What are some of the key historical preservation laws and regulations?

1. National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) - Enacted in 1966, the NHPA established a national framework for historic preservation. It created a system of national, state, and local historic landmarks and grants federal recognition to historic sites.

2. Preservation tax incentives - These incentives offer a tax credit or deduction for the rehabilitation of historic buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

3. Section 106 of the NHPA - This section requires federal agencies to take into account the effects of their activities on historic properties. It mandates the consultation between federal agencies, state historic preservation officers, and interested parties to assess the impact of proposed projects on historic properties.

4. National Register of Historic Places - This is the official list of historic sites, buildings, and districts that have been designated by the Secretary of the Interior as significant to America’s heritage. Listing on the National Register provides recognition, limited protection, and possible financial incentives.

5. State historic preservation offices - Each state has its own historic preservation office that is responsible for administering state and federal historic preservation programs. These offices offer technical assistance, review projects, and provide guidance to local communities.

6. Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA) - The FHAA requires that all housing built after 1988 be accessible and adaptable for persons with disabilities. This has had implications for historic preservation, as some historic buildings and districts have had to be retrofitted to meet these accessibility standards.

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