Historic Preservation -
We Shed Light on Your Questions
A display of lamps in the window of the Auerbach Department Store, 1916
Where can I find out about the history of my building?
The State Historic Preservation Office maintains files on hundreds of historic buildings throughout the state. Local historic preservation commissions also keep files on buildings in the community. Look there first. But if your building has not yet been researched, you can do it yourself! See our research suggestions.
Can I get grants or other funds to help me restore my historic building?
Financial assistance for individuals is currently limited to low-interest loans and state and federal income tax credits. Small grants may be available through your local historic preservation commission as part of the Certified Local Government program.
For information about low-interest loans (primarily for residential buildings) contact the Utah Heritage Foundation at 801-533-0858.
Must buildings be kept in pristine original condition in order to remain "historic?"
The most visible "character defining" features of a building should be preserved, but other elements--such as electrical systems, plumbing, kitchens, and bathrooms--must often be changed to accommodate new uses or improved standards of living. Still, you can make these changes in a way to complement the original character of the building.
What are some of the common Do's and Don'ts when it comes to rehabilitating a building?
Find out here.
What contractors know how to do the work correctly?
See our Contractors Database. Be aware that we don’t endorse any professional listed here, so be sure to exercise the usual cautions when hiring someone to do work for you.
Where can I get technical information on rehabilitating or preserving an historic building?
We have lots of information and links for you.
Does listing my building on a historical register restrict what I can do to it?
In general, no. Listing on the National Register of Historic Places imposes no restrictions whatsoever. It simply provides recognition and encourages preservation.
Only local governments can impose restrictions on historic buildings. Restrictions are imposed only if (1) the building is listed on a local register (as opposed to the National Register), and (2) your city has a strict preservation ordinance.
Most cities in Utah do not impose any restrictions on historic building owners. Those that do usually limit their control to the exterior.
See our National Register page for more information.
What structures in Utah are listed in the National Register?
All types of sites and properties have made it to the list: mansions, prehistoric pit houses, lime kilns, LDS tithing offices, suspension bridges, and rock art sites, to name a few. Utah has more than 1,000 individual sites and more than 50 historic or archaeological districts containing several thousand additional sites.
You can find National Register sites in Utah by searching the Park Service's National Register Information System by name, location, agency, or subject. (Only properties listed individually are shown. If a property is a contributing building in an historic district it will not shown.)
Are there any laws that will protect old buildings?
Federal and state laws require government agencies to take into account cultural resources such as buildings whenever they undertake any project. These laws give the public the ability to comment.
The Utah Historic District Act and the CLG provision of the National Historic Preservation Act give counties, cities and towns can enact historic preservation ordinances. (See a model ordinance (PDF).
Some communities we have worked with have aspired to preserve not only individual buildings but also entire neighborhoods of historic homes. Downzoning is the single most important step a city can take toward stabilizing and revitalizing a neighborhood.
What other groups help preserve historic buildings?
Find them here.
Who is on staff in the Historic Preservation Office?
See our staff directory.