Department of Historic
Resources
FACTS REGARDING NATIONAL REGISTER
HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGNATION
1. National Register
designation officially recognizes the cultural, architectural, and landscape
features of an historically significant area, bringing
them to the attention of the community, state and nation. Ideally, the increased
public awareness stemming from registration acts as a catalyst in furthering
community efforts to preserve the area's historic and natural features.
2. National Register
historic district designation does not restrict an owner's use of his or her
property in any way as long as private, non-federal funds are used. It does
not, for example, prohibit any owner from altering or demolishing any
buildings, nor does it restrict subdivision or sale.
3. National Register
designation can help lessen the negative impact on an historic area from
government funded projects. By law, an environmental impact study is required
for any federally funded projects - such as road building, utility
installation, and public housing. Also, certain state projects are reviewed for
their impact on historic resources. If any project is deemed to have an adverse
effect on historic buildings, archaeological sites, or landscape features
within a historic district, the project may be redesigned to lessen that
effect.
4. National Register
designation also makes properties eligible for matching federal grants for
historic preservation. Currently, federal funds are not available for
preservation projects.
5. National Register
designation confers two types of financial benefits on historic district
property owners. First, it allows the owner of a contributing building within
the registered district to claim investment tax credits for certified
rehabilitations if the building is used for income-producing purposes. A
contributing building contributes to the historic character of the district. It
must be at least 50 years old and retain sufficient architectural
integrity. For additional
information on the investment tax credit program, contact the Department of
Historic Resources,