According to the National Park Service, the first instance of law dealing with contributing properties in local historic districts was enacted in 1931 by the city of Charleston, South Carolina; it designated the "Old and Historic District." The ordinance declared that buildings in the district could not have changes made to architectural features that were visible from the street. By the mid-1930s, other U.S. cities followed Charleston's lead.
As stated by the National Park Service, the first legislation addressing property modifications in historic districts was introduced by Charleston, South Carolina, in 1931; it designated the "Old and Historic District." The ordinance specified that buildings within the district could not undergo alterations to exterior architectural features. Following this lead, other U.S. cities implemented similar measures by the mid-1930s.