Heritage Commission

Overview

The Heritage Commission shall consist of seven (7) members appointed by the Governing Body for three (3) year terms. The Heritage Commission shall be organized in the manner and have the powers and duties provided by Section 29 of the Zoning Regulations. The membership of the Heritage Commission may include not more than three (3) members who reside outside of the city limits of Abilene, Kansas. The remaining members shall reside within the city limits of Abilene, Kansas. (Ord. 22-3416)

Duties of the Heritage Commission

• Administers the local Historic Preservation Ordinance to include the issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness for improvements made to local landmarks; Reviews applications for local landmark designation; and serves as a Certified Local Government to conduct state law reviews of state and nationally listed properties on behalf of the State of Kansas.
• Educates the public on wise preservation practices, programs and incentives for preservation; the economic benefits of historic preservation.
• Reviews and makes recommendations on applications to the National Register of Historic Places; and
• Maintains a local historic resources inventory

Current Members and Term

• Nanc Scholl (Chair) 2027                                                                       
• Nicole Beck (Vice Chair) 2028
• Andrew Pankratz 2029
• Barry Arp 2029
• Mary Burtzloff 2027
• Jeff Radabaugh 2028
• Kevin Bailey 2029

Meeting and Contact Information

The Heritage Commission meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. in the commission room at the Abilene Public Library.

Find Agenda and Minutes

For more information, or if you have questions please feel free to contact Kari Zook, Community Development Director.

Historic Preservation Resources

When preparing for a project on a historic structure, there are a few resources that can help ensure compliance with all historic preservation laws.

• The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
• Kansas Historical Society’s Help for Property Owners
• Heritage Commission Process Guide - Certificate of Appropriateness (PDF)
• Heritage Commission Process Guide - State Law Review (PDF)
• What is a Certified Local Government (CLG)? (PDF)
• Certified Local Government Agreement 2022-2027 (PDF)
• Certificate of Appropriateness vs. State Law Review (PDF)
• Find Historic Properties in Abilene
• State Tax Incentives
• Federal Tax Incentives
• Preservation guides, standards, techniques
• National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC)
• Manual for State Historic Preservation Boards (PDF)
• Administrative Review Project Types (PDF)