What benefits does landmark designation have?

Once a landmark has been designated it is afforded certain protections and privileges. These include the Site Plan Review Process, Historic Building Fee Waiver, Historic Building Code, and Mills Act Tax Relief. 

  • Site Plan Review Process: If an owner should wish to alter, add onto, relocate or demolish a landmark, a permit for such action from the city is required through the Site Plan Review (SPR) process. (See SPR Brochure [PDF])
  • Historic Building Fee Waiver: The payment of fees that might otherwise be assessed for preservation work may be able to be waived (e.g., inspection and permit fees) for designated buildings based on certain criteria. 
  • Historic Building Code: Designated landmarks are eligible for application of the State Historical Building Code, thus allowing owners to use alternate, less costly means of satisfying building code requirements when undertaking rehabilitation or preservation work. 
  • Mills Act Tax Relief: Certain designated landmarks may be eligible to realize tax benefits. Historic properties listed on the City's Inventory of Historic and Cultural Landmarks (IHCL) are eligible to apply to the City to enter into a Mills Act Contract which can reduce real property taxes. According to the County Tax Assessor office personnel, tax assessments can be reduced by 15% to 60%.

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1. Can City funds be provided to rehabilitate or maintain designated landmarks?
2. How can you provide further assistance to the City's preservation efforts?
3. How is a landmark designated?
4. May a landmark be sold or leased without City approval?
5. What are the basic categories of designation for cultural resources?
6. What benefits does landmark designation have?
7. Why designate landmarks?