It is the intent of the City to encourage the preservation of the City's historical and architecturally significant resources by the formation of a Historical Commission which has the duty and fuction to identify and designate historical properties within the City and to honor those property owners who have maintained or restored these historical properties.

The Historiacl Commission has been inventorying all the properties within the original Grass Valley Townsite which was surveyed in 1872.   The objective has been to identify who owned the property at that time, what structures were on the property in 1872 and what structures are on the property today.  Information on properties within this designated area is available to the public by contacting Barb Carman at the Planning Division.  A handout is available to assist property owners who wish to do additional research on their property.

The Historical Commission has published a "Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Grass Valley" which provides an inventory of historic buildings in the Downtown area.  The bookelt is available at City Hall for $3.50 plus tax.  The Commission also hosts the annual "Heritage Home Awards" to recognize homes of historical value.

The Grass Valley Historical Commission consists of five (5) members and one (1) alternate each appointed by teh City Council for a four year term.  The Commission's function is to identify and verify historical resources and encourage their preservation.  They also make recommendations to the City Council regarding designation of historical landmarks as appropriate.The Commission meets on the third Thursday of each month.  There is no compensation for serving on the Commission.