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1. What is the National Register?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official federal list of properties that are significant in American history, architecture, archeology, and engineering.

2. What sites in Utah are on the National Register?

All types of sites and properties are represented - from mansions to prehistoric pit houses, limekilns to LDS tithing offices, suspension bridges to rock art sites. In Utah there are over 1000 individual sites and over 50 historic and archeological districts containing several thousand additional sites. A complete listing of National Register sites in Utah can be obtained from the Office of Historic Preservation.

3. Why would someone list their property on the National Register?

While listing on the National Register is primarily an honorary recognition of the historic or architectural significance of a property, owners also list their buildings to qualify for federal and/or state rehabilitation tax credits or grants, when available. Listing on the National Register can also help educate the public and change a community's perception of its historic and cultural resources.

4. Does listing limit an owner's property rights?

Listing in the National Register does not interfere with a private property owner's right to alter, manage or dispose of the listed property. The owner is not required to restore or maintain the property or open it to the public. Local preservation ordinances, where present, may have some implication for a building owner.

5. What are the requirements for listing? Or is my house eligible?

To be eligible for the National Register, a building must:

• Be at least 50 years old
• Retain its architectural integrity (A rule of thumb: Would the original owner still recognize the building?)
• Be significant; this significance can be national, state-wide, or even local, but must fall within at least one of the following categories:
  • Association with important events
  • Association with significant persons
  • Architectural significance
  • Archeological significance

6. Who can nominate properties to the National Register?

Any interested person can research and nominate any property to the National Register. The legal owner has the right to object to, and prevent, the listing of their private property.

7. What is the process?

Research and document the property (call and ask for the Intensive Level Survey/Research guide) and submit current photos of the property with your early research results for a preliminary review. Next, prepare the National Register nomination form using the results of your research and documentation and the review suggestions. Coordinate with the local historic preservation commission, if one is present in your area. The completed nomination is then presented to the Board of State History for review. With their approval, it is then submitted to the National Park Service in Washington, DC for a final review. The staff of the Office of Historic Preservation is available to review and direct your research and nomination at any time - consult with them early. The entire nomination process usually takes about six months.

8. Is there money available for restoration?

For communities that become Certified Local Governments, limited matching grants are occasionally available for the preservation of properties listed on the National Register - contact the Office of Preservation in April to see if grants will be available that year. We can also provide information about the federal and state rehabilitation investment tax credits and direct you to other possible funding sources, as well as providing technical preservation or maintenance information.

9. Where do I go for National Register forms, bulletins, answers, etc.?

Contact: Cory Jensen or Chris Hansen

Office of Historic Preservation
Utah Division of State History
300 S Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1182

Phone: 801-245-7225

Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement Website
National Register of Historic Places Website