The Landmarks Commission was established by the City Council in 1979. According to the Albany Municipal Code, Chapter 2.76, the commission was created to “effect and accomplish the protection, enhancement, perpetuation of improvements and districts, which represent or reflect elements of the city’s cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history.”

The purpose of this commission is to “safeguard the city’s historic and cultural heritage; foster civic pride in the beauty and noble accomplishments of the past; protect and enhance the city’s attractions; strengthen the economy of the city and property values; and promote the use of historic districts and landmarks for the education, pleasure and welfare of the people of the city.” The commission maintains historic property records, recommends historical designations, coordinates preservation program planning, and recommends rules and regulations necessary to carry out its purpose. It reviews applications for new construction, exterior alteration, additions, and demolitions for the buildings in Albany's four National Register of Historic Districts (over 800 buildings) as well as roughly 80 additional buildings outside of the districts on the local historic inventory. The commission also assists the City’s preservation planners in developing and conducting educational workshops and other preservation-related activities, such as the Historic Preservation Awards. You can learn more about the City's historic preservation program here.

Landmarks Commissioners and City Staff are familiar with historic rehabilitation and restoration projects, and offer consultations and on-site visits. Before beginning any exterior renovation project that would change the appearance, material, or character of a historic structure, please contact Community Development to discuss your project and schedule site visits.

Meeting Materials