Historic Preservation Commission

Established in 1992, the Clifton Park Historic Preservation Commission consists of a maximum of fifteen town residents appointed by the Town Board with interests and expertise in Historic Preservation or related fields including architecture, archaeology, history, restoration, real estate, law, and art history. The Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Town Board and Town Planning Board in matters pertaining to the preservation of Clifton Park’s historic sites, including buildings, archaeological sites and historic areas or districts. Owners of historic structures within the town can acquire advice and assistance from the Commission on their preservation projects.

The Commission is charged with determining what structures or sites are eligible to be placed on the Clifton Park Register of Historic Places. Eligible places must be at least 50 years old and either represent a fine example of a particular architectural style, have an association with important people in town history, or have played an important role in the religious, political or social history of the town. The site must have both exterior and interior integrity (original features). Click here for a list of the places on the Town’s Historic Register including photographs and locations.

The Commission also reviews the applications for the Historic Preservation Tax Easement that is available to places listed on the Town’s Register of Historic Places. In return for a reduction in tax assessment, the owner of a registered historic property must abide by the town’s historic zoning law that any exterior changes of improvements must be approved by the Town Board as recommended by the Commission. The percentage of assessed value reduction is based on a sliding scale determined by the number of years 15 to 25 that the property owner agrees to abide by the historic zoning ordinance.

The Commission oversees the maintenance of the various cemeteries in Clifton Park, recording their location and encouraging their preservation. Click here for a list of cemeteries and their location. A historic marker program is administered by the Commission. Click here for a list of historic markers and their location. The preservation of historic sites is further promoted through annual preservation awards given by the town, and through educational programs designed to encourage residents about the importance of preserving our town’s historic structures. Click here to view past recipients of Clifton Park’s Historic Preservation Awards.