1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the “Local Historic Preservation Act”.

2. Each city, town, village and each county regardless of classification may create by ordinance or order a historic preservation commission, and ^* grant to such commission any or all of the following powers and authority:

(1) To conduct ongoing survey and research to identify and document buildings, structures, objects, sites and districts that are of historic, archaeological, architectural, engineering, cultural or scenic significance to the locality, the state or the nation;

(2) To recommend to the governing body designation of significant historic properties as historic landmarks and historic districts, to prepare documentation supporting such nomination, and to maintain a register of designated landmarks and districts, and of significant historical, architectural and archaeological properties;

(3) To recommend to the governing body the establishment of regulations, guidelines and policies to preserve the integrity and ambience of designated landmarks and districts. The commission shall have the authority to review ordinary maintenance as deemed appropriate, new construction, alterations, removals, and demolitions proposed within the boundaries of a landmark or district, including review of plans for vacant lots and nonhistoric buildings and structures;

(4) To provide technical assistance to owners of older and historic, architectural, archaeological, cultural and scenic properties concerning the preservation and maintenance of the property;

(5) To recommend to the governing body programs and policies and economic incentives to encourage the preservation of significant historic landmarks and districts;

(6) To prepare a comprehensive historic preservation plan, or a preservation element to a master plan, to integrate the preservation program into the local government for planning and zoning for land use, building and fire codes, special-use permits, community revitalization, and heritage tourism;

(7) To participate in the conduct of land use, urban renewal and other city activities affecting landmarks and districts; and

(8) To acquire by purchase, gift, or bequest, fee title or lesser interest, including preservation restriction or easements, in designated properties and adjacent or associated lands which are important for the preservation and use of the designated properties.

3. Commission members should, to the extent available, be persons with demonstrated interest or expertise in historic preservation. Representatives of historical societies and residents of historic districts are encouraged as members.