What are the benefits of owning a landmarked property or property in a historic district?
There are many benefits to owning an individually landmarked property or a property located within a historic district. In addition to enjoying the historic and architectural character of your building, you may be eligible for financial incentives, such as state and federal tax credits, to assist you with restoration or rehabilitation projects. Please see our full list of current incentives.
Potential incentives include:
- Federal Tax Credits
- Colorado State Tax Credit
- Boulder Sales Tax Waiver
- Eligibility for Grants
- Potential Exemptions or Variances
- Recognition
- Staff Assistance
What are the responsibilities of owning an historic property?
There are certain responsibilities that come with owning a landmark or a property within a historic district.
Exterior Changes Require a Landmark Alteration Certificate
- Exterior changes to individually landmarked properties and those located within a historic district require a Landmark Alteration Certificate (LAC). Visit the Design Review page for more information.
General Upkeep of Your Historic Property
- The Landmarks Board cannot require the owner of a designated landmark or a property in a landmark district to make improvements to the building and/or its site. However, the Historic Preservation Ordinance does allow the board to require maintenance so that the landmark or district is not neglected. Keeping your home well-maintained will ensure its preservation for years to come and contribute to the special character of Boulder’s historic neighborhoods.
What is the Landmarks Board?
The Landmarks Board meets the first Wednesday of each month to review projects and demolition review applications called up by the Landmark Design Review Committee (Ldrc), applications for new free-standing construction (more than 340 square feet) and demolition applications on landmark properties or in historic districts.The Landmarks Board also reviews applications for individual historic landmarks.
What can I expect at a Landmarks Board Hearing?
The meeting agenda is published 10 days before the meeting on the website and in the Daily Camera newspaper. The meetings begin with a call to order and approval of the minutes from the previous meeting. The meeting is then opened to the public for items not on the agenda. The board then moves onto discussion of pending and issued Landmark Alteration Certificate and Demolition Review applications.
First, board members are asked to disclose any ex-parte contacts they may have for the item. This may include LDRC meetings at which the project was reviewed, site visits, and/or contact with members of the public regarding the application.
Next, a staff member presents the item to the board. The presentation includes an overview of the hearing process, the history of the property, the scope of the proposal and how it fits the applicable design guidelines. The staff presentation concludes with a recommendation to approve, deny, or, in the case of a demolition permit application, place a 180-day hold on the property, during which time alternatives can be explored. The Landmarks Board may ask questions of staff.
The applicant is then invited to present their application to the Landmarks Board. The applicant is asked to keep their presentation to ten minutes, which may be divided between the owner, applicant and/or representative (i.e. the architect). At the end of the applicant’s presentation, the board may ask questions to clarify the scope of the project.
Next, the hearing is opened to anyone who wishes to speak about the item. Members of the public are asked to provide their name and address for the record and are provided three minutes to voice their support, opposition or concerns about the application.
The applicant is then provided with an opportunity to respond to comments made by the public.
The hearing is then closed to further public comment while the Landmarks Board deliberates and determines whether the proposed project meets the following criteria:
- the proposed work preserves, enhances, or restores, and does not damage or destroy the exterior architectural features of, the landmark or the subject property within a historic district;
- the proposed work does not adversely affect the special character or special historic, architectural, or aesthetic interest or value of the landmark and its site, or the historic district;
- the architectural style, arrangement, texture, color, arrangement of color, and materials used for existing and proposed structures are compatible with the character of the existing landmark and its site or the historic district; and
- for proposals to demolish a building in a historic district, the proposed new construction to replace the building must meet the requirements of the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
A motion will then be presented and seconded by the board. A motion requires an affirmative vote from at least three members of the board and must state the findings, conclusion and recommendation of the decision.
Following the Action Items, discussion of matters from the Landmarks Board, Planning Department and City Attorney are discussed. The meeting is then adjourned and a record of the hearing is kept by staff.
How do I research the history of my home?
Many questions arise when considering the history of your home. Who lived there? What did they do for a living? How has it changed since its construction? These questions and others can be answered by searching the archives at the Carnegie Branch Library for Local History .
First, begin by searching their online catalog. More than 4,000 resources within the city limits have been surveyed and many of the documents have been recently digitized. Search by address to see if your home was surveyed. Each survey form will include information about the house’s date of construction, architectural style and past residents. The catalog will also link to historic photographs of your home. Search by city block (i.e. “1000 block of Pine”) to find photographs that may include your building.
Next, plan a visit to the Carnegie Library. They have numerous resources, such as Sanborn Fire Insurance maps that show the footprint of your building over time, city directories that list residents’ names and occupations, and old newspaper clippings. The helpful staff can assist you as you explore the history of your home.
In addition, refer to History Colorado's publication “Researching the History of Your House (or Other Favorite Building)” , which provides useful tips and links to other resources.