The Ferguson Landmarks Commission was created by ordinance in 1983. The ordinance stipulates that the commission has advisory, not statutory, jurisdiction over City landmarks. This means that the Commission assists preservation efforts through education and advocacy.

The Landmarks Commission assists building owners with guidelines for restoring, renovating, and remodeling historic structures. Retaining the character of the old city, therefore, is the result of the voluntary commitment and responsibility of individual home and business owners.