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Introduction

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]A Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is created and defined by the local ordinance, but its existence alone does not guarantee entry into the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program. To participate, communities must build and run their HPCs according to requirements from the Muncipal Land Use Law (MLUL).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner disable_element=”yes”][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Introduction

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]A Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is created and defined by the local ordinance, but its existence alone does not guarantee entry into the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program. To participate, communities must build and run their HPCs according to requirements from the Muncipal Land Use Law (MLUL).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1711466931787{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][info-box-shortcode icon=”fas fa-users” title=”Historic Preservation Commission mailing list (HPClist)” buttonlink=”https://deptest.nj.gov/hpo/programs/community/hpc/hpclist/”]HPC members in CLG communities can join an email-based forum. Review how to use or unsubscribe from the mailing list.[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Setting up the historic preservation commission

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Members

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The historic preservation commission must consist of five, seven, or nine members, plus no more than two alternates. These members must include at least one of each of the following categories of appointment:

Class A

A person knowledgeable in building design and construction or architectural history. They may live outside the municipality.

Class B

A person knowledgeable in or with a demonstrated interest in local history. They may live outside the municipality.

Class C

A citizen who lives within the municipality but does not have a conflict of interest in local government. Aside from the planning board or board of adjustment, they cannot hold a municipal office, position or employment. This class includes any remaining members not designated as Class A or B.

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Structuring the historic preservation commission

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Historic Preservation Commissions may choose either a Strong or Weak commission structure.

• In a strong commission, the HPC’s determination binds the administrative officer’s ability to issue the permit. The Planning Board is not involved in the preservation-related aspects of the review.
  In a weak commission, the administrative officer receives an application, then forwards it to the Planning Board and HPC.

The HPC makes a recommendation to the Planning Board, which has the final authority to instruct the administrative officer whether to issue the permit. This is basically the same as the referral process.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Meeting procedures

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Historic preservation commission meetings should be conducted in accordance with the N.J.S.A 10:4-6, et seq. Senator Byron M. Baer Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) and New Jersey Code Title 40 N.J.S.A. 40:55D-9.[/vc_column_text][vc_message color=”danger” message_box_color=”danger” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-times”]Actions taken in violation of the Act are voidable if challenged within 45 calendar days of the violation. Intentional violations may result in fines.[/vc_message][vc_column_text]Generally meeting procedures include:

• Meetings of “public bodies” must be open to the public.
• Adequate advance notice (at least 48 hours).
• Need quorum to conduct business.
• Statement at commencement of meeting.
• Minutes must be taken.
• Executive (Private) Sessions – only allowed for certain limited topics, and only after adoption of a resolution.
• Generally, Robert’s Rules of Order govern parliamentary procedures at meetings.

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Download meeting procedures

[/vc_column_text][vc_message color=”info”]The following excerpts are shared from the New Jersey State Legislature’s statutes tool. For the most up to date version, visit the State Legislature website.[/vc_message][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1719409248595{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][info-box-shortcode icon=”fa fa-solid fa-book-open” title=”Senator Byron M. Baer Open Public Meetings Act and municipal meetings code” buttonlink=”https://deptest.nj.gov/hpo/news/posts/2025/08/05/open-public-meetings-act-municipalities/” targetlink=”true”]Download the PDF version for printing or desktop computer use. We offer an EPUB version as well for e-readers and mobile devices.[/info-box-shortcode][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1719409257773{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1719409268138{margin-bottom: 32px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]