historic preservation

Historic Preservation Commissions

Historic Preservation Commissions (HPCs) are one way local governments can organize their preservation efforts. Preservation commissions are volunteer boards of local residents with interest and experience in historic preservation. HPCs from larger communities may also have a staff member (often a city planning or finance office employee) who devotes at least part of their time to the work of the commission.

Twenty South Dakota cities or counties have become Certified Local Governments (CLGs) through the National Historic Preservation Act, administered by the National Park Service working with State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs). The CLG Program is designed to promote the identification, documentation, and preservation of prehistoric and historic sites, structures, objects, buildings, and historic districts by expanded local involvement in historic preservation. To become a CLG, the city or county passes a ordinance creating a historic preservation board or commission. 

The role of the CLGs in the federal-state-local preservation partnership includes the opportunity to review nominations to the National Register of Historic Places in their jurisdiction. They are also eligible to apply to the SHPO for subgrants earmarked for CLGs from their federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grants.  Within HPF allowability requirements, these grants can be used for historic preservation projects such as: preparing National Register nominations, conducting surveys to identify historic places, preparing historic contexts, creating public education materials, holding workshops or talks, or training themselves on preservation topics.  CLGs contribute matching hours and/or funds towards grant projects.

Certified Local Government Procedures

CLG Grant Manual -- For CLGs to use in applying for and managing grants.

CLG Featured Products

List of Historic Preservation Commissions

List of Past CLG Projects

Local Preservation Handbook -- For anyone interested in seeing basic information about many different historic preservation programs.

Model Historic Preservation Ordinance