Historic Districts

NATIONAL REGISTER VS LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS

NATIONAL REGISTER

LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT

  • Designated by the National Parks Service.
  • Official list by the federal government of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation.
  • Highlights a comprehensive list of historic resources according to the National Register Criteria of Evaluation. 
  • Analyzes and assess the historic character and quality of a district. 
  • Sets district boundaries tightly, based on the actual distribution pattern of contributing historic properties in the area. 
  • Makes available specific federal and state tax incentives for preservation purposes. 
  • DOES NOT require Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior alterations visible from the street on structures in the district. 
  • DOES NOT prevent demolitions of historic buildings and structures. 

  • Designated by the local municipality.
  • Protects the historic character and quality of the district with specific design controls.
  • Sets district boundaries based on the distribution pattern of historic resources, plus other preservation and community planning considerations.
  • DOES NOT provide tax incentives for preservation purposes unless provided by local tax law.
  • Requires Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior alterations visible from the street on structures within the district, unless otherwise stated in the overlay regulations.
  • Provides Historic Preservation Commission review of proposed demolitions; may prevent or delay proposed demolitions for specific time periods to allow for preservation alternatives.

LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS

NATIONAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS

Established by Congress in 1966, the National Register of Historic Places is the nation's official list of significant historic properties. Each state has a historic preservation office, which is responsible for nominating buildings, sites, districts, etc. to the Register. In Louisiana, the Division of Historic Preservation administers this program.


Learn more about  LOUISIANA NATIONAL REGISTRATION OF HISTORIC PLACES

OR

Learn more about   THE NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE DATABASE