Historic Preservation Planning & Programs
Local and Statewide Planning
Local Preservation Planning
Planning is key to preserving Iowa’s historic resources. Whether your project involves a single historic resource or the broader community, a historic preservation plan will help create a shared vision, build consensus, establish priorities and chart future action.
A number of resources are available to help you get started:
- The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Preservation Planning
- Historic Preservation Planning Program
- Guidelines for Local Surveys: A Basis for Preservation Planning
- The American Planning Association’s Policy Guide on Historic and Cultural Resources
- The Preparation and Use of Historic Structure Reports
- National Alliance of Preservation Commissions
Statewide Preservation Planning
Iowa’s Comprehensive Statewide Historic Preservation Plan is intended to embrace local, regional and state perspectives. The Current Statewide Historic Preservation Plan for 2023-2032 includes the state's goals for the years 2023 to 2032, each of which is accompanied by objectives.
In early 2021, the State Historic Preservation Office began the process to develop the ten-year plan for the years 2023-2032. An advisory committee composed of members of the public and representatives of Iowa’s preservation partners formed and had their first meeting in April.A series of opportunities for public input occurred. Please check out our yearly Preserve Iowa Summit for future opportunities to collaborate with other historic preservation professionals and avocationalists on the preservation plan at our conference.
A link to the plan is available in the resources section. The Advisory Committee and the State Historic Preservation Office encourage Iowans to email their feedback to historic.preservation@iowa.gov.
Feel free to email the same address if you have general questions or comments or would like to provide feedback on the current plan. Thank you for your interest in preserving Iowa history.