Benefits
Certification as a CLG can help a local government encourage, develop, and maintain local preservation efforts. Benefits to local governments and commissions include:
- Direct access to THC staff for training and technical assistance specific to local preservation challenges;
- A statewide network of local preservation commissioners and historic preservation officers;
- Eligibility to apply for CLG grants; at least ten percent of the annual Historic Preservation Fund grant made to the THC under the National Historic Preservation Act is distributed among CLGs annually;
- Participation in nominations to the National Register of Historic Places with the community's jurisdiction; and
- Recognition of the community's commitment to historic preservation and preservation standards by Federal and state agencies.
Responsibilities
Participating cities and counties are responsible for remaining in good standing with the CLG Program by upholding their commitment to maintain a strong local preservation program. A full list of the CLG Program requirements is available in the CLG Handbook. CLG Program requirements vary depending on whether the community is a city or county.
Requirements for City CLGs:
A city must meet the following criteria before and after becoming a CLG:
- Adopt and enforce a local preservation ordinance that meets the THC’s CLG Program requirements.
- Establish a preservation commission with design review authority
- Review alterations to (and demolitions of) designated properties following the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.
- Establish criteria for local designation of historic properties.
- Enforce a minimum 60-day stay of demolition for landmarks or contributing properties located within a historic district.
- Appoint a Historic Preservation Officer (HPO).
- Adopt and maintain a local preservation plan, or statement of goals and objectives for the local preservation program.
Requirements for County CLGs:
A county must meet the following criteria before and after becoming a CLG:
- Establish and maintain a CLG Committee as part of the County Historical Commission (CHC). The CLG Committee must be identified in the CHC’s by-laws.
- Appoint a Historic Preservation Officer (HPO) or CLG Representative.
- Adopt and maintain a local preservation plan, or statement of goals and objectives for the CLG Committee.
City and county CLGs are expected to meet the following requirements each year:
- Maintain a system for the survey and inventory of historic properties that is coordinated with the statewide process for cultural resource surveys.
- Review and comment on National Register of Historic Places nominations for properties within the CLG's jurisdiction.
- Preservation Commission or CLG Committee must meet at least six times a year.
- Conduct all meetings in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
- Submit copies of all meeting minutes to the THC.
- Monitor and report actions affecting county courthouses, RTHLs, SALs, and National Register listed properties to the THC.
- Submit resumes of current Preservation Commission/CLG Committee members and the HPO to the THC.
- Members of the Preservation Commission/CLG Committee and the HPO/CLG Representative must attend at least one preservation-related training a year.
- Complete the CLG Annual Report.
- Provide input during Section 106 reviews, when appropriate.
Certification Process
The CLG Program accepts applications from prospective CLG communities at any time throughout the year. Application materials vary slightly depending on whether the applicant is a city or county. Interested local governments are encouraged to contact CLG Program staff prior to preparing an application. To apply, potential CLGs should submit a certification packet to the THC. Drafts of any of the required items can be submitted to CLG Program staff for review. THC has 60 days to review completed certification packets. Once approved by THC, the certification packet is forwarded to the National Park Service (NPS) for final review and official certification.
Certification Packet for Cities
Submission of a draft preservation ordinance before completing the entire packet is strongly recommended.
- Request for Certified Local Government Status form;
- A copy of the city’s preservation ordinance, including any amendments;
- A list of all individual properties and districts designated under the city historic preservation ordinance, including addresses and statements of significance for each;
- Resumes of the designated historic preservation officer and members of the historic preservation review commission, board, or committee, indicating their qualifications, credentials, or expertise in fields related to historic preservation;
- A copy of the local preservation plan, if available, or a statement of goals and objectives for the preservation program;
- A completed Historic Preservation Officer Appointment Form; and
- A Certification Agreement.
Certification Packet for Counties
- A signed Request for Certified Local Government Status Form;
- A copy of by-laws adopted by an appointed County Historical Commission;
- Resumes of the designated historic preservation officer and members of the historic preservation committee, indicating their qualifications, credentials, or expertise in fields related to historic preservation;
- A copy of the local preservation plan, if available, or a statement of goals and objectives for the preservation program;
- A signed Historic Preservation Officer Appointment Form; and
- A Certification Agreement.
