The Commission reviews applications for demolitions and partial demolitions of properties more than 75 years old, located outside of the Town's two local historic districts, the Old King's Highway Historic District and the Hyannis Main Street Waterfront Historic District. When the Commission finds that the building is significant, demolition can be postponed for eighteen months. This process allows the property owner time to incorporate the present building into new plans or find other individuals who would be interested in purchasing the building and preserving it. Through the years, significant buildings have been preserved through the joint efforts of the Commission and the property owners.

The Commission inventories historic properties and seeks to preserve significant properties. As part of the preservation program, the Town has 13 Historic Districts including six National Register Districts, plus 75 properties individually listed on the National Register. Significant changes or demolition of buildings listed on the National Register and contributing buildings located within a National Register District are also subject to review by the Cape Cod Commission.