What is a Historic District Commission?

Historic District Commissions operate at the local level.  Sometimes they are referred to as the architectural review board or the historic preservation commission.  Frequently appointed by the mayor, the commissions have a range of responsibilities and powers depending upon the state and local laws.  Typically, commissions conduct town and/or county wide surveys, designate locally significant landmarks, and administer permit programs for applications to alter designated properties and construct new buildings.  Decisions to alter or demolish historic buildings are generally made at this level of government and are most affected by local zoning laws and ordinances. For more information on historic district commissions, contact the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions.  You may also call your local government for your district's contact information.