[bouldercouncilhotline] Hotline: Historic Preservation Incentives

[cmosupport at bouldercolorado.gov]

Sender: Cameron, Marcy

Dear Members of City Council, 
 
As a follow-up to Council’s question last night about incentives available for properties that are either individually landmarked or properties located within a historic district, please see the following list. Additional information about
 our program, including the historic district guidelines and Historic Preservation Plan, is available online at
www.historicpreservation.net. 

 
Thanks for all that you do to protect Boulder’s historic places.

 
Marcy 
 
Marcy Cameron
Historic Preservation Planner
(303) 441-3209 |
cameronm at bouldercolorado.gov
 
 
 
CITY OF BOULDER
Benefits and Responsibilities of Owning a Landmarked Property




 
Benefits of Owning a Landmarked Property
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.
 

Federal Investment Tax Credit for properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places used for commercial
 purposes if renovated according to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.
 

State Income Tax Credit for properties designated as local landmarks or as contributing structures within a Historic
 District. Available credit is 20% of rehabilitation costs up to a $50,000 per qualified property. Credit directly reduces (dollar for dollar) income taxes owed the state, and can be carried forward 10 years. Prior approval is required. The Secretary of the
 Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation are applied.
 

A waiver of sales tax on construction materials at the time of building permit application if at least 30% of
 the value of materials is for the building's exterior.  
 

Appurtenances on landmark structures may be repaired or restored to a pre-existing height notwithstanding other
 provisions of the City height limit of 55 feet. Section 9-7-7 (b)
 

The potential for Planning Board to exempt a project from the residential growth management system. Section 9-14-8(c).
 

Waivers from certain provisions of the International Building Code if approved by the Director of Development
 and Inspection Services. For example, lower railing heights may be permitted if historically compatible and safe.
 

A front porch on a landmark or contributing structure may be constructed within the front and side yard setbacks
 if the porch restores or replaces a historically significant architectural feature. Section 9-7-7 (d)
 

The potential for the Board of Zoning Adjustment to grant a variance for a historic building if it is determined
 that the development in conforming locations on the lot or parcel would have an adverse impact upon the historic character of the individual landmark or the contributing building in a designated historic district. Section 9-2-3 (4)
 

An exception to the solar access requirements for additions to properties in an historic district to encourage
 compatible roof designs. Section 9-8-14(6)(D)
 

An exception from standards of the floodplain regulation for substantial improvements to structures listed on
 the National Register or designated as individual landmarks. Section 9-9-6(a)(16)

 

11. 
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.


 

Responsibilities of Owning a Landmarked 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). Minor alterations, such as paint color, roofing and landscape changes can be reviewed administratively. The
 Landmarks Design Review Committee (Ldrc), comprised of one staff member and two Landmarks Board members, reviews applications for work such as the construction of an addition as well as alterations to porches, windows, and doors. The Landmarks Board reviews
 new free-standing construction (greater than 340 square feet), the demolition/moving of buildings and structures, and projects referred by the DRC.

The purpose of the design review process is to determine whether the proposed work would have a significant impact or be potentially detrimental to the historic or architectural character
 of a landmarked property or designated historic district. 

 

The General Design Guidelines, as well as district-specific design guidelines, have been adopted to aid in the decision-making process. The guidelines are intended to be used as an aid to
 appropriate design and not as a checklist of items for compliance. Guidelines specific to each district identify unique characteristics of that historic district. Referencing the applicable guidelines early in the design process will be beneficial as your
 project moves through the design review process.

 

·        
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.
 
 
Marcy Cameron
Historic Preservation Planner
(303) 441-3209 |
cameronm at bouldercolorado.gov