SHPO Publications Fact Sheets Fact Sheet #5

SHPO Fact Sheet #5:
CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

January 1996

The Certified Local Governments Program is designed to promote the participation of local governments in the nationwide historic preservation program.  Under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, the Federal and State governments have worked closely toward the identification, evaluation, and protection of the nation's significant historic resources.  The CLG program gives the local governments a more direct role in these important efforts.

IN OKLAHOMA TO BECOME A CLG, THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT MUST: 

  1. Enforce appropriate state or local legislation for the designation and protection of historic properties.
  2. Establish an adequate and qualified historic preservation review commission by state or local legislation.
  3. Maintain a system for the survey and inventory of historic properties consistent with the system of the SHPO.
  4. Provide for adequate public participation in the local historic preservation program including the process of recommending properties for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.
  5. Satisfactorily perform the responsibilities delegated to it under the certification agreement.

THE BENEFITS OF CLG STATUS ARE:

  1. A direct role in the recommendation of properties for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.
  2. Eligibility for a share of the State's annual Historic Preservation Fund grant award.
  3. A direct role in the responsibilities of the State Historic Preservation Office as may be delegated.

THE LOCAL ZONING ORDINANCE (LOCAL LEGISLATION) MUST CONTAIN:

  1. A statement of purpose.
  2. Definitions.
  3. Membership requirements for the review commission and duties of that body.
  4. Procedures for designation of local districts and landmarks.
  5. Criteria for evaluation of local districts and landmarks.
  6. Provision for public review of designations.
  7. Provision for mandatory review of alterations, demolitions, or new construction affecting listed properties in historic districts or individual landmarks. These decisions must be binding, and a system of appeals must be provided.
  8. Adoption of specific guidelines to be used in the review of projects which involve listed properties, consistent with the "Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation."
  9. Set specific time frames for project review.
  10. Establish penalties for non-compliance.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Contact:

State Historic Preservation Office
Oklahoma Historical Society
800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-6249

Request: "Certified Local Governments Program for Oklahoma"