Compliance - Historic Structures

Section 106 and Utah Code Section 9-8-404

Federal law requires every federal agency and every agency using federal funds to take into account how its projects and expenditures will affect historic properties. State law requires the same of state agencies.

Agencies must allow the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) an opportunity to provide comment.

Providing the following will expedite the ability of the SHPO to comment:

1. Letter explaining the project
Within the letter, please provide the following:

Identification of the applicant and the agency/program involved
A detailed project description that specifies all project components
The project’s location: specific address(es) and/or a written description of the project’s Area of Potential Effects (the APE is the geographic area within which an undertaking may directly or indirectly cause alterations to historic buildings or structures).
Construction dates for buildings/structures within the project boundaries
The applicant’s determination whether any properties in the APE are listed or are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Properties already listed on the National Register are, of course, “eligible.” Properties not listed are potentially eligible if they meet the following basic criteria:

Age – 50 years old or older
Integrity – Retain most of their original appearance without major changes to the structures.

Written determination of the project’s effect on historic properties. Effect refers to the impact the work being funded will have on the structure. Three common effects are:

No Historic Properties Affected: No historic properties are present within the APE, or only minor changes are being proposed that will not impact the character or architectural integrity of the building (minor repairs, painting, plumbing, electrical, bathrooms, etc.).

No Adverse Effect: More substantial work is being proposed (replacing windows or porches, changing walls, building additions, etc.), but the work meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

Adverse Effect: Work is being proposed that will damage or diminish the historic integrity of the historic structure (work that does not meet the Standards—including the application of synthetic siding, incompatible additions, inappropriate door or window replacement, demolition, etc.).

2. Attachments
Please attach the following with your submission:

USGS 7.5 topographic map and/or formal city map denoting the project location.
Clear and current photographs of the exterior of any structure to be impacted by the project.
If available, architectural drawings, plans, or specifications.
For projects that include a large area or corridor that have the potential to impact numerous historic buildings and structures, a Reconnaissance Level Survey is recommended.
Optional – a completed Intensive Level Survey.

Time frame

The SHPO has 30 days after receiving the agency’s letter, attachments, and
finding/determination (adequately documented) to provide comment.

Related info

Consultants: For forms and instructions, see our Historic Buildings Information and Research page.

Guidelines for Cell Towers

Guidance for Linear Sites (Utah Professional Archaeologists Council web site)

Contacts

Need more information about Section 106 or historic buildings/structures?
Please contact:

Chris Hansen, Preservation Planner
Utah State History
300 S. Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
phone: 801/533-3561
e-mail:clhansen@utah.gov
fax: 801 533-3503

For UDOT-related projects, please contact:
Cory Jensen, Architectural Historian/National Register Coordinator
Utah State History
300 S. Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
phone: 801/533-3559
e-mail:coryjensen@utah.gov
fax: 801/533-3503

Archaeology:
If the project is disturbing the ground or has the potential to impact archaeological resources, please contact:
Lori Hunsaker
Utah State History
300 S. Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
phone: 801/533-3555
e-mail: lhunsaker@utah.gov
fax 801/533-3503

Utah State History