Local governments throughout Vermont are using economic incentives
and local planning and zoning tools to protect valuable historic
resources and historic areas from threats, such as unplanned
development (sprawl), inappropriate treatment, and neglect.
The range of tools available has expanded in the past ten years
as local governments discover the importance of historic fabric
to a community's identity, economic development, and residents'
quality of life.
The Certified Local Government (CLG) program provides an
opportunity to help local governments integrate historic preservation
concerns with local planning decisions. Joining the CLG program
is an important and effective way to preserve Vermont's historic
places.
The CLG program extends the federal and state preservation
partnership to the local level. It enhances the local government
role in preservation by strengthening a community's preservation
program and its link with the state historic preservation
office (the Vermont Division Historic Preservation). In Vermont,
the Certified Local Government program builds upon the longstanding
working relationship between the Division for Historic Preservation
and the local governments by expanding the scope of local
responsibilities and opportunities for preservation. Any city,
town, or village or planning consortia which has enacted a
historic preservation ordinance, enforces that ordinance through
a local preservation commission, and has met the minumum
requirements is eligible to become a CLG.
What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Local Government?
- Once certified, a local government becomes eligible to
apply for federal historic preservation grant money that
is available only to CLGs.
- A Certified Local Government participates directly in
the National Register of Historic Places program by reviewing
local nominations prior to their consideration by the Advisory
Council for Historic Preservation.
- Opportunities for technical assistance in historic preservation
are available in the form of training sessions, information
material, statewide meetings, workshops and conferences.
- Communication and coordination are increased among local,
state, and federal preservation activities, as well as with
other Certified Local Governments.
Requirements to Become a CLG
There are five broad standards that must be met by a local
government in order to become a Certified Local Government.
- Create and enforce appropriate local legislation for the
designation and protection of historic properties. A local
government must adopt a preservation
ordinance.
- Create an adequate and qualified historic preservation
review commission with local legislation.
- Maintain a system for survey and inventory of historic
properties that furthers the purpose of the National Historic
Preservation Act. A survey identifies properties that have
historic significance and are therefore worthy of protection.
The survey is the basis for the identification, designation,
and protection of local historic districts and properties.
- Provide for adequate public participation in the local
historic preservation program, including the process for
recommending properties for nomination to the National Register
of Historic Places. A local government must encourage the
public's participation in its preservation efforts by having
meetings that are open to all local residents, by sponsoring
community-wide information and education activities and
by encouraging National Register nominations.
- Satisfactorily perform the responsibilities delegated
to it under the National Historic Preservation Act. The
Vermont Division for Historic Preservation works closely
with a CLG to help it meet local needs and interests and
to fully participate in the Certified Local Government program.
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