VERMONT DIVISION FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Certified Local Government Program

Procedures to establish a historic preservation commission for the

Vermont Certified Local Government Program

A municipality requests certification from the Division for Historic Preservation according to "The Certification Process," of the Regulations for the Vermont Certified Local Government Program. The regulations state that the municipality applies for certification after it has established a historic preservation commission with certain responsibilities.

In Vermont, a local government creates the commission by action appropriate to its procedures. For most local governments, this is through enactment of an ordinance. The ordinance, must at a minimum, include the requirements of the program and responsibilities of the commission as stated in the regulations.

The local government may use language and format of its own but the ordinance may not significantly differ in meaning or interpretation from the requirements of the regulations. Some specific language of the requirements, such as the reporting procedures for properties under consideration for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, may be incorporated into the ordinance by reference to the regulations.

If desired, the local government may give additional responsibilities to the commission as long as they are complementary to the Certified Local Government Program. For instance, the commission may review and make decisions on alteration or demolition proposals for properties within historic or design control districts designated through local zoning regulations.

The ordinance should contain a statement of purpose that describes the municipality’s reason for creating the commission. The ordinance should be publicized according to the municipality’s standard procedures for public notification.

The Sample Ordinance prepared by the Division provides suggested language that meets the Regulations for the Vermont Certified Local Government Program. This is meant to serve only as an example. Prior to enacting the ordinance, the municipality may request that the Division review it for compliance with the regulations.