The RHDC has an uncommon governance structure for a municipal historic preservation commission. Its predecessor organization was established by City Council in 1961 as an advisory committee before there were state statutes for historic districts and landmarks. To raise funds for its projects, the committee organized as a non-profit corporation and obtained 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

The twelve-member Commission makes all decisions meeting as a whole unless it explicitly authorizes a committee or officer to act for it in a specific instance. The Commission manages its work and receives recommendations for action through five standing committees: Executive, Certificate of Appropriateness, Community Awareness, Nominations, and Research.