Commissioners create Historic Landmark Board

At the Board of County Commissioners hearing on Monday, Feb. 11, the commissioners approved a resolution establishing a Delta County Historic Landmark Board and procedures for historic landmark designation.

The creation of a county historic landmark board and a countywide historic register is not a new concept; however, such historic registers only exist in two county municipalities, Delta and Cedaredge, leaving the other incorporated towns and cities, as well as the unincorporated county, without any means to recognize and acknowledge those buildings, homes — including farms and ranches — and landmarks as being worthy of historic recognition.

The Delta County Historic Landmark Board is now empowered to recognize and designate such landmarks to a local historic register. Through a citizen application process and review by the newly created seven-member citizen board, historic structures and sites within Delta County are now eligible for local historic designation, with final approval subject to review by the Board of County Commissioners in a public hearing. This designation does not conflict in any way with the similar process for the state or national historic registers.

Placing your structure or site on a historic register has no effect on ownership rights or your ability to renovate, remodel, or otherwise change the "historic" look of the property. This is true for state and national registers, as well. The only time when restrictions may apply is if grant funds are obtained for historic renovation, etc.

However, should you wish to pursue historic designation at the state or national level, a local historic register designation is recognized as a huge advantage to not only achieving state or national designation, but is useful in tapping into funding resources outside the county where such resources are provided for historic repairs and renovations. Renovation or restoration costs are also eligible for state tax credits.

The Delta County Historic Landmark designation process requires completion of an application which includes a modest history of the structure or site. Structures must be at least 50 years old to qualify.

The Delta County Historic Landmark Board is currently finalizing operating guidelines and other aspects of the application process. For more information, or if you are interested in being a member of the board, contact Jim Wetzel, 874-8721, or Leigh-Ann Hunt, 874-6691.

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