Legal Definitions - preservation order

A preservation order is a legal directive given to a property owner to maintain a historic building or conserve a natural habitat. It is a way to protect important cultural and environmental resources for future generations.

For example, a city may issue a preservation order to the owner of a historic building, requiring them to maintain the building's original architectural features and prevent any alterations that would compromise its historical significance. Similarly, a preservation order may be issued to a landowner to protect a natural habitat, such as a wetland or forest, from development or other activities that could harm the ecosystem.

These examples illustrate how preservation orders are used to safeguard important cultural and environmental resources. By requiring property owners to take specific actions to maintain or protect these resources, preservation orders help ensure that they will be available for future generations to enjoy.