Historic Preservation involves recognizing places from our past that are important, caring for them, and using them in ways that enrich all our lives. These special places reveal every aspect of our country's origins and development - our land, houses, workplaces, parks, roadways, waterways, places of worship and objects of art. Historic places help us understand who we are, as well as the meaning of our accomplishments and shortcomings. Preservation, above all, protects and maintains our past for future generations - the stewardship of our nation's legacy.

• First, it encourages a balance between cultural stability and appropriate growth, to improve the quality of life for everyone. America's richness is its diversity of peoples and cultures. Historical places play a critical role in defining and reinforcing this unique American identity. These places from the past also root us into our neighborhoods and towns as we begin the 21^st century.
• Second, preservation makes economic sense. Compared to new construction, rehabilitating existing structures often costs less, conserves scarse materials, and provides more jobs. Preservation is one solution to many problems facing the country, from energy conservation to affordable housing.
• Third, preservation of public buildings provides opportunities to visit historical sites for both educational and recreational purposes. Such popular activities contribute significant tourist income to many local and state governments.
• The wide range of preservation activities is carried out by a partnership among Federal, Tribal, State and local governments, and the private sector.

Originally adopted in 1980, the Santa Cruz County Historic Resources Inventory includes any structure or collection of structures (along with associated sites) which has been judged to be of importance to the history of the County.

Anyone can nominate a property for inclusion in the Santa Cruz Historic Resources Inventory. The nomination is reviewed by the County's Historic Resources Commission (HRC). the HRC judges the nomination by the following criteria among other factors:

• Age of the structure (must be over 50 years)
• Historic Architecture
• Cultural or social historic significance.

• The property becomes eligable to use the State Historic Building code, an alternative to the standard building codes. The Historic Building Code recognizes the unique construction problems inherent in historic buildings.
• The property becomes eligable for potential inclusion on the National Register of Historic places.
• The historic value of the property is protected from the vagaries of changes in ownership or local development policies.
• Listed properties typically experience an increase in resale value.

The following offices can answer questions you may have about national, state, and local preservation activities: