Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Certified Local Government Program?
Established by a 1980 amendment to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the Local Government Program is a nationwide program which supports local preservation activities through the creation of local preservation commissions. The program creates a formal link between a community's commitment to historic preservation and state and federal preservation programs.

New York has over fifty CLGs that represent a cross-section of the state, from large cities like Rochester to small villages like Sag Harbor.

Why should a community participate in the CLG program?
By becoming a CLG, a community strengthens its abilities to make important decisions about local preservation, development, and planning issues.

What are the benefits of becoming a CLG?
Through the CLG program, local preservation efforts receive a range of more tailored services from the state preservation office. Direct benefits include access to special grants; legal and technical assistance; training, and membership in statewide and national historic preservation networks. CLGs also enjoy expanded participation in a variety of preservation programs.

What do CLGs accomplish?
Using the federal grants earmarked for CLGs, communities have achieved a variety of objectives such as conducting historic resource surveys, producing publications, undertaking planning studies, and presenting training programs. These activities are all a part of the process of helping a municipality to manage historic resources and affect changes in the community.

How does a community become a CLG?
A municipality must adopt a local preservation ordinance that meets state and federal requirements for designation of historic resources, composition of commission, and review processes. The requirements ensure that the local historic preservation program is operating under “best practices,” is effective, and that actions are legally defensible. Once these steps are accomplished, the municipality submits an application which is reviewed and approved by SHPO and then sent for final approval and certification by the National Park Service.

How long does the process usually take?
If a community has already adopted a local preservation ordinance, the approval process for the CLG program can take two to four months. If, however, a community is at the beginning stages of developing an ordinance, the process can take six months to over a year, depending upon the local procedures for creating and adopting new legislation.

How can our community become a CLG?
SHPO staff can provide model preservation laws, legal advice and guidance throughout the application process. To receive more information about the Certified Local Government Program, please contact our office.

How can I get advice on other preservation issues and programs?
In addition to the CLG program, the State Historic Preservation Office of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation coordinates all other federal and state preservation programs in New York State. If you have any questions about historic preservation, we can offer information and expert advice, please contact us.

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