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 shall hold no fewer than four (4) regular meetings per calendar year and may hold special meetings at the discretion of the Chair or when requested by five or more members. All meetings are open to the public, and meeting records are maintained by the Community Development Department and the City Clerk’s Office.  

PLEASE NOTE:
Agendas, Action Summaries, and Minutes for the Historic Preservation Commission – starting with the June 11, 2025 meeting – are available on the City of Tempe’s Agenda Online website: https://tempe.hylandcloud.com/AgendaOnline

 To view only the Historic Preservation Commission meetings:

1. Click “Meetings” in the top blue navigation bar.
2. In the “Meeting Type” field, check the box for “Historic Preservation Commission Meeting”.
3. Click the “Search” button. 

All recent and upcoming Historic Preservation Commission meetings will then display on the page.

The Historic Preservation Commission’s responsibilities include:

• Reviewing applications for the designation of landmarks, historic properties, and historic districts, and making recommendations to the Development Review Commission.

• Reviewing and making decisions on applications for proposed alterations, new construction, demolition, or removal affecting landmarks, historic properties, or properties located within a historic district.

• Forwarding recommendations to the City Council on the use of available funds to promote historic preservation, including grants, acquisitions, and easements.

• Recommending changes to local laws and policies that may enhance preservation efforts.

• Cooperating with property owner representatives in designated historic districts to help formulate design guidelines.

• Conducting studies and surveys to assess historic potential and updating the City’s historic preservation plan.

• Promoting public awareness of historic preservation through education and outreach.

The Historic Preservation Commission consists of nine (9) members appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council:

• Three (3) at-large members who are City residents with a demonstrated interest in or knowledge of historic preservation.

• Five (5) professional members who are City residents and drawn from the following disciplines – architecture, architectural history, archaeology, historic preservation law, history, landscape architecture, or other related field – with no more than three (3) professionals from the same discipline.

• One (1) representative nominated by the Four Southern Tribes Cultural Resource Working Group.

Commissioners serve three-year terms and may be reappointed but shall serve no more than two regular, complete, consecutive terms. Members who serve less than one complete term remain eligible to serve two full terms. Terms are staggered so that no more than three positions are open for appointment at any one time, unless vacancies occur.