PRESERVE LEIMERT PARK
The National Register of Historic Places: A Quick Guide
When you picture a historic landmark, do you see a statue of George Washington or the White House? What about the Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall, or Hollywood Boulevard? America is full of wonderful historic sites.
The National Register of Historic Places was founded in 1966 to document and protect significant historic places. These places include not just buildings, but also natural and cultural resources.
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This guide will show you some interesting facts about this important register and what it means if your neighborhood becomes a part of this National register.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official federal list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects worthy of preservation. It’s administered by the National Park Service (NPS) under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act.
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Designations are made after in-depth research on the historic significance of the site. Sites are reviewed by state and tribal historic preservation officers to make sure they can meet standards for inclusion.
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What does it mean if your neighborhood becomes a part of the register?
If your neighborhood becomes a part of the register, it means that your community has been recognized as a place with cultural and historic significance.
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It also means that your neighborhood will be eligible for federal funds to help preserve and restore buildings or other structures.
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The National Register of Historic Places is a program that helps preserve the history of America. It documents important historic sites from all over this country, from large cities to small towns. But if your home is in an historic district, it may qualify as well!
What does The National Register of Historic Places do?
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Designates a historic area based on uniform national criteria and procedures
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Sets district boundaries based on the historic significance and pattern of intact (contributing) historic properties of an area
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Provides a limited degree of protection from the effects of federally-assisted projects and those with discretionary review (ex. transportation improvements that may adversely impact a historic district)
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Provides a limited review process from City staff for owner-initiated projects requiring building permits for exterior improvements (primarily those visible from the front and public right of way)
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Makes the State Historic Building Code available as a building code alternative
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Makes available specific federal and CA tax credit incentives for the rehabilitation of qualified historic buildings within the Historic District
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Limits higher-density housing development from occurring if located in a historic district, if “included on the State Historic Resources Inventory, or legally designated or listed as a city or county landmark, historic property ordistrict,” as specified in CA Senate Bill 9 (approved 9.16.21)
What the National Register of Historic Places does NOT do.
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Restrict the use or disposition of property or obligate private property owners in any way
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Require adherence to design guidelines or a Preservation Plan by a community-basedhistoric preservation board, such as a HPOZ board
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Affect state and local government activities
A list of work that generally requires a permit.
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New buildings
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Additions to buildings
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Tenant improvements
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Accessory Dwelling Unit Conversions
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Miscellaneous items (decks, patios, fences over 6', fireplaces, pools, retaining walls, ADA striping and path of travel etc...)
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Remodels and renovations (changes in occupancy or use, garage conversions, kitchen remodels, stucco, window(s) and door(s) changeouits, etc.)
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New, expanded, or replaced electrical items
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New, expanded or replaced plumbing items
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New, expanded or replaces mechanical items
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Grading work
Conclusion
The National Register of Historic Places is an important resource for the preservation of America’s history. It is a way for our history to be recognized for generations to come.
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The National Register of Historic Places is a list of historic sites across the country that are recognized for their cultural, historic, architectural, or other significance. The list is maintained by the National Park Service.
National Register status doesn't protect a historic site from being destroyed or altered, but it does provide recognition and distinction.
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For more information about The National Register of Historic Places please visit their website at NPS.