The Landmarks Commission is responsible for determining whether buildings, sites or historic districts are eligible for designation as landmarks. The Commission follows established criteria listed in the Landmarks Ordinance and uses the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation to review proposed changes. Through the issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness the Commission reviews building and demolition permits for Designated Cleveland Landmarks and Districts. Local Design Review Committees act as advisory committees to the Landmarks Commission within designated historic districts.

The Commission conducts a continuing survey of historic properties within the City for the purposes of designation as a Cleveland Landmark and/or listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The Commission also informs citizens about the architectural and historical heritage of Cleveland.

The Commission acts as a Certified Local Government in coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office in cases involving Section 106/Environmental Reviews and National Register of Historic Places designations.

The Landmarks Commission is an eleven-member board of preservation-minded individuals consisting of architects, historians, property owners, attorneys, Cleveland City Council representatives, the Director of City Planning, and the Commissioner of Architecture.