Contact Historic Preservation

Phone

303-441-3209

Email

historic@bouldercolorado.gov

Key Information

  • Historic Preservation review is required for non-designated buildings over 50 years old per Section 9-11-23, Review of Permits for Demolition, On-Site Relocation and Off-Site Relocation of Buildings Not Designated, B.R.C. 1981.
  • Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Please fill out every section of the application and sign it.
  • Review will not begin until fee is paid and a complete application accepted. Fee will be invoiced via the email addresses (owner/applicant) listed on application. Log into Customer Self Service Portal to pay the invoiced fee and upload additional information requested to complete the application.
  • Historic Preservation approval is valid for 180 days and cannot be extended. If the demolition (full) or building permit (partial) permit is not applied for within 180 days, a new application is required.

Review Process

There are three levels of review; the level of the initial review is based on the building’s date of construction.

Administrative Review
  • Post-1940 Primary Building Demo/Off-Site Relocation
  • Accessory Demolition
  • On-Site Relocation
$51 feeInitial Review within 14 days
Committee Review
Pre-1940 Primary Building Demo/Off-Site Relocation$282 feeInitial Review within 14 days
Landmarks Board Review
Application Referred to Landmarks Board for Review in a Public Hearing$1504 feeThe Landmarks Board typically meets the first Wednesday of the month. The deadline for the meeting is 28 days prior.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • To prevent the loss of buildings that may have historical or architectural significance.
  • To provide the time necessary to initiate designation as an individual landmark or to consider alternatives for potentially significant buildings.

The building’s potential eligibility for individual landmark designation is considered, including:

  • Potential architectural significance: recognized period/style; architect or builder of prominence; artistic merit; example of the uncommon; indigenous qualities;
  • Potential historic significance: date of construction; association with historical persons or events; distinction in the development of the community of Boulder; recognition by authorities;
  • Potential environmental significance: site characteristics; compatibility with site; geographic importance; environmental appropriateness; area integrity.

The scope of work is reviewed to see if it could have a significant impact or potentially detrimental effect on the potential historic resource (partial demolition only).

  • Staff will update the case and generate an approval letter, available through the Customer Self Service Portal.
  • For partial demolitions, submit the approval letter with your building permit application. If the scope of demolition changes, a new application is required.
  • For full demolitions, submit the approval letter with your Demolition Permit Application.

  • Staff will add the Landmarks Board hearing fee to the case.
  • Pay the fee by the deadline by logging in through the Customer Self Service Portal
  • Submit additional information based on the code criteria
    • Eligibility of the building(s) for individual landmark designation
    • Estimated cost of restoration or repair
    • Condition of the building(s)
    • Relationship of the building(s) to the character of the neighborhood
    • In considering the condition of the building and the projected cost of restoration or repair, the board may not consider deterioration caused by unreasonable neglect.
  • Sign a waiver agreeing to a virtual public hearing
  • Post a sign on the property 10 days in advance of the meeting
  • Read the Landmarks Board Memo and Staff Recommendation; posted 7-10 days in advance of the meeting on the Landmarks Board website
  • Attend the Landmarks Board Hearing.
    • Staff presentation (10 mins) o The applicant/owner(s) presentation (10 mins)
    • Public comment (3 mins each)
    • Board Deliberation. The Landmarks Board has three options:
      • Approve the demolition
      • Place a stay of demolition on the application (up to 180 days) to provide time to consider alternatives
      • Initiate landmark designation