National register FAq

1. What is the National Register of Historic Places?

*The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources.

2. Is it true that listing in the National Register will decrease my property value?

*Property values tend to rise and fall cyclically. However, surveys suggest that listing on the National Register typically has a positive impact on property values. Listing honors the historical and architectural merit of the neighborhood, which enhances the desirability of owning and living there. Knowing that the neighborhood’s future is more secure additionally adds to the appeal.

3. Are there any tax benefits to being listed in the National Register?

*Yes. Income producing properties may be eligible for a Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit as well as a Conservation Easement.

  • The Historic Tax Credit (HTC) program encourages private sector investment in the rehabilitation and re-use of historic buildings. The federal tax credit allows program participants to claim 20 percent of eligible improvement expenses against their federal tax liability.

    Click HERE for more information regarding the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit.

  • A historic preservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement, typically in the form of a deed, which per- manently protects a significant historic property. Since it is a perpetual easement, an owner is assured that the property’s historic character will be preserved. In addition, an owner who donates an historic preservation easement may be eligible for one or more forms of tax benefits.

    When an owner donates an easement in accordance with Federal and State rules to a qualified charitable or governmental organization, the easement may provide tax benefits. The value attributed to the easement may be claimed as a charitable contribution deduction from Federal income tax. The value of the easement is generally the difference between the appraised fair market value of the property prior to conveying an easement and the appraised fair market value of the property after the easement.

    Click HERE for more information regarding a historic preservation easement.

4. Will remodeling, renovating, or expanding my property require a costly and lengthy review process for historic compatibility?

  • A district is listed in the National Historic Register because its history and architecture are deemed worthy of preservation. Therefore, maintaining the character of homes in such neighborhoods is essential. Remodeling or renovations that would alter the facade of the building–visible from the street–will require review to make sure they maintain the building’s integrity.

  • However, interior renovations or expansions that do not alter portions of the building visible to the street do NOT require any additional review beyond the normal permitting process by the City of Los Angeles. Paint colors remain the choice of the owner and are NOT reviewed. Additionally, “flat work” like walkways and driveways are NOT affected by listing.

  • Thus, much work and maintenance can be done on listed structures without any additional review. Work that does not alter the look of the building from the street can be done without any additional review or cost than for buildings that are not listed.

5. Are there strict requirements for materials used in renovations and repairs.

In kind” repairs that do not alter the look of the building from the street should quickly pass through the normal review process by the City without any additional restrictions. Work on existing historic details visible from the street–particularly the building’s facade–are subject to the same over-the-counter review, which may require that similar materials be used when making repairs or replacements.

6. Will all permits for renovations or construction be subject to heightened scrutiny and the California Environmental Quality Act?

As we mentioned previously, interior work and other minor projects would require little to no review by the Office of Historic Resources. The Office of Historic Resources may require additional review of certain projects, like new construction, if they believe the project will adversely impact the Historic District. If the project is designed so that it is architecturally compatible with the District, the review process should not be cumbersome. It is important to note that environmental review is already required of “discretionary” projects regardless of any historic designation.

7. Can a neighbor or interested party appeal my permit to the City Council or challenge it in court challenge, even if it has already been approved?

No. The National Register does not establish an appeal process. Under existing laws, any “discretionary” project may be appealed. This is true regardless of any historical designation. All “by right” projects, regardless of any historical designation, cannot be appealed.

8. Is listing the same as an HPOZ?
No, an HPOZ (Historic Preservation Overlay Zone) is a zoning regulation passed by the city. An HPOZ is more restrictive than listing in the National Historic Register. An HPOZ includes explicit development guidelines.

If you have further questions, please contact us, and we will be happy to address your questions or concerns.
Also check out The Top Ten Myths About Historic Preservation.

Our complete National Register application can be viewed by clicking here.