Apply for the Clearwater’s Local Historic Designation
The city of Clearwater’s local historic designation helps recognize and protect buildings and sites that reflect the city’s unique history. Read on below to learn more about historic preservation and how properties can take part in honoring the past.
Benefits of Historic Preservation
The preservation of historic properties can provide benefits and incentives to both property owners and the community. Designating a historic property or district, both locally or on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), is a prestigious honor that recognizes the historic or architectural significance of the property. A 2010 study commissioned by the Florida Department of State found that property values in designated historic districts maintained their value better than properties in other comparable non-historic neighborhoods. In many instances, property appreciated at a significantly higher rate than in non-historic areas.
Local Historic Designation
The city of Clearwater promotes the identification and preservation of historic and archaeological heritage through the local historic designation of properties and
districts. Locally designated properties include the Old Pinellas County Courthouse and North Ward School.
Property owners can apply for the designation. Properties and districts are required to meet the following criteria to achieve the local historic designation:
- The structure's location, design, setting, materials, and workmanship add to the district's sense of time and place and historical development, and contribute to the historical significance of the historical district, and
- Structures are required to have been built prior to 1940, provide a justification of their historical or architectural merit, or demonstrate that the historic attributes came about after 1940.
Two public hearings are required to review the application. The Community Development Board makes recommendations to the City Council as to whether the application meets the criteria. The City Council makes decisions regarding the designation.
Once the local historic designation is approved, a historical marker commemorating the significance of the property may be posted.
Application for Historic Designation Form(PDF, 200KB)
Certificates of Appropriateness
The code requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for any material alteration, demolition, or moving of a locally designated historic property. A Certificate of Appropriateness is not required for ordinary maintenance.
Certificates of Appropriateness are issued by the Community Development Board for applications that demonstrate plans and designs that are sensitive and compatible with the historic character of the property or district.
National Historic Preservation & Designation
The National Register of Historic Places officially lists national historic places worthy of preservation. To be eligible for listing in the NRHP, the property must be 50 years or older, possess historic significance, and maintain its historic physical integrity.
Once a property is listed in the NRHP, there are no restrictions placed on the property for private owners using private monies to alter the property.
Federal Financial Incentives
Achieving a listing on the NRHP provides access to financial incentives, such as tax credits and grant funding.
Businesses, apartment buildings, and other income-producing properties undergoing historic rehabilitation may be eligible for an income tax credit. The federal income tax credit is equal to 20% of the allowable expenses incurred in a certified rehabilitation of a certified historic structure. More information is on the National Park Service website.
Grants are available to non-profits or local governments for a wide variety of historic preservation projects, ranging from planning to building repair and typically require a local match. Check out the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Historic Preservation Fund sites for more information.
Search for local properties on the National Register.
Application for Historic Designation Form(PDF, 200KB)
Have any questions or concerns? Visit Clearwater Connect to submit online inquiries.
Clearwater Connect