Applying for hundreds of homes and buildings in Vicksburg to be added to the National Register of Historic Places was approved by city officials Tuesday.

The area extends up from the river to Washington Street and is bounded on the north by Veto, near the public library, and on the South by Lee Street, near City Park.

Inclusion on the list offers “bragging rights” and the possibility of tax credits, but no control mechanisms.

When the matter was first on the agenda two weeks ago, South Ward Alderman Sid Beauman, who was absent Tuesday, asked for approval to be tabled so residents could provide feedback. Barbara Harris, who lives on Pittman Alley, told the board she and others in her neighborhood wanted to know whether the designation may require them to meet stricter building codes or mandate them to rehab their properties.

Mayor Laurence Leyens assured Harris the National Register designation, if approved, would not impose any regulations beyond those already in place or otherwise affect any properties.

“There is no regulatory side to this whatsoever, and I can assure you no authority will be gained by the city if this is approved,” said Leyens. “Of course, the properties have to meet the minimum standards that are enforced on all properties throughout the city, but there will be no new standards put in place.”

Nancy Bell, executive director of the Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation, said the distinction would not expand the downtown historic district that has been in place since 1973 and in which controls are in effect. Any construction or demolition on properties in the local historic district must be approved by the Vicksburg Board of Architectural Review.

“This designation is an honor, and that’s it. It’s bragging rights,” said Bell. “It doesn’t carry with it any additional requirements or regulations. If you have a building you want to rehab or tear down, you are only required to apply for the normal permits. You don’t have to come before board of architectural review or any other board.”

Bell said the designation would allow property owners to apply for tax credits on rehab projects. Homeowners spending a minimum of $5,000 on their properties would be eligible to receive a state tax credit of up to 25 percent. There would also be a federal tax credit available to business owners in the district who make more costly improvements to their properties.

Bell, who is assisting the city with the application, speculated the city could find out as early as this spring if the proposed areas will receive the National Register distinction from the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The area includes the Garden District, in which many tour homes are already listed, as well as a wide assortment of homes and businesses.

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Contact Steve Sanoski at ssanoski@vicksburgpost.co.