Setting the Machine in Motion: What Triggers Archaeological Review at the Local Level?

Summary

One of the central characteristics of successful municipal archaeology programs is that they require archaeological review prior to ground disturbing activities, such as new city road projects or new commercial development. But there is considerable variety in the regulatory ‘triggers’ that local governments use to determine when archaeological review is required. Using examples from cities and counties across the United States, this paper will highlight the different processes used to bring archaeology into the land development sphere in private and local government projects. The range of approaches used draws attention to both the flexibility of local development regulations, and to their ability to meet the specific political and archaeological needs of each community. The discussion of these ‘triggers’ will also present an opportunity to explore different options for communities considering how archaeology might fit into their local regulations.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Municipal Archaeology: Linking Archaeology, Urban Planning and Heritage   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2014

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): SYM-10,01