Historic Preservation FAQs

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• What is the role of the Historic Preservation Commission members and staff?

  The commission reviews plans for all exterior alterations to buildings in the historic district, including changes or additions to the rear of the property. If the plans are approved, then the applicant may apply for a building permit. The commission also sponsors historic site surveys and publications.

  The staff reviews applications and advises the commission on matters related to zoning code and design guidelines. Staff also assists property owners in preparing their applications. Staff also administers the Certified Local Government program for the commission.

• What is an historic district?

  There are three types of historic districts. The National Park Service designates National Historic Landmark districts that have the highest level of significance in our nation's past. The park service also administers the National Register of Historic Places which designates historic districts significant at local, state or national levels. Each state has an office which reviews nominations to the National Register and forwards them to the Keeper of the National Register for review and approval. However, the property owner does not require approval for alterations or demolition in these types of districts except in the case of federal ownership or federal licensing, funding or permitting. A locally designated historic district is an area with specific boundaries that has been designated as such by a municipality or a county. Exterior alterations and demolitions in this type of district must be reviewed and approved by the Historic Preservation Commission before a building permit can be issued. However, approved rehabilitations in all of these district are eligible for tax credits.

• How can I find out if my property is in an historic district?

  Contact the Chief of Historic Preservation or Preservation Officer in your city or county planning and zoning office.

• What does having a property in an historic district mean for me as a property owner?

  If you plan to make exterior changes to you property, you will need to apply for a Certificate of Approval from the preservation commission. And, the proposed changes will need to comply with certain guidelines. Your rehabilitation project could be eligible for certain tax credits at a state level. Because these properties are protected, their value usually exceeds that of properties that are not subject to review.

• What is the National Register of Historic Places and how can I get my property listed on it?

  The National Register of Historic Places is a list of buildings, structures, districts, sites and objects which have been determined to have national historic significance. The National Register is maintained by the National Park Service, but administered on the state level by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in each state. National Register listing offers limited protection from state and federally funded projects. In addition, listing on the National Register does not limit a property owner's rights, and may provide some tax and funding incentives for historic preservation. Before a property is deemed National Register eligible, the nomination must be evaluated at the state level. For more information, contact your SHPO.

• How can I date my house and its architectural features?

  Determining a likely date of construction for an old house usually requires both documentary and architectural research. Documentary research that you can do yourself includes reviewing deed and probate information, tax records, and local histories. Your local historical society may also have other pertinent information as well as historic photographs. Documentary research can be quite conclusive, but in some cases physical investigation will be necessary to supplement and/or corroborate the documentary evidence. The investigation of the architectural fabric may require a more trained eye and some technical assistance from a preservation professional.

• How do I find reliable contractors to work on my historic property?

  Both Old-House Journal and Traditional Building magazines also list contractors and/or companies that provide services for historic homeowners. Other resources to check include trade shows and local historical societies. Remember to always get three bids and reliable references from each bidder.

• What funding sources are available for historic preservation?

  There is limited funding available for privately-owned historic homes. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has established the 203K Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program, which provides low interest loans for historic preservation. Contact your regional HUD office for approved lenders in your area. The Secretary of the Interior offers grants-in-aid for National Register properties, which is administered through the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). These grants are available to individuals, public and private organizations, and non-federal units of government. The SHPO may also have other grants or funding programs available, such as a preservation projects fund. The current tax incentives are 20% Investment Tax Credits, which apply to income-producing properties that are listed on the National Register. The rehabilitation work is subject to review by the National Park Service and the SHPO.

• Where can I find appropriate hardware and fixtures for my historic house?

  Two good sources for hardware fixtures, as well as a host of other products related to historic houses, are Old-House Journal and Traditional Building magazines. Both of these periodicals should be available at your local book store and/or library, and both maintain web sites.