Those landmarks are identified by local city ordinances legally adopted by the Valley City Council.

The VHPC is one of only a few City of Valley agencies that has its own authority prescribed by laws other than local ordinances.

It is a regulatory agency with legal powers to identify, preserve, and protect historic sites and properties. Because of the serious nature of it's authority, the VHPC must train it's members and continuously re-qualify its status.

The City of Valley is one of about 15 Certified Local Governments (CLG) in Alabama. This certification proclaims that the city is well qualified to do a professional job in all areas of historic preservation.

CLG status is awarded by the United States Department of Interior to cities that have met stringent criteria.