A historic preservation commission is established through local preservation ordinance adoption and becomes part of the local governing authority. The size, responsibilities, and authority of a commission will vary depending on local laws and the needs of a given community.

Commission Membership

Commission members should be citizens of the area and have an interest in and knowledge of historic preservation. If possible, members should have demonstrated special interest, experience, or education in fields such as history, architecture, law, real estate, rehabilitation, or planning. Some communities require that the commission include a resident of a local historic district or an owner of a local historic landmark. This helps to ensure that those who are subject to the commission's authority are represented.

All commission members should have an interest in the preservation and protection of historic resources. Establishing a qualified historic preservation commission is an important component for acquiring and maintaining status as a Certified Local Government (CLG). CLGs are defined as any city, village, county, or town that has been certified by Wisconsin's State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Department of the Interior as meeting certain criteria. Benefits of CLG status include being eligible to apply for preservation grants that can cover a wide variety of historic preservation activities.

Members of a commission should serve overlapping or staggered terms (typically not more than four years). Members should become familiar with local zoning laws and codes, and master plans concerning their community's and the region's growth. Commission members should strive to continuously educate themselves about historic preservation and its role in the community.

It is a good idea for commission members to attend at least one annual training event. For guidance in this area, contact the Wisconsin Historical Society’s SHPO and/or the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC). The NAPC meets once every two years, and commissions are encouraged to join the organization and to attend their meetings. The NAPC also regularly offers a Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program.

A Commission's Role in City Government

A preservation commission will have to work with other government departments and agencies from time to time. Key contact includes:

• Building Inspectors and Zoning Officials: Building inspectors and zoning officials are generally given the responsibility for enforcing the preservation ordinance.
• Planning Department: The commission will work with the planning department to ensure that the preservation ordinance and design guidelines are compatible with other zoning regulations.
• Public Works Departments: These departments will be called upon to assist the commission's work when necessary.
• Legal Counsel or Consultants: The commission should develop a close relationship with the community's legal counsel or consultants in case the commission is challenged in court.

The commission should keep in regular contact with these agencies, and keep them informed of its activities. These departments should be knowledgeable about the commission's policies and procedures and be familiar with how it operates in case they are called upon for assistance. The commission should also try to involve members of these departments in any commission activities in which their knowledge, training, experience, or responsibilities are useful, or in activities in which these agencies will ultimately be involved.

• Historic Preservation Ordinances
• New Commission Member Orientation