Historic Districts

Historic Districts

A historic district is an area or neighborhood that has a concentration of historic buildings (50 years or older) which retain
their architectural integrity and represent an important aspect of the city's history (periods of growth, historic, architectural styles, etc.).

There are two levels of historic districts--one listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the other listed on a
local register. A district may be listed on one or both.

What is required for designating a historic district?
Reconnaissance Level Survey documentation is required for all proposed districts. This involves photographing and mapping
all buildings in the district, recording their basic characteristics (such as style, materials, plan, and estimated age), and assessing whether or not they contribute to the historic character of the district. This information is all entered in the Preservation Office's computerized database. Professional architectural historians must conduct these surveys which are usually conducted at the direction of a Certified Local Government.

Historical research is recommended for each of the "contributing" buildings in the district. We recommend following our Intensive Level Survey guidelines, which require completion of the state historic site form. If it is impractical to research
all of the contributing buildings, then at least a reasonable sample of buildings in the district should be researched. The sample should include buildings that represent the various periods of construction, architectural styles, and historic themes embodied by the district.

An historical overview of the entire district is also required. This should be based on the architectural survey of the district (reconnaissance survey), the individual building histories (intensive level surveys), and other local historic information.
The purpose of the overview is (1) to provide a basic background history of the area and (2) to justify the significance of
the district. You must prove that this neighborhood significantly represents the community's past in order to qualify it for
listing on the National Register. Nominations for National Register districts must be on the National Register form (contact
Cory Jensen). We recommend the same form or something similar for local register districts.

The nominator should prepare (or draw) a map of the proposed district. The map should show the boundaries of the
district and each building in the district, with the contributing buildings shaded or otherwise distinguished from the noncontributing buildings. The reconnaissance survey will generate this type of map. Having the map completed early in
the process will often help in determining district boundaries, since you can see at a glance where the concentrations of contributing buildings are.

What are the implications of historic district designation?
National Register -- One of the primary benefits of National Register designation is simply the increase of neighborhood
pride. There may also be financial benefits such as the tax credits available for rehabilitation of a building on the register. These include the 20 percent Utah Tax Credit for residential buildings and the 20 percent Federal Tax Credit for income producing building.

Contrary to popular belief, there are no restrictions that come with National Register listing. Property owners retain all
of their rights to alter, demolish, or preserve their buildings as they see fit. Developers are not prohibited by National
Register designation either. The only restrictions and controls in a historic district are those imposed by the city, but these restrictions apply only when the buildings are on a local register.

Local Register -- Most smaller cities have few if any restrictions or regulations regarding their historic districts. Some cities require pre-approval by their historic preservation commissions (or "landmark committees") of changes made to the exterior
of any buildings in the district. They often have printed design guidelines to help building owners understand in advance
what types of exterior work is acceptable. These cities may also have the power to delay or even prevent the demolition
of historic properties.

Sites designated to a local register can be given more leniency in complying with certain building code requirements
(Uniform Building Code, Chapter 34 [1994 version]) and can often qualify more easily for conditional use permits.
Contact your city planning department for details regarding the local register.

In summary, historic district designation is usually a positive step for an area. It tends to help stabilize a neighborhood, stimulate increased owner occupancy by making it a more distinct and desirable place to live, and generate increased
property values as buildings are rehabilitated. These beneficial effects vary, of course, depending on the area and the economy at the time. Overall, however, historic district designation has produced positive results both in Utah and
throughout the country.

Need more information on historic districts?
Contact: Cory Jensen at (801) 533-3559
             Office of Historic Preservation
             Utah Division of State History
             300 Rio Grande
             Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1182
             fax: (801) 533-3503