Eligible CLG grant activities

Regular operating costs

• The cost of preparing the grant applications
• Operating costs
• Property acquisition
• Care for museum collections
• Preparation of exhibits

“Bricks and mortar” projects

• Construction or rehabilitation projects
• Landscaping
• Building maintenance
• The cost of moving properties

Cultural resources surveys

Surveys provide information needed to …

• Make informed planning decisions
• Prioritize preservation goals and objectives
• Develop and implement land use policies
• Develop heritage tourism initiatives
• Educate the public and improve their relationship with local history

Surveys also aid in identifying resources worthy of designating at the local, state and/or federal levels. These surveys may cover …

• Resources not yet evaluated or whose documentation does not meet current standards
• A geographic area, such as the commercial core of a specific neighborhood
• A theme, such as: Art Deco houses, buildings designed by a particular architect, resources of the Recent Past, or buildings associated with a particular historical context (e.g., Civil Rights).
• Archaeology.

National Register nominations

The National Register plays a vital role in historic preservation as

• A planning tool
• A basis for historic preservation tax incentives and economic revitalization
• For the recognition it bestows on designated properties

Multiple Property Submissions of statewide scope, along with at least one individual property nomination, will receive special consideration.

Properties listed on the New Jersey and/or National Registers of Historic Places are, in turn, eligible for other types of funded projects described here.

Historic Preservation Element of Municipal Master Plans

Public involvement

The historic preservation element operates in the context of the community.

Public involvement is an important part of developing any preservation element. This is an opportunity to reach a community-wide consensus about how to approach historic preservation. Further, applicants must actively seek public participation.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Public meetings
• Public review of draft documents
• Community forums or charettes

What are the end goals?

All master plan elements must conform to the requirements of the NJ Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), Section C. 40:55 D-28 (10).

The element must evaluate the public benefits of municipal historic preservation. It views the value and protection of historic properties within the larger framework of local development. From this framework, it examines and recommends strategies and actions for protection.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach — every community has different needs.

Education and outreach materials

• Development of brochures of a public workshop that focuses on energy conservation techniques for historic buildings
• Preparation and publication of a walking tour
• Podcast driving tour of the CLG community or county
• Interpretive signage, such as entry and exit signs for historic districts, plaques, etc.
• Website development
• Developing historic preservation curriculum for elementary or high school classes

Historic Structure Reports and Preservation Plans

These related types of surveys …

• Document the history and physical condition of historic properties.
• Establish planning frameworks guiding use, interpretation and treatment.

Local preservation planning activities

• Improvement of local historic preservation ordinances 
• Preparation and publication of Design Guidelines  
• Support for technical or professional administrative assistance to commissions 
• Local Designation Reports  

Training

• For historic preservation commission members, including workshops or other educational forums such as the Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program (CAMP).
• Instruction from a consultant on comprehensive land use planning basics and the commission’s role in the planning process
• Conduct a ‘how-to’ workshop for members of the community on topics like window repair, selecting appropriate historic paint colors, or researching the history of your house.
• Create training materials for realtors
• Host a workshop for architects, contractors, and homeowners on the application of your design guidelines.
• Weatherization & energy efficiency for historic structures workshop

Pre-development projects

Projects focused on a single listed property that is owned by the municipality or is accessible to the public.

• Develop technical documents necessary for the restoration/rehabilitation of a listed property. These may include plans and specifications; feasibility studies; historic structure reports; or other documents.
• Develop a maintenance plan or conditions assessment for the property.
• Study alternative uses for a property and make recommendations as to the most appropriate adaptive reuse.

Preparing planning and construction documents

Specifically, the preparation of planning and constructions documents to meet Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for New Jersey and National Register listed properties. 

Technical assistance

Technical assistance grants help CLG communities administer their historic preservation ordinance. Grant funds retain, on a part-time basis, a qualified preservation consultant. This consultant provides technical and administrative assistance to the historic preservation commission.

The preservation consultant will be available to

• Advise and instruct the public on applying for a Certificate of Appropriateness
• Provide written recommendations on each application
• Advise the commission in evaluating the appropriate treatment of designated properties
• Assist the commission in reviewing applications

Disaster plans for historic preservation

HPF grants may also be used for other planning documents that supplement or incorporate a preservation plan, including disaster planning.

This is not a complete list of possible projects. If your community has an idea that is not mentioned here, it may still be eligible for Historic Preservation Funds. Please call the Certified Local Government Program Coordinator to discuss your project further.