Trust for Architectural Easements

Stewardship Program: The Trust inspects each of the properties on which it holds an easement at least once every other year, and compares the condition of the property to baseline photographs on file to ensure that the property is in compliance with the terms of the easement. In 2018, the Trust monitored the properties for which an easement was granted between 2001 and 2010. No easement donations were accepted between 2011 and 2017. One easement donation was accepted in 2018. In addition, the Trust reviews and responds to change requests from owners seeking the Trust's consent, as required by the terms of the easement, to make alterations to their properties. The Trust's decisions regarding alterations conform with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. The Trust also tracks changes in ownership of easement-protected properties by reviewing land records and communicating regularly with property owners. Communications with potential buyers of easement-encumbered properties and their representatives reinforce the owner's obligations under the terms of the easement, as well as the Trust's rights and responsibilities vis a vis the properties. New owners are provided with a copy of the recorded easement, as well as information about the Trust's annual monitoring process and change request policies and procedures. Legal action is taken to defend the enforceability of the easements and to ensure compliance.