Historic Sites and Districts

Historic Sites and Districts Plan	Illustrated Inventory of Historic Sites	Local Historic Districts

National Register of Historic Places

Recent Survey Properties Database

How Historic Sites and Districts are created

In some cases, a property’s significance lies in its architectural style, historical or cultural associations or in its archeological features. It may also be noteworthy as the work of a highly skilled craftsman or as the site of an important event. Historic districts are established to protect and promote special areas of historic and architectural value. Districts evoke a special sense of time and place that contributes to the area’s unique identity. When a district is established, historic district regulations ensure that physical changes are consistent with each property’s individual character and the character of the district as a whole.

Through the county’s Historic Preservation Ordinance, the HPC can designate a property as a historic site if the property is listed in the county Inventory of Historic Resources and if it meets specific criteria of architectural or historical significance. Similarly, a group of historic properties sharing significance and proximity can be designated as a historic district. The process of designation involves the preparation of a research report documenting the history and architectural characteristics of the historic resource; this research may be initiated by the property owner or local citizens. The HPC then holds a public hearing to receive the comments of the residents and other interested parties and then makes a decision. The County Council hears appeals of the commission’s decisions on designations.