CLG FAQs

​In a nutshell, a Certified Local Government (CLG) is any local government – be it a town, city, municipality, or county – that has an established historic preservation commission and has been certified by the State Historic Preservation Officer as having met all federal and state standards. The CLG must sign an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, agreeing to develop and administer its local preservation program so that it complies with national and state preservation goals and standards.

• An accurate description of the boundaries of the district. 
• A description of the historical, architectural, cultural, aesthetic, natural, or other distinctive characteristics of the district that are to be preserved or conserved. 
• A delegation of responsibility for the administration of overlay regulations to an appropriate entity of government. 
• The standards, guidelines, or criteria that shall govern development within the district to preserve, conserve, or protect the historical, architectural, cultural, aesthetic, or other distinctive characteristics of the district. 
  

• At least five members, all of whom have demonstrated interest in historic preservation. 
• At least two of these shall be preservation-related professional members (this includes the professions of architecture, history, archaeology, architectural history, planning or related disciplines such as urban planning, American studies, American civilization, cultural geography, or cultural anthropology.
• Professionals in a related discipline must be involved on a regular basis with historic preservation activities as part of their work in that discipline. Exceptions to this requirement are made on a case-by-case basis in accordance with state and federal requirements. 
• At least two-year terms of office which are staggered. 
• Rules of procedure established and made public. At least four meetings per year, held at regular intervals, in a public place, advertised in advance and open to the public. 
• Review decisions made in a public forum, applicants notified of meetings and advised of decisions. 
• Written minutes of actions of the commission available for public inspection. 
• Written annual report of commission activities, cases, decisions, special projects, and qualifications of the members, etc., kept on file and available for public inspection. 
• Vacancies on the commission filled within sixty (60) days.

• ​Continuing surveys of cultural resources in the community according to guidelines established by KHC.
• Recommendations for designation of local landmarks and historic districts to the appropriate local governing body. 
• Establish written guidelines for the preservation of designated local landmarks and historic districts. 
• Approve applications for permits (Certificates of Appropriateness) for alterations, demolitions, new construction, or relocation affecting listed landmarks or properties located within historic districts. 
• Act in an advisory role to other officials and departments of local government regarding the protection of local cultural resources. 
• Act as a liaison on behalf of the local government to individuals and organizations concerned with historic preservation. 
• Work toward the continuing education of citizens within the CLG’s jurisdiction regarding historic preservation issues and concerns. 
• Attend at least one informational or educational meeting per year, approved by KHC, pertaining to the work and functions of the commissions or to historic preservation. 
• Review all proposed National Register nominations for properties within the boundaries of the CLG’s jurisdiction.