Historic Preservation

A.  Promote the preservation of historic and prehistoric sites, structures, objects, buildings and historic districts by addressing historic preservation issues at the local level and integrating them into local, state and federal planning and decision-making processes.

B.  Provide record keeping and related service for the operation of the Commission.

C.  Oversee the Historic Preservation Officer.

D.  Develop and implement a policy for the effi­cient and effective operation of the Commission.

A.  Review the development within the historic districts and any development affecting historical properties. Other duties are to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Certified Local Government Program for Historic Preservation in a manner that also insures the promotion of public health, safety, morals, convenience, order and general welfare for the sake of efficiency and economy in the process of community development.

B.  Serve in an advisory capacity to the local governing bodies establishing said Commission, and to the Helena / Lewis and Clark Consolidated Planning Board, the Helena Zoning Commission, the Helena Board of Adjustment, and other related bodies.

C.  Advise the City and County in all matters pertaining to historic properties and historic districts within the jurisdictional area of the Commission.

D.  Review and recommend an annual budget for the Commission consistent with the Fiscal Agent's guidelines, and make recommendations to the Joint Commission on the budget.

E.  Review all grants and to allocate the funds in accordance with the Fiscal Agent's guidelines.

F.  Review the applications and applicants for the position of Historic Preservation officer and to select the most qualified applicant.

G.  Operate the Commission and supervise the Historic Preservation officer.

H.  Solicit input on a regular basis from other groups or organizations who have an interest in the Commission and the services ; provided by the Commission.

I.  Review, recommend and keep the Joint Commission informed of any situations or circumstances which might reduce the serve, capability or performance level of the Commission.

The Helena/Lewis & Clark County Historic Preservation Commission participates in a support program for local historic preservation funded by the National Park Service and managed by the Montana State Historical Society. The "CLG" program, by offering a small annual grant and access to guidance and advice from the state preservation office, helps the H/L&CCHPC conduct its work.

"Certified Local Government" program of the National Park Service.

Vacancies on the Heritage Tourism Council are filled by either the City Commission, the County Commission or both. Applications may be obtained by contacting either Commission office at the City-County building. Current H/L&CCHPC membership requirements:

The Commission consist of seven (7) members who serve 3-year terms as follows:

A. Three (3) of the jointly selected members shall have professional expertise in the disciplines of history, planning, archaeology, architecture, architectural history, or other historic preservation-related disciplines such as cultural geography or cultural anthropology.

B.  Three (3) of the remaining selected members shall have a demonstrated interest in the arts or culture and tourism and economic development in the City and the County. 

C.  One of the selected members shall be an architect.

Members shall be appointed as follows:

A. Three (3) at-large members residing outside the Helena City limits, but within the jurisdictional area of the HTC to be appointed by the Lewis and Clark County Commissioners.

B.  Three (3) at-large members residing within the Helena City limits to be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Commissioners.

C.  One (1) at-large member to be selected jointly by the County Commission Chair and the Mayor and submitted to their respective Commissions for approval.

Vacancies occurring on the Commission of official members and by death or resignation of citizen members shall be filled for the unexpired term by the entity(ies) having appointed them.