday, June 25

August 5 , 2025, at 5:00 PM: 20 North “E” Street Virginia City NV 89440

Submissions for the August 5, 2025, meeting are due Wednesday, July 30 28

Guidelines and Forms

Historic District Design Guidelines

Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness

All applications, forms, and supplemental documents may be submitted electronically to Shelley Smith, Comstock Preservation and History Officer, shelley.smith[at]shpo.nv.gov. Hard copies may be delivered in person to the Comstock History Center located at 20 N E St, Virginia City, NV 89440, or mailed to PO Box 128, Virginia City, Nevada 89440. Questions? Please contact the Comstock Preservation and History Office: by email shelley.smith[at]shpo.nv.gov, or by phone: 775-847-0281.

Commission Members

Joseph Curtis, Chair, Appointment July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2027 (Virginia City Resident)

Clay Mitchell, Vice Chair, Appointment July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2027 (Storey County Commission)

Tammy Hendrix, Appointment June 1, 2024 - June 30, 2027 (Lyon County Commission)

Mercedes De La Garza, Appointment May 1, 2024 - April 30, 2027 (Architect)

David Bates, Appointment July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2027 (Contractor)

Nancy Cleaves, Appointment July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2027 (Gold Hill Resident)

Calvin Dillon, Appointment July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2027 (Silver City Resident)

Julie Workman, Appointment July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027 (Dayton Resident)

Office Information

Physical Address: 20 North “E” Street Virginia City NV 89440

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 128 Virginia City NV 89440

The Comstock Historic District Commission Office:

Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

The Comstock History Center:

Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Please contact us via email or phone for updates regarding inclement weather, administrative office closures, or with requests for meetings outside of normal business hours. Our offices are closed in observance of all federal holidays.

Shelley Smith, Comstock Preservation and History Officer
Nevada State Historic Preservation Office, Nevada Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
T: 775-847-0281 Email: shelley.smith[at]shpo.nv.gov

Cait Watson, Administrative Assistant
T: 775-847-0281 (CHDC Office); 775-847-0419 (History Center) , Email: cait.watson[at]shpo.nv.gov

Previous Meetings:

2025

There will be no regular meeting on June 3, 2025. In lieu of a meeting, the public is invited to attend a special event featuring a design charrette for community input on updates to the CHDC Construction Standards and Guidelines pertaining to exterior paint color in the historic district at the Comstock History Center, located at 20 North E Street, Virginia City, NV 89440. The Comstock History Center will also be unveiling a new exhibit featuring a collaborative project with the Community Chest Comstock Kids program.

Subcommittee Meeting June 18, 2025, at 3:00 PM: 20 North “E” Street Virginia City NV 89440; Agenda

May 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM: 20 North “E” Street Virginia City NV 89440 - Agenda; Notice of Intent to Act Upon a Regulation - NAC 384, Hearing for the Adoption of Permanent Regulations of the Comstock Historic District Commission - LCB File No. R016-24; Approved Minutes (available June 4)

April 1, 2025 - Agenda; Approved Minutes

February 4, 2025 - Agenda; Approved Minutes; and Supporting Materials: Agenda Item 7, Agenda Item 8, Agenda Item 9

January 14, 2025 - Agenda; Approved Minutes; and Supporting Materials: Agenda Item 7, Agenda Item 8, Agenda Item 9

2024

December 3, 2024 - Agenda; Approved Minutes, and Supporting Materials: Agenda Item 6; Agenda Item 7 COA; Agenda Item 7 Drawings.

November 12, 2024 - Agenda; Approved Minutes; Supporting Materials: COA Fire Station 71 Addition; Draft Fire Station Report

October 1, 2024 - Agenda; Supporting Materials: Agenda Item 6; Agenda Item 7; Agenda Item 8; Agenda Item 9 ; Approved Minutes

September 2024 - meeting canceled

August 2024 - meeting canceled

July 10, 2024 - Agenda and Supporting Materials; Approved Minutes