Historic Designation

There are three levels of Historic Designation that a property can possess, National, State and Local with similar criteria for designation but different levels of restrictions.

*National and State Register Properties will require additional review and restrictions if financial
incentives (grants and tax credits) are utilized.

It is possible for a property to have more than one level of designation. Several of Longmont’s
Local Landmarks are also listed on the National Register.

City of Longmont Landmarks

Local landmark designation provides for the recognition of sites, structures, objects and areas important to the history and character of Longmont. A structure may be designated if it has identified historical, architectural, geographical or social importance to the community.

As of May 2019 the City of Longmont has designated 132 Properties as Local Landmarks.

What does it mean to be a City of Longmont Landmark?

• Your property is recognized as a being historically significant to the City of Longmont
• You receive a special plaque from the City identifying your property as a Local Landmark
• Your property is eligible for financial incentives to help maintain the historic character of the structure. Click for information on the financial incentives available.
• There are no additional review or restrictions on interior changes to a local landmark unless the property owner is utilizing financial incentives.
• There is additional review and restrictions for exterior alterations to the property. If you are completing exterior changes to the property including but not limited to painting, reroof, additions, window and door replacement or enclosing a porch you will need to apply for and receive a Certificate of Appropriateness. Click for additional information on the Certificate of Appropriateness process including the application and review criteria.

How do I designate my property?

Property owners may apply for historic designation by the City through the submission of an application. Applications for Historic Designation are reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission and approved by the City Council.

Once a structure is designated as historic, no exterior building alterations are permitted unless a Certificate of Appropriateness has been granted by the Historic Preservation Commission. There are many types of financial incentives available for designated structures.

The criteria for designating a property as a local landmark is below:

2.56.50. - Criteria for designation of landmarks and historic districts.

A. The council may designate a landmark with the consent of the owner if it is at least 50 years old, or is determined to have exceptional historic value, and meets one or more of the criteria listed below.

B. The council may designate a historic district if it includes significant concentration of designated landmarks and contributing properties and meets one or more of the criteria listed below:

1. The landmark or historic district has character, interest, or value as part of the development, or the cultural, artistic, social, ethnic, economic, political, technological or institutional heritage, of Longmont, Boulder County, Weld County, the State of Colorado, or the United States.

2. It includes the site of a significant historic event.

3. It is identified with a person who significantly contributed to the development, or the cultural, artistic, social, ethnic, economic, political, technological or institutional heritage of Longmont, Boulder County, Weld County, the State of Colorado, or the United States.

4. It portrays a historic era characterized by a distinctive architectural style.

5. It is identified as the work of an architect or master builder whose individual work has influenced the development of Longmont, Boulder County, Weld County, the State of Colorado or the United States.

6. It embodies elements of architectural design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship that represent a significant architectural innovation.

7. For an application with the owner's consent, its unique location or singular physical characteristics represent an established and familiar visual feature of neighborhood, community, or the City of Longmont.

8. The site is geographically or regionally important.

For additional information on whether your property is eligible for designation or other questions contact the Planning Department: (303)-651-8330

Colorado State Register

The Colorado State Register of Historic Properties is a listing of the state's significant cultural resources worthy of preservation for the future education and enjoyment of Colorado's residents and visitors.

Properties listed in the Colorado State Register include individual buildings, structures, objects, districts and historic and archaeological sites.

The Colorado State Register program is administered by the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation within the History Colorado. History Colorado maintains an official list of all properties included in the Colorado State Register.

Properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places are automatically placed in the Colorado State Register. They may also be nominated separately to the Colorado State Register without inclusion in the National Register.

There are no restrictions or additional review for alterations to a State Register Property unless the property owner is looking to receive financial incentives. Click for information on the financial incentives available.

National Register

The National Register of Historic Places is the nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation.

Authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect our historic and archeological resources.

Properties listed in the register include districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture.

The National Register is administered by the National Park Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

There are no restrictions or additional review for alterations to a State Register Property unless the property owner is looking to receive financial incentives. Click for information on the financial incentives available.

Click for Information on the National Register Properties in the City