Certified Local Government

Certified Local Government Program Contact List (Excel spreadsheet)

CLG FY23 Annual Report Results (Excel spreadsheet)

Map of CLG Communities (PDF)

Benefits

Certification as a CLG can help a local government encourage, develop, and maintain local preservation efforts. Benefits to local governments and commissions include:

• Direct access to THC staff for training and technical assistance specific to local preservation challenges;
• A statewide network of local preservation commissioners and historic preservation officers;
• Eligibility to apply for CLG grants; at least ten percent of the annual Historic Preservation Fund grant made to the THC under the National Historic Preservation Act is distributed among CLGs annually;
• Participation in nominations to the National Register of Historic Places within the community's jurisdiction; and
• Recognition of the community's commitment to historic preservation and preservation standards by Federal and state agencies.

Responsibilities

Participating cities and counties are responsible for remaining in good standing with the CLG Program by upholding their commitment to maintain a strong local preservation program. A full list of the CLG Program requirements is available in the CLG Handbook. CLG Program requirements vary depending on whether the community is a city or county.

Requirements for City CLGs

A city must meet the following criteria before and after becoming a CLG:

• Adopt and enforce a local preservation ordinance that meets the THC’s CLG Program requirements. The ordinance should not make automatic local land-use decisions based on a property’s status as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, State Antiquities Landmark, or listing in National Register of Historic Places. 
• Establish a preservation commission with design review authority
• Review alterations to (and demolitions of) designated properties following the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.
• Establish criteria for local designation of historic properties.
• Enforce a minimum 60-day stay of demolition for landmarks or contributing properties located within a historic district.
• Appoint a Historic Preservation Officer (HPO).
• Adopt and maintain a local preservation plan, or statement of goals and objectives for the local preservation program.

Requirements for County CLGs

A county must meet the following criteria before and after becoming a CLG:

• Establish and maintain a CLG Committee as part of the County Historical Commission (CHC). The CLG Committee must be identified in the CHC’s by-laws.
• Appoint a Historic Preservation Officer (HPO) or CLG Representative.
• Adopt and maintain a local preservation plan, or statement of goals and objectives for the CLG Committee.

City and county CLGs are expected to meet the following requirements each year:

• Maintain a system for the survey and inventory of historic properties that is coordinated with the statewide process for cultural resource surveys.
• Review and comment on National Register of Historic Places nominations for properties within the CLG's jurisdiction.
• Preservation Commission or CLG Committee must meet at least six times a year.
• Conduct all meetings in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
• Submit copies of all meeting minutes to the THC.
• Monitor and report actions affecting county courthouses, RTHLs, SALs, and National Register listed properties to the THC.
• Submit resumes of current Preservation Commission/CLG Committee members and the HPO to the THC.
• Members of the Preservation Commission/CLG Committee and the HPO/CLG Representative must attend at least one preservation-related training a year.
• Complete the CLG Annual Report.
• Provide input during Section 106 reviews, when appropriate.

Certification Process

The CLG Program accepts applications from prospective CLG communities at any time throughout the year. Application materials vary slightly depending on whether the applicant is a city or county. Interested local governments are encouraged to contact CLG Program staff prior to preparing an application. To apply, potential CLGs should submit a certification packet to the THC. Drafts of any of the required items can be submitted to CLG Program staff for review. THC has 60 days to review completed certification packets. Once approved by THC, the certification packet is forwarded to the National Park Service (NPS) for final review and official certification.

Certification Packet for Cities

Submission of a draft preservation ordinance before completing the entire packet is strongly recommended.

• Request for Certified Local Government Status form;
• A copy of the city’s preservation ordinance, including any amendments;
• A list of all locally-designated individual properties and historic districts protected under the city historic preservation ordinance, including addresses and statements of significance for each;
• Resumes of the designated historic preservation officer and members of the historic preservation review commission, board, or committee, indicating their qualifications, credentials, or expertise in fields related to historic preservation; 
• A copy of the local preservation plan, if available, or a statement of goals and objectives for the preservation program; 
• A completed Historic Preservation Officer Appointment Form; and
• A Certification Agreement (unsigned, this will be distributed for signature electronically).

Certification Packet for Counties

• A signed Request for Certified Local Government Status Form;
• A copy of by-laws adopted by an appointed County Historical Commission;
• Resumes of the designated historic preservation officer and members of the historic preservation committee, indicating their qualifications, credentials, or expertise in fields related to historic preservation; 
• A copy of the local preservation plan, if available, or a statement of goals and objectives for the preservation program; 
• A signed Historic Preservation Officer Appointment Form; and
• A Certification Agreement (unsigned, this will be distributed for signature electronically).

Continuing education is the foundation of a strong historic preservation program. It's important that the people involved in administering a community's program — historic preservation officers, commissioners, city and county staff, CLG committee members, etc.  — are informed on current historic preservation issues, commission or committee operations, and technical issues. Access to regular training opportunities is a benefit available to cities and counties participating in the CLG Program.

