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What are the State and National Registers
of Historic Places?
Administered by the State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO) which is part of the New York State
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP),
the registers are the official lists of properties that are
significant in history, architecture, engineering, landscape
design, archeology and culture within local, state and/or
national contexts. More than 80,000 historical properties
in New York have received this prestigious recognition
What qualifies a property for listing on
the registers?
The registers criteria recognize the value
of all aspects of New York's diverse culture. Properties
must represent a significant historic theme (e.g., architecture,
agriculture, industry, transportation) and retain sufficient
integrity to illustrate their association with that theme --
specifically, properties must possess integrity of location,
design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and
association. Properties less than 50 years of age, with
rare exceptions, are not considered eligible for listing.
What kind of properties can be included in
the registers?
Buildings and structures such as
residence, churches, commercial
buildings and bridges: sites such
as cemeteries, landscapes and
archaeological sites; districts or
groups of buildings, structures or sites
that are significant as a whole, such as
farmsteads, residential neighborhoods,
industrial complexes and cultural
landscapes; and objects such as
fountains and monuments.
What is a historic district?
A historic district is a group of
buildings, structures, and sites related architecturally and/or
historically and listed together on the State and National
Registers. A district may include any number of
properties.
What is the process for listing a property
on the registers?
To begin, an application must be submitted
to the State Historic Preservation Office for evaluation.
If the property is determined eligible for listing, the
nomination sponsor is responsible for providing documentation
that describes the property's setting and physical
characteristics, documents its history, conveys its significance
in terms of its historic context and demonstrates how it meets
the register's criteria. Once complete, the nomination is
reviewed by the New York State Board for Historic Preservation.
If the board recommends the nomination, the New York State
Historic Preservation Officers (Commissioners of the Office of
Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation); lists the property
on the State Register and forwards it to the National Park
Service for review and listing on the National Register.
Can an owner object to having his or her
property listed on the registers?
Yes. An individual privately owned
property cannot be listed over the objection of its owner.
A district cannot be listed over the objection of a majority of
owners. It is the policy of the SHPO to work closely with
nomination sponsors and communities to provide information about
the registers program and opportunities for comment.
What are the benefits of being listed on
the registers?
The State and National Registers are a
recognized and visible component of public and private planning.
The registers promote heritage tourism, economic development and
appreciation of historic resources. Benefits include:
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Official recognition that a property
is of significance to the nation, the state, or the local
community
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Listings raises the community's
awareness and pride in its past
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Owners of historic commercial and
rental properties listed on the National Register may
qualify for a preservation tax credit. The Tax Reform
Act of 1986 allows a 20 percent tax credit for the
substantial rehabilitation and income-producing historic
properties. The work performed must meet federal
preservation standards.
(see "The
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of
Historic Properties, 1995)
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Not-for-profit organizations and
municipalities that own listed properties are eligible to
apply for New York State historic preservation grants.
Additional grants are available through other public and
private sources
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Properties that meet the criteria for
registers listing receive a measure of protection from state
and federal undertakings regardless of their listing status.
State and federal agencies must consult with the SHPO to
avoid or mitigate adverse effects to listed or eligible
properties.
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Will State and National Registers listings
restrict the use of a property?
Listing on the registers does not
interfere with a property owner's right to remodel, alter,
paint, manage, sell or even demolish a historic property, local
zoning or ordinances not withstanding. If state of federal
funds are used or if a state or federal permit is required,
proposed alterations will be reviewed by the SHPO staff
regardless of listing status.
How can an owner get a State and
National Registers plaque to display on his or her building?
The State and National Registers program
does not provide plaques. A list of manufacturers is
available upon request.
Must owners of listed buildings open their
buildings to the public?
No. There is absolutely no
requirement to open registers listed properties to the public.
Will a property owner be able to leave his
property to his children or anyone else he/she wishes?
Yes. Listing on the registers in no
way affects the transfer of property from one owner to another.
Will listing on the State and National
Registers, either individually or in a historic district, affect
local property taxes or zoning?
No. Listing has no direct bearing on
any of these local actions.
How do the State and National Registers
differ from local landmark designations?
State and National Registers listings
should not be confused with local landmark designation.
Many communities have enacted local historic landmark ordinances
that establish local commissions and review procedures for
locally designated properties. These commissions are
established and operation independently from the State and
National Registers, although the goals are similar -- to protect
and preserve properties important to our past
How does listings protect a building and
its surroundings?
The registers are a valuable tool in the
planning of publicly funded, licensed or permitted projects.
Government agencies are responsibleor avoiding or reducing the
effects of projects on properties that are eligible for or
listed on the registers. Listing raises awareness of the
significance of properties, helping to ensure that preservation
issues are considered early and effectively in the planning
process.
Where can I find out more about the State
and National Registers?
For more information contact the Historic
Preservation Field Services at (518) 237-8643 or log on to the
OPRHP website at
http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us
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