55 ILCS 5/5-30008

The study committee shall have the following authority: (1) to review and evaluate any existing State, county or local surveys and to undertake a preliminary survey of incorporated and unincorporated portions of the county in order to determine generally the number, type and location of potential landmarks and historic districts; (2) on the basis of the survey, to determine the need for establishment of a preservation commission to recommend the designation of landmarks or preservation districts, and to review construction, alteration, demolition and removal affecting designated landmarks and preservation districts; (3) upon a determination and recommendation that a preservation commission should be established, to either recommend specific landmarks and preservation districts that should be designated by an ordinance establishing a preservation commission, or recommend a process for continuous and systematic survey of the county to identify and designate landmarks and preservation districts as part of an ordinance to establish a preservation commission; (4) to prepare or cause to be prepared, an ordinance for the establishment of a preservation commission and for the designation and protection of landmarks and preservation districts; (5) to recommend incentives to encourage the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and continued use of landmarks or property within preservation districts; (6) to report to the county board within a reasonable period of time concerning these and any other matters affecting the preservation of buildings, structures, areas, sites and landscapes that are of historic, archaeological, architectural, or scenic significance.