Historic Districts

All exterior changes to a property designated as an individual landmark or located within a historic district require review and approval through a Landmark Alteration Certificate (LAC).

If your property is older than 50 years old but NOT designated as an individual landmark or in a historic district, your project may need to be reviewed under Historic Preservation Demolition Review criteria. Refer to Historic Preservation Demolition Review for details.

• Map of Landmarks and Historic Districts

The city offers a variety of incentives, some of which may be available to property owners within a Historic District. These may include:

Tax Credits

• 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 $100,000 per property over a 10 year period. ​​​​
• For more information, visit History Colorado's website
• State Income Tax Credit applications must be submitted electronically to the city. Please email historicpreservation@bouldercolorado.gov for details on how to apply.

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)

• See the City Sales Tax Waiver page for more information.
• The waiver application form must include an approved Landmark Alteration Certificate (LAC) application approving the work.
• Submit a completed City Sales Tax Waiver together with your Building Permit 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).

City staff assistance

City staff is available to assist applicants through the development review and building permit processes. The Landmarks Design Review Committee (LDRC) meets virtually most weeks to help facilitate this review.

Exterior Changes Require a Landmark Alteration Certificate

Exterior changes to properties located within a historic district require a Landmark Alteration Certificate (LAC).

General Upkeep of Your Historic Property

The Landmarks Board cannot require the owner of a designated landmark or a property in a historic district to make improvements to the building 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.

Please visit the Historic District Designation Review webpage to learn more.