| The National Register of Historic Places |
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| What Can be Listed? |
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The National Park Service in Washington DC established the guidelines for listing resources in the National Register of Historic Places. In order to be listed in the National Register, a property must be 50 years of age or older, unless the property can be shown to have exceptional importance. Eligible properties must also have "integrity," or closely resemble their historic appearance. Districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects should maintain their integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. Most importantly, a resource must be significant, or physically connected with an important part of the past. The National Park Service identifies four areas of significance, called Criterion. Significance may include a connection with an historic event or trend, Criterion A; a notable historic person, Criterion B; an example of notable architecture or engineering, distinctive construction, or work of a master, Criterion C; or the potential to yield scientific information, such as an archaeological site Criterion D.
The requirements for National Register lisiting, including important exceptions for religious properties, moved properties, birthplaces or graves, cemeteries, reconstructed properties, commemorative properties, and properties that are less than 50 years old are fully explained by the Park Service in National Register Bulletin #15, "How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation."
More Information:
National Register Bulletin #15, "How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation" - National Park Service publication that explains in detail under what circumstances a property will or will not be eligible or the National Register of Historic Places.
National Park Service Bulletins and Brochures Webpage - Find National Register publications listed on this website. Topics include completing the form, documenting specific types of properties, and public education.
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| Who Can List a Property? |
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Anyone can nominate a property to the National Register of Historic Places. However, if the property is privately owned, consent from the property owner is required before the property can be officially listed. In the case of a historic district, a majority of property owners must object in order to stop a listing. Owner consent is not required to list public property; however, we urge anyone who is interested in listing a public property to work closely and collaboratively through with the public entity that owns the property.
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| What is the Process? |
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Nominating a property to the National Register is a public process that can take up to one year from first inquiry. Although there are no fees associated with nominating a property, advocates will need to provide for archival-quality photographs and research materials at their own cost.
Nominations are accepted three times a year in March, July, and November, and are first reviewed for completeness by office staff. Advocates then have approximately 30 days to correct any noted deficiencies and return the draft. Drafts that meet the minimum standards are then provided to local landmarks commissions for review 60 days before the nomination is considered by the State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP). The SACHP meets three times a year in February, June, and October. Property owners, nomination preparers, and local elected officials are notified of the pending nomination by mail 60 days before the hearing. Nominations approved by the SACHP are forwarded to the Keeper of the National Register within 90 days of the hearing date. Once received, notification of approval or denial by the Keeper is returned at the end of 45 days.
More Information:
National Register Process - The entire National Register process in an Adobe PDF graphic.
SACHP - More about the SACHP, its role, and the dates for upcoming meetings
National Register Consultants - For those who would like professional help in preparing their nominations, the SHPO maintains a list of who research and prepare National Register nominations.
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| Completing the Nomination Form |
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Nomination preparers should plan on spending 100 to 150 hours to research and write a National Register nomination and to gather the required supporting documentation, including a unmarked USGS map, archival photographs, and plat map. Documentation requirements vary for single properties, historic districts, and those properties listed under a Multiple Property Documentation form (MPD).
Preparers are highly encouraged to submit a Preliminary Eligibility Evaluation (PEE) to the office before beginning their research. The form asks advocates to briefly describe the building and why it is eligible for the National Register and to submit photographs. Submissions can be made in person, or by regular mail or email. Within two weeks of receipt, SHPO staff will answer these requests. Using the standards established by the National Park Service and the information provided in the PEE, staff will give their opinion on the building's eligibility for the National Register and remark on potential research strategies. Included in the response will be useful information about the National Register and how to complete the documentation.
More Information, forms, and useful aids for preparing nominations:
Single Properties - A single residence, buisness, or industry with associated outbuildings
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