Administering

Relevant Local Legislation

Municipal documents further define the authority and jurisdiction of the HDC or HPC.

The Study Committee Report details the historical and architectural character of theLHD or LHP, defines the geographical boundaries, and justifies its creation. The local ordinance formally designates the LHD or LHP and establishes the appropriate commission to administer the area. The rules of procedure govern the internal operations of the HDC or HPC.

While the choice and process to create an HDC or HPC is executed at the local level, the ability to do so is granted by state law. As such, each of the municipal documents must be compatible with the state statutes.

In order to be legitimate, the Study Committee Report must comply with criteria established by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism (CCT). The local ordinance must comply with the state enabling statute.  The rules of procedure adopted by the commission must be in compliance with both the state enabling statute and the Freedom of Information Act.

The state enabling statute and the Freedom of Information Act have been amended many times over the years.  It is vitally important that the local ordinance and rules of procedure reflect these changes so that the HDC or HPC can continue to be in compliance with – and thus have the full weight and support of – state law.