McClurg, Jessie2019-06-242019-06-242011https://hdl.handle.net/11299/203885Conservation districts are a planning tool commonly used to preserve distinct neighborhood characteristics. Although not yet widely used in Minnesota, several Twin City neighborhoods have expressed an interest in exploring the implementation of conservation districts as a more flexible alternative to local historic district designation and review procedures. The objective of this study is to summarize the wide range of approaches for creating and maintaining neighborhood conservation districts. Research began in June 2010 with a review of literature related to conservation districts. Next, telephone interviews were conducted with residents and administrators of conservation districts in order to understand how the districts were established and how they are currently functioning. Also examined were several Minneapolis neighborhoods that developed and now implement their own voluntary design guidelines to encourage preservation of existing architecture and compatible new construction.enReport