Historic Review of Homes 50 Years or Older in Fort Collins – What you need to know:

For those of you that are thinking of remodeling that 1920’s bungalow or anything built prior to 1964, make sure to educate yourself before thinking you can do whatever your heart desires! (Actually, for a residential property you can pretty much do whatever your heart desires – – but may have to go through a process first.) The City of FTC & many of our community members place a high priority on preserving the historical integrity of our neighborhoods. With every permit or development approval that is applied for within City limits that includes work on the exterior of the building, the code specifies that each property 50 years & older must be reviewed under a demolition/alteration review prior to any work commencing. The goal is to preserve historical character, allow the community to consider changes & provide feedback & an opportunity for the City to provide valuable information to applicants on financial & tax benefits for these types of properties.
While not required, a good first step is to meet with the City’s historic preservation planners to discuss your plans. Next, submit your sketches or plans & good photos of all sides of the property. These will be presented to the Community Development & Neighborhood Services Director & Landmark Preservation Commission Chair. They provide an initial determination of landmark eligibility on the property. Some considerations include the property’s association with historical events or people & unique architectural characteristics. More specific examples may be found at fcgov.com/historicpreservation/review.php. The department members make a decision specifying whether the property is historical or not. If not eligible for landmark designation & after the 2-week appeal period has passed, then the applicant may move forward with their plans on the property after obtaining a building permit. If the property is determined eligible for landmark designation there are further requirements & approvals that need to be completed & obtained. These include but are not limited to an appeal process if applicable, neighborhood & public notification, and a hearing process & final approval by the Landmark Preservation Commission. Once the applicant has gone to the LPC hearing, (and has a building permit) there are only two options: the application is approved or Council must act to designate the property. Note that the City provides a maximum of $2000 per property per year in design assistance to help owners to develop harmonious designs in our historic neighborhoods. Please visit fcgov.com/design assistance for more info on this neat program!

Read the article in the Real Estate Weekly on page 6!