Designation as a local historic landmark provides a means to ensure that any exterior changes to the property are made consistent with the established Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. All requests for exterior modifications must be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission and issued a 'Certificate of Appropriateness' prior to any permit issuance for work to the exterior of the property.
The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 established the National Register of Historic Places and authorized funds to the states for historic preservation activities. The National Park Service, Department of Interior, administers this program.
Nominations for listing on the National Register of Historic Places must be considered by the Historic Preservation Commission at a public hearing. After the public hearing the Commission must make a finding based on the eligibility criteria. Upon making a finding, the Commission must transmit the proposal and its recommendation to the Mayor for consideration. The City's findings are then transmitted to the State Historic Preservation Officer who then reviews the proposal and provides comments to the City. Following review by the State Nomination Review Committee, the nomination is forwarded to the National Park Service.