Landmarks Board Statement of Purpose - Spring 2022

As a member of the Landmarks Board it is your responsibility to implement the City of Boulder’s Historic Preservation Code. The boards’ purpose is to do this in an open and public setting by helping citizens to better understand the process of both landmarking and of reviewing exterior alterations. This is intended to be done in a prompt and courteous manner, while respecting the building and its owner.

Architecturally, the City of Boulder does not contain period buildings. Instead, buildings reflect the history of our community. The first buildings were simple and functional, meeting the needs and resources of the times. As people of varying backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses settled in the city, buildings were constructed which show this diversity. While few of these structures are unique or extraordinary examples of their respective styles, they may be among the best of the style in Boulder and do represent the melding of peoples and backgrounds which created this city. For those reasons these structures are important and worthy of preservation.

Preservation however does not mean a static environment. Alterations are provided for in the Preservation Ordinance (Title 9, Chapter 11) and newer building may also be landmarked in the future as important examples of a particular era in Boulder’s history. Maintaining the visual character of our community that has developed since 1858, respecting private property rights, and maintaining a reasonable balance between private rights and public interest are ultimate goals of a Landmark Board member.

Landmarks Board Responsibilities

The board’s responsibilities are (see Section 2-3-7, B.R.C., 1981):

  1. The City of Boulder Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board consists of five members appointed by the city council for five year terms, two of whom are architectural or urban planning professionals and three of whom may be chosen without limitation. The planning board shall appoint one of its members to attend the landmarks board meeting without a vote and advise the landmarks board.
  2. The board's responsibilities are:
    1. To initiate designations of landmarks and historic districts;
    2. To hold public hearings on proposed designation of landmarks and historic districts and approve, modify, or disapprove such proposals;
    3. To hold public hearings on applications for landmark alteration certificates and approve, modify, or disapprove the applications; and
    4. To approve structures of historical, architectural, or aesthetic merit and to encourage the protection, enhancement, perpetuation, and use of any such structures.
  3. The board is not authorized to issue subpoenas.
  4. The mayor, with the consent of the city council, may appoint former board members as alternates to hear matters under Chapter 9-11 “Historic Preservation,” B.R.C. 1981, when the mayor finds that there is a conflict of interest under Chapter 2-7, “Code of Conduct,” B.R.C. 1981. An alternate board member may be appointed pursuant to the following standards and procedures:
    1. The board member with the conflict of interest shall inform the board at a meeting prior to the meeting when the item where such conflict exists is to be considered;
    2. If the board finds it necessary to appoint an alternate board member as set forth above, the board shall request that the mayor appoint an alternate member from among the former members of the board; and
    3. The alternate board members shall only be authorized to act upon the matters that have been requested by the full board.