| name | preservation-law-summary |
| title | Historic Preservation Law Summary |
| description | Generates structured legal memoranda on historic preservation law covering NHPA, Penn Central takings analysis, designation processes, and state-local regulatory frameworks. Use when summarizing preservation jurisprudence, Section 106 review, landmark regulations, cultural resource protection, or takings challenges to preservation ordinances. |
| author | CaseMark |
| author_url | https://github.com/CaseMark/skills/tree/main/skills/legal/preservation-law-summary |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| version | 0.1.0 |
| execution_mode | open |
| jurisdiction | us |
| practice | real-estate |
| language | en |
Historic Preservation Law Summary
Produces a thematically organized legal memorandum synthesizing historic preservation statutes, case law, and regulatory frameworks across federal, state, and local levels.
Prerequisites
Gather before drafting:
- Jurisdiction scope — federal, specific state(s), or local municipality
- Audience — developer, agency, preservation advocate, or litigation counsel
- Focus areas — full survey or narrowed (e.g., takings only, designation process only)
- Uploaded documents — case files, regulatory guidance, or ordinances to incorporate
Quick Start
- Confirm jurisdiction, audience, and focus areas
- Draft executive overview (property rights vs. preservation interest, three-tier framework)
- Build thematic sections synthesizing statutes + case law per topic
- Format all citations in Bluebook; mark unverified citations
[VERIFY]
- Flag jurisdictional variations and unsettled law
Memorandum Structure
Format as a professional legal memorandum with Bluebook citations.
Executive Overview (1–2 paragraphs)
- Balance between property rights and public preservation interest
- Three-tier regulatory framework (federal → state → local)
- Key legal mechanisms: designation, review, enforcement
Thematic Sections
Organize by topic, not chronologically. Each section synthesizes statutes + case law.
| Topic | Key Authorities | Coverage |
|---|
| Designation criteria & procedures | NHPA §106, state register statutes | Listing standards, landmark criteria, district designation |
| Regulatory authority | Local preservation ordinances | Alterations, demolitions, certificates of appropriateness |
| Takings challenges | Penn Central v. NYC, 438 U.S. 104 (1978) | Three-factor test, economic impact, investment-backed expectations |
| Tax incentives & economics | IRC §47, state credits | Federal 20% credit, state incentives, economic hardship |
| Enforcement & remedies | Varies by jurisdiction | Penalties, injunctive relief, citizen suits |
| Intersections |
