Designated Downtowns
As a part of the 1998 Downtown Development Act, communities
can seek formal designation from the Downtown Development
Board. Designation makes a town eligible for a number of benefits,
including tax credits, loans, and grants. To qualify, towns
must develop a comprehensive revitalization strategy for the
downtown district and demonstrate broad-based community support.
The strategy must involve a long-term commitment to enhancing
economic opportunities, preserving historic buildings, and
improving public spaces and infrastructure in the commercial
district. Interested communities should contact the Vermont
Downtown Program for more information.
Designated Downtowns Benefits
There are numerous benefits for both municipalities and for
property owners and lessees within a Designated Downtown.
For more information, click
here or contact the Vermont
Downtown Program.
Certified Local Government
Certified Local Governments (CLGs) are those municipalities
that have enacted a local preservation ordinance that meets
certain standards. The CLGs are eligible for an earmarked
pool of federal grants and can attend workshops and meetings
held to encourage networking among local governments. Professional
staff is available to assist with the creation of new
CLGs and to provide information to other commissions and
design review boards.
National Register Historic Districts
Survey documentation is required for all proposed districts.
This involves photographing and mapping all buildings in the
district, recording their architectural characteristics (such
as style, materials, plan, and estimated age), and assessing
whether or not they contribute to the historic character of
the district. Professional
architectural historians must conduct these surveys which
are usually conducted at the direction of a Certified
Local Government or other community organization.
An historical overview of the entire district is also needed.
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. The area must retain architectural integrity
and reflect an aspect of the area's history in order to qualify
for listing on the National Register. Nominations for National
Register districts must be on the National
Register Form.
The nomination must also include black and white photographs and a map of the district.
Historic Districts
A Historic District s 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 an area's history (periods of growth, historic architectural styles, etc.). There are two levels of historic districts-one listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the other listed in the Vermont State Register of Historic Places. A district may be listed on one or the other both.
Local Historic District Designation
Local historic district designation applies to a group of properties within a specified geographic area and controls the appearance of existing buildings, and on any new construction within its boundaries. A historic district designation creates its own zoning regulations, which are outlined in the ordinance or amendment establishing the district. The zoning guidelines describe what standards must be applied to the historic buildings. Under this approach a preservation commission is appointed to advise the town planning commission. The planning commission has final review and approval authority with projects in a local historic district.
Once the district has been designated, property owners within its boundaries cannot demolish, move, or change exterior features of the structure without permission from the planning commission. In most instances, the commission cannot deny demolition or relocation, but it may delay either action for up to a year.
Establishing a Local Historic District
The process to adopt zoning for the establishment of local
historic districts and/or the designation of historic landmarks
is similar to the designation of a design control district.
However, to receive this designation, an area must have a
concentration of properties that are historically, visually,
or culturally related either by plan or physical development.
It may include a variety of historic properties, but together,
the majority of them must convey a unique identity. Designating
a local historic district requires that the planning commission
prepare a report containing an analysis of the significance
of the proposed area or landmark. The procedures are not unlike
nominating a property for the State or National Register investigate
significance and integrity, set boundaries, make a report,
talk to interested agencies, gather recommendations, and present
the information to the appropriate governing board.
Financial Assistance for Historic Preservation
Limited
matching grants are occasionally available for the preservation
of properties listed or eligible for listing in the National
Register. Contact
the Division to see if grants what grant become available
that year. We can also provide information about the federal
and state
rehabilitation investment tax credits and direct you to other
possible funding sources (pdf), as well as providing technical
preservation or maintenance
information.
National and State Historical Recognition
Several tools are available for gaining recognition of a historic building or neighborhood.
National Historic Landmarks are designated by the Secretary of the Interior for their significance to all Americans, because they possess exceptional values or qualities which help to illustrate or interpret the heritage of the United States. All Landmarks are also listed on the National Register.
The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 assigns the National Register of Historic Places a central role in recognizing buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects significant in American history, archeology, architecture, engineering, or culture, and identifying them as worthy of preservation. The Register is maintained by the National Park Service and there are uniform standards for determining a site's eligibility. Listing on the National Register honors the property by recognizing its importance to its community, state, or nation, and receives consideration in the review of federal undertakings, but it does not guarantee immunity to demolition. Listed properties are also eligible for federal tax credits and historic preservation grants when funds are available.
Similar to the National Register, the Vermont State Register
of Historic Places is a listing of significant properties
that provides recognition, consideration under Criterion 8
of Act
250, and review of the effect of state-funded undertakings
on the property under 22 VSA 14, the Vermont Historic Preservation
Act.
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