Is My Building Historic?
City ordinances outline the basic tools and criteria for defining a building as "historic". Any changes to a building that is 50 years old or older and is also eligible to be listed on an historic register (local, state or national) qualifies for some type of review from the Historic Preservation Office. Buildings that are listed on the Steamboat Springs Register of Historic Places are eligible for state income tax credits and other incentives for preservation and rehabilitation. There are three categories for listing on this Historic Register: Local Landmarks, Historic Resources and Historic Districts.
The City of Steamboat Springs, through the aid of federal Historic Preservation Fund grants, has researched and documented many Old Town buildings and residences. The basic inventory information is available to the public and includes the history and architectural descriptions that will help determine the significance and architectural character of your building. For the final determination of your property's eligibility to be listed on an Historic Register, please contact the Historic Preservation Division at 879-2060. The City has also created an inventory map that illustrates which buildings have been surveyed. This information is available at the City's Historic Preservation Office.
What Can My Project Look Like?
The City adopted the Design Guidelines in 2001 that help guide property owners with planning an appropriate addition, alteration, or new construction. When designing a project, it is important that the property owner and the design professional refer to the Design Guidelines. In general, the project should fit in well with the existing neighborhood and be compatible with the surrounding area. Steamboat's historic buildings are modest in size and in detail. Additions and new construction should not imitate historic buildings, but should be sympathetic in terms of scale, form and materials. It is inappropriate to add conjectural or architectural features such as Victorian details if they do not exist historically. Copies of the Design Guidelines are also available at City Hall.
Do I Need HPC Approval?
A new Historic Preservation Ordinance was enacted by City Council in February 2009. The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was established and charged with the mission to preserve and enhance the Steamboat Springs' unique historic, cultural and architectural heritage. Its members are appointed by City Council and serve without pay. The Commission meets monthly and considers project proposals for conformance with the Design Guidelines.
Additions and alterations to buildings that are 50 years old or older and are eligible to be listed on an an historic register (local, state or national)require some form of Historic Preservation review. Small additions or alterations that are in conformance with the Design Guidelines and the Community Development Code may be reviewed administratively. Larger projects must be reviewed by HPC at a public meeting. Some projects will also require review and approval of the Planning Commission, or the Board of Adjustments.
Who Should I Contact?
Contact the Historic Preservation Office and Planning Department staff early in the design process to discuss the existing building's significance, the Design Guidelines, and relevant sections of the Community Development Code. Planning in the early conceptual stages of your project - including opportunity for guidance through HPC conceptual review - saves time and expense and produces a better project. The Community Development Code and the Design Guidelines are available at the City offices, the Bud Werner Memorial Library, and on this website.
What Financial Incentives Are Available for Preserving Historic Buildings?
The City of Steamboat Springs is a Certified Local Government which is able to review Colorado State Income Tax Credits for qualifying rehabilitations locally. Applications for the income tax credit are reviewed and approved by the Historic Preservation Office staff following HPC approval of the project. Additionally, a local sales tax rebate exists for rehabilitation and restoration projects that conform with preservation standards. Information is available at the Historic Preservation Office.
