Historic Designation & Documentation
For a building, structure, object, or site to be eligible for historic designation, it must be at least 50 years old and meet other significance and integrity criteria. This includes nominations for the Steamboat Springs, Routt County, State, and National historic registers. Designated resources are eligible for up to 35% Colorado income tax credit for qualified rehabilitation expenses through the State Historic Preservation Tax Credit.
Designation Process
For Steamboat Springs, Routt County, State, and National historic designation, an eligible building, structure, object, or site will be at least 50 years old and meet other significance and integrity criteria. Please note, there are important differences between the Steamboat Springs Register of Historic Places and Routt County Register of Historic Properties.
How to Begin
Contact Historic Routt County if you have questions, want to know if your property may be eligible for designation, curious about tax credits, etc.
Work with us!
HRC will help you on your way to writing a designation. The first hour consultation is free. If you decide to hire us, we charge an average of $350-$900 to prepare applications to the local registers for private properties. Mailing and copying fees are an additional charge. Fees for State and National registers are determined on a case-by-case basis. Historic Routt County designates publicly owned resources free of charge.
Do it yourself!
- After you’ve determined eligibility, gather information about the property:
- Building Construction
- Historical Information
- Photographs (current and historic)
- Legal Description
- Historic Importance
- Complete an application.
- Attend the public review meeting.
Applications:
Historic Places
Steamboat Springs Register of Historic Places: established in 2009
- Only eligible to properties in Steamboat Springs City Limits.
- Regulatory register: once a property is designated, the City’s Historic Preservation Commission must review and approve exterior alterations to ensure the structure maintains its historic character.
- Property owners receive a plaque and recognition from the Steamboat Springs Historic Preservation Commission.
Routt County Register of Historic Properties: established in 1993
- Eligible to properties and municipalities within Routt County.
- HONORARY register; no additional regulations to protect historic character of the resource.
- Does not prevent or restrict demolition or major alterations.
- Property owners receive a plaque and recognition from HRC.
Questions…Need Help?
Historic Routt County is available to answer your questions, contact us!
Remember…Historic Designation
- Does not affect the use of a structure;
- Does not affect interior alterations (unless you’re seeking tax credits);
- Does not prevent the owner from painting a designated building;
- Does not affect the sale of a property.
- Does not require public access or tours!
Benefits of Designation
- The property becomes eligible for a variety of financial incentives at the local, state, and federal levels.
- The property gains formal recognition and value as an historic resource in the community.
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The property owner receives a Bronze Plaque to display on their property.
- Rehabilitation and environmental costs for re-use of existing structures are generally less than costs for demolition and new construction.
- Community pride and appreciation of the historic and cultural resources of Routt County are enhanced.