A Future for Our Buildings:
The Tempe Historic Preservation Ordinance

In November of 1995, the Tempe City Council adopted an Historic Preservation Ordinance which was the first official historic preservation policy for the city. The purpose of the ordinance is "to provide protection for significant properties and archeological sites which represent important aspects of Tempe's heritage; to enhance the character of the community by taking such properties and sites into account during development, and to assist owners in the preservation and restoration of their properties. Reasonable and fair regulations are included . . . as a means of balancing the rights of property owners and the value to the community of these significant properties and sites."

The ordinance amends the Tempe City Code, creating an Historic Preservation Commission and establishing a process for reviewing alteration or demolition of historic buildings. It also calls for the creation of a Tempe Historic Property Register to identify local landmarks, historic properties and districts.

The Historic Preservation Ordinance, which is Chapter 14A of the the City Code for the City of Tempe, is available from the city web server. This information is available as a downloadable document.

Click here to view the full text of the Historic Preservation Ordinance.

Go to the next page of the Doors to the Past exhibit

Return to the beginning of Doors to the Past

Return to the Tempe Historical Museum Homepage

Go to the Tempe Historic Property Survey