In the mid-1970s, the areas around the State Capitol and Governor's Mansion were in decline, neglected by city planning and development efforts.
Recognizing that something had to be done to protect the face the state presented to its citizens and visitors, the legislature brought into being the Capitol Zoning District Commission to protect the special character of these neighborhoods by acting as a special planning and historic preservation commission.
The Capitol Zoning District Commission protects the State Capitol Area and Governor's Mansion Area by acting as a special planning and historic preservation commission for just these two districts. The Commission and its three member staff review all proposals for construction work, demolition, or business uses in the district to make sure that they are appropriate to the dignity of the state and the special character of these neighborhoods. In this way, they can guarantee that the state puts its best foot forward, and that property owners know that their property values and quality of life will continue to improve.
To ensure appropriate development, the Commission works closely with design and historic preservation professionals, and area residents and property owners, who sit on three advisory committees that make recommendations to the Commission on proposals before it.