Incentives for Historic Preservation
Benefits of Landmark Designation
As a way to encourage landmark designation of the city's eligible historic resources, the city offers a variety of incentives to property owners. To find out if your property is designated, please refer to the Map of Historic Districts & Landmarks or the List of Individual Landmarks. 
Tax Credits
- Federal Investment Tax Credits are available for approved renovations to properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places that are used for commercial purposes, including rental housing.
- State Income Tax Credits are available for approved renovations to local landmarks and “contributing” buildings in local historic districts. Twenty percent of rehabilitation costs can applied as a direct credit against state income tax owed, up to a maximum of $50,000 per property. The credit can be spread out over a 10 year period if desired.
- From more information, visit History Colorado - Preservation Tax Credits.
- A waiver of city sales tax on construction materials is available when applying for a building permit, if at least 30 percent of the value of materials is for the building's exterior. Section 3-2-6(w)
- Submit a City Sales Tax Waiver Application with your building permit application.
- Submit a City Sales Tax Waiver Application
Possible zoning variances or exemptions allowed in Title 9 for locally designated properties:
- Setback encroachment for front porches, Section 9-7-4(d);
- Building Height, Appurtenances, Section 9-7-7(b), B.R.C, 1981;
- Accessory Buildings in Residential Zones, Section 9-7-8(a);
- Side Yard Bulk Plane, Section 9-7-9(d);
- Side Yard Wall Articulation, Section 9-7-10(d)
- Maximum Building Coverage, Section 9-7-11(d)
- Floor Area Ratio Requirements, Section 9-8-2
- Solar Access, Section 9-9-17(f)(6)(D)
- Greenpoints - Alteration or Modification, Section 10-7.5-5(a)(5)
- Support for a variance from the Board of Zoning Adjustment for landmarked structures, Section 9-2-3(h)(4), B.R.C., 1981.
- Floodplain requirements for substantial improvements, Section 9-9-6(a)(16);
- Coordination with the Chief Building Official for waivers from certain provisions of the International Building Code (i.e. lower railing heights may be permitted if historically compatible and safe).
Grant Eligibility
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Eligibility for the Colorado State Historical Fund, a grants program established by the passage of the constitutional amendment legalizing gambling in certain Colorado communities. Grants are available for projects in the following categories: acquisition and development (must be a local landmark or on the State or National Register), education projects, and survey and planning projects. Persons in the private sector must apply through a municipality or county.
Recognition
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Dedication of a bronze plaque commemorating the establishment of an individual landmark status at a public ceremony.
City staff assistance
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City staff is available to assist applicants through the development review and building permit processes. The Landmarks Design Review Committee meets on a weekly basis to help expedite this review.
Responsibilities of Landmark Designation
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.