Does The National Register Of Historic Places Protect Anything

I of the most misunderstood areas of historic preservation is the National Register of Historic Places (the "National Register"). People do not know what the National Register is, they do non know how or why a edifice or site gets listed on the National Register and they certainly do not know the ramifications of a listing on the National Annals. In far too many instances, misconceptions near the National Register needlessly impede or filibuster the rehabilitation of historic buildings.

WHAT IS THE NATIONAL REGISTER?

The National Historic Preservation Deed of 1966 authorized the National Register. The National Register is a listing of districts, sites, buildings, structures or objects that are deemed historic (locally, statewide or nationally) either because they: one.) Are associated with significant events in history; 2.) Are closely associated with an of import persons in history; 3.) Exemplify a blazon, period or method of construction or are the work of a master; or, 4.) Yield, or are likely to yield, important information about history or prehistory. Additionally, a belongings listed on the National Register must generally be at least 50 years erstwhile and should accept sufficient "integrity" (meaning that its original materials, design, workmanship, etc are largely intact).

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR List A Property ON THE NATIONAL Annals?

In lodge to exist listed on the National Register, a property must be nominated and successfully complete the nomination procedure. A belongings can be nominated either individually or every bit a contributing building within a district. A district is a grouping of properties within a divers geographic expanse linked together past history, aesthetics and/or physical evolution.

A consultant who has training and expertise in the areas of history, architectural history or celebrated preservation typically prepares the nomination. It is get-go filed with the Country Historic Preservation Role ("SHPO") who will review for preliminary blessing. Once approved past SHPO information technology is sent to the National Park Service ("NPS") for final approving. The process typically takes almost a yr to consummate.

langworthy house

Dubuque's Langworthy Firm, built in 1856, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF NATIONAL REGISTER List?

There are many potential benefits to a property owner of a property'southward listing on the National Annals, while the potential negatives are few. Many times, list on the National Register is a precondition to qualifying for preservation grants and financial incentives. In today's challenging economic environment, preservation grants and incentives are a valuable span to private financing for the rehabilitation of historic buildings. Investors, developers and lenders who specialize in rehabilitation of historic properties volition be attracted to properties already listed on the National Register because of the certainty of the established National Annals listing and the fourth dimension and expense saved past not having to go through the National Register nomination process.

Some of the benefits to the property owner include:

Formal recognition of a belongings'south historical or architectural significance based on national standards.
Qualification of the property for potential preservation incentives such as:
- Federal preservation grants for planning and rehabilitation.
- Federal historic rehabilitation tax credits for commercial properties.
- State historic rehabilitation tax credits (depending on the state). The State of Iowa has a 25% income taxation credit all types of celebrated buildings.
- Income tax deduction for granting preservation easements to qualified nonprofits.
- State and local preservation grants and tax incentives (where applicable).
- Special exemptions or alternatives independent in local celebrated building codes.
- Involvement and potential assistance of the Advisory Quango on Historic Preservation when the actions of a federal agency potentially touch on the celebrated property (Section 106 Review).
- Access to technical assistance from the NPS and SHPOs related to the rehabilitation of the historic property.

WHAT ARE THE MISCONCEPTIONS RELATED TO NATIONAL REGISTER LISTING?

Over the years, mythological negatives of a property's listing on the National Register have become an urban legend. These urban legends have the potential of distracting otherwise reasonable people from the factually documented benefits of listing on the National Register.

redstone inn

Dubuque's Redstone Inn, built in 1888, was added to the National Register of Celebrated Places in 1976.

MYTH NUMBER 1: If my belongings is listed on the National Register, the government will have oversight over any alterations I make to the property.

This is FALSE . A listing on the National Annals does non confer on any governmental agency (federal, country or local) the power to oversee anything a property owner does to a National Register listed belongings. In fact, a list on the National Annals does non even preclude a property owner from demolishing a historic holding. Even so, in the instance where a property owner seeks federal financial incentives (federal tax credits, federal grants, federal loans, etc.) to rehabilitate a historic holding, then the rehabilitation must be washed co-ordinate to certain standards as a condition of obtaining the federal financial incentive. In that case, the SHPO, and ultimately the NPS volition accept the power of oversight to make sure the belongings owner follows those standards.

MYTH NUMBER ii: National Register listing automatically imposes upon the property local historic district zoning or local landmark designation.

This is FALSE . The National Register is non coordinated with local landmark designations. Many localities do non have historic landmark ordinances. Each urban center with historic landmark ordinances has unlike procedures and dissimilar criteria for designation of local landmarks. A listing on the National Register is not a guarantee that the property will also exist listed as a local landmark. If a property is merely listed on the National Register, it is not bailiwick to local landmark ordinances or zoning. If a property owner wants the belongings to exist listed as a local landmark, he or she must work with the locality to fix the necessary paperwork for listing as a local landmark.

MYTH NUMBER iii: If my belongings is listed on the National Register, I will have to permit the public access to my holding.

This is Imitation . A listing on the National Register does not confer on the public whatever right to access the historic belongings. Backdrop on the National Annals that are individual belongings remain individual property. The possessor tin can own and operate the property for any lawful apply he or she so desires.

MYTH NUMBER 4: Religious properties are not eligible for listing on the National Register because of Ramble limitations.

This is FALSE . The First Amendment to the U.s.a. Constitution does non prohibit a religious holding from existence listed on the National Register of Celebrated Places. A religious holding tin can exist listed on the National Annals just like whatever other property so long as it meets the criteria and derives primary significance from architectural or artistic distinction or historical importance.