The CLG Program provides a range of educational resources, including:

• CLG Program staff can come to your CLG community to lead tailored trainings for preservation commissioners, city and county staff, or elected officials. Topics may include CLG Program requirements, role of the historic preservation commission, CLG grants, design review and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, designations at the local, state, and federal level, etc.;
• the CLG Program organizes periodic regional trainings, often in partnership with the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions and other partner organizations;
• CLG staff periodically host virtual webinars;
• The CLG Reference Center offers online educational resources on preservation-related topics relevant to local governments; and
• Preservation Boot Camp was developed to provide continuous, on-demand preservation training to help anyone interested in their community's history understand how preservation works/

To inquire about training for your CLG community, please contact the CLG program. The CLG Program shares information with participating communities on upcoming educational opportunities through our CLG listserv. The listserv is managed by the Texas Historical Commission and is available to historic preservation officers and staff from our CLG communities. Please contact the CLG program if you are a historic preservation officer or work to administer your CLG's preservation program and would like to be added to the listserv.

Q. What are the first steps to becoming a CLG?

A. For counties, start by talking with the Chair of your County Historical Commission. Invite the Chair to learn more about the CLG Program through the website or by contacting the CLG Program Coordinator. 

For cities with existing local preservation ordinances, find out who administers the preservation ordinance (typically, the Planning Director or Historic Preservation Officer) and start the conversation with those individuals about becoming a Certified Local Government. If your city does not have a preservation ordinance, work with elected officials, city staff, and the public to gain support for the adoption of a preservation ordinance. Work with CLG Program staff to make sure that the drafted ordinance meets the CLG Program requirements. 

Q. What are the responsibilities of the CLG?

A: Local governments are responsible for establishing and supporting a local preservation program. See the CLG Requirements section above for more information. 

Q. Who May Apply for the Grants?

A: Cities and counties designated by the THC and the National Park Service as Certified Local Governments are eligible to apply for grants. The local government must be certified prior to the beginning of the grant cycle to be eligible for grants.

Q. What doesn't qualify for CLG grant funding?

A: CLG Grant funds are used to develop projects benefitting the local government’s preservation program. See examples of previous grants. Unallowable costs include any work completed after the grant deadline, refreshments, entertainment. For a complete list of unallowable expenses, review the Historic Preservation Fund Grants Manual. 

Q. Can my CLG submit multiple grant applications in one year?

A: Yes. There is no limit to the amount of applications one CLG may submit.

Q. I represent a nonprofit organization in a CLG community, how do we apply for a CLG grant?

A: Third party organizations, such as preservation nonprofits, should complete the CLG grant application. Part of the application will require third party applicants to obtain the support and signatures from the CLG's Historic Preservation Officer and highest elected official.  

Q. What is the purpose of CLG Grants?

A: The grants are to assist local governments in documenting and promoting the preservation of historic and archaeological sites. Examples of eligible projects include conducting architectural and archaeological surveys, nominating properties to the National Register of Historic Places, developing educational outreach activities or events, and preparing historic preservation plans.

Q. What does "Section 106 Review" mean?

A: Section 106 refers to a particular part of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 that requires every Federal agency to "take into account" how each of its undertakings could affect historic properties.

Section 106 Review refers to the federal review process designed to ensure that historic properties are considered during federal project planning. The review process is administered by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, an independent agency, in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer. The Council must be afforded a reasonable opportunity to comment on such projects. Any project involving federal funds is subject to Section 106 Review.

It is important to note that Section 106 Review extends to properties that possess significance and are determined eligible for listing on the National Register, but have not yet been listed.

Learn more about the Section 106 Review process.

Q. To which laws must CLGs and landmark commissions or architectural review boards pay specific attention?

A: The Certified Local Government Program is governed by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended, National Park Service Regulations 36 CFR 61, the Historic Preservation Fund Grants Manual, 2007 edition, Texas Administrative Code Section 13, Chapter 15.6, and the CLG Handbook. All requirements for CLGs are listed in the CLG Certification Agreement.

In addition, historic preservation commissions are governed by the responsibilities and regulations established in the local historic preservation ordinance.

Q. What role does a CLG play in the National Register of Historic Places process?

A: One of the minimum duties of a landmark commission is to review all proposed National Registration nominations for properties within the boundaries of the CLG's jurisdiction.

Q. What can I, an average citizen, do to help establish a historic district in my area?

A: To begin with, you will need to gain the support of both your elected officials and the citizens of your potential historic district. Take time to speak to the citizens, hold a public meeting, and explain the advantages of historic districts.

Remember, a historic district is established to benefit the public. The public is always welcome at meetings and should be encouraged to attend and participate. Review these 10 steps recommended by the National Trust for Historic Preservation when establishing a historic district. 

Q. How often must a preservation commission meet?

A: The THC requires the preservation commission of a CLG community to meet at least six times a year. Meeting dates and times are set by the local government and must be conducted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. 

Q. What must be included in a CLG-approved historic preservation ordinance?

A: City CLGs must have an adopted preservation ordinance that meets the CLG Program's standards. Contact the Program Coordinator for preservation ordinance requirements. 

Q. What is demolition by neglect?

A: Demolition by Neglect is the lack of or improper maintenance of any structure or property with historic overlay zoning, which results in deterioration of the structure and threatens the preservation of the structure.

Q. Can a CLG community lose its CLG status?

A: Yes. A CLG may request decertification in writing at any time. The THC also reserves the right to decertify a CLG that does not meet the requirements in the CLG Certification Agreement. 

Q. How are County CLGs typically structured?

A: County CLGs are typically part of the County Historical Commission as a standing committee. The CLG Committee is defined in the County Historical Commission's bylaws.  

Q. What are the training requirements for Historic Preservation Officers and Preservation Commission members?

A: Preservation commissioners and Historic Preservation Officers are required to attend one preservation-related training a year.