The Historic Preservation Commission:

• provides protection for significant properties and archaeological sites that represent important aspects of Tempe’s heritage;

• enhances the character of the community by taking such properties and sites into account during development; and,

• assists owners in the preservation and restoration of their properties.

 The Commission also:

• reviews applications for the designation of landmarks, historic properties, and historic districts and makes recommendations to the Development Review Commission and City Council;

• reviews and makes decisions on applications for proposed alterations, new construction, demolition, or removal affecting landmarks, historic properties, or properties located within an historic district; and,

• forwards recommendations to the appropriate decision-making body as a part of the staff report regarding the request.

The Historic Preservation Commission consists of nine members, meeting certain qualifications as set forth below, appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council:

• Three at-large members who are City residents with a demonstrated interest in or knowledge of historic preservation.

• Five professional members who are City residents drawn from the following disciplines, with no more than two such professionals from the same discipline:
  • architecture,
  • architectural history,
  • archaeology,
  • historic preservation law,
  • history,
  • landscape architecture, or
  • other related field.

• One representative from the Four Southern Tribes Cultural Resource Working Group, who is responsible for nominating a designee.

The Historic Preservation Commission typically meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m., in the Harry E. Mitchell Government Center, Tempe City Hall – City Council Chambers, 31 East Fifth Street, unless otherwise noted on the meeting agenda. 

The Commission conducts no fewer than four regular meetings in a calendar year and may call special meetings at the discretion of the Commission Chair or five or more members of the Commission.