Certified Local Goverments

Commission Procedures and Guidelines

  • Always have a printed agenda posted in a public place prior to the beginning of the commission meeting.
  • Keep accurate minutes and records of all commission activities specifically outlining each case and the reason the application was approved or denied.
  • Commission members should never speak on behalf of the commission.. Advise applicants on "the likelihood of approval" of applications outside of the public hearing.
  • Require an accurate representation of the applicant's request, sufficient enough to make an informed decision about the case.
  • Always keep your elected officials and other boards and commissions informed of the role and responsibilities of the preservation commission.
  • The commission chair should maintain order at all meetings and always allow relevant public comment.
  • As a commission member, avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest due to personal, social or financial gain in any case.
  • All commission decisions for designation or certificates of appropriateness must be based only on the review criteria in the ordinance.
  • All commission decisions must be based on a finding of fact that should be stated as part of the motion to approve or deny any application.
  • Refer to your preservation ordinance often if you are a commission member; it should be the basis for all actions.