Facebook Instagram Twitter Go to... Go to... RESOURCES Take Action Threatened Resources | Demolition Review | Current Issues Tools for Threatened Resources Are you concerned about a particular building or place in your neighborhood? Are you worried that it might be demolished or that it is not being cared for? There are a variety of ways citizens can get involved in saving places that matter. Read through some of the steps and tools below to understand some of the options, and share your concerns with Historic Denver by phone or e-mail (info@historicdenver.org). MORE ABOUT THREATENED RESOURCES Demolition Review The City of Denver has a demolition review process that provides a window of opportunity for the community to consider the loss of a building that has potential for designation as a local landmark under the Denver Landmark Ordinance. Read more about Demolition Review, including the Certificate of Non-Historic Status process below. In 2006 amendments to the Landmark Preservation Ordinance provided greater notice to the community when an un-designated, potential historic landmark faces demolition. These amendments were crafted by a group of stakeholders that included neighbors, preservationists, developers, realtors, planners and elected officials. The amendments were designed to put a stop to “surprise” demolitions that caught neighbors, city council members and preservationists without warning. The amendments create a demolition review period and provide a way for community members and property owners to discuss the long-term impact of demolition before a resource is lost forever. In 2019, Denver City Council adopted updates to this process that further encourage dialogue and collaboration as part of the process. The demolition review ordinance also created the Certificate of Demolition Eligibility (formerly Non-Historic Status), which is a tool that can be used by a property owner to gain certainty about the status of their building. The process is essentially identical to the demolition review process, but rather than receiving a demolition permit at the end of the process, an owner can receive a certificate that provides them with five years in which they could seek a demolition permit without repeating the demolition review steps. It is best used as a due-diligence tool, and is not necessary if an owner of an un-designated structure merely wishes to renovate or remodel their building. As a reminder, Historic Denver is a non-profit advocacy organization and does not implement demolition review nor grant historic designations. Those tasks are done by the City & County of Denver, Community Planning & Development Department and the Denver Landmark Commission. FAQ on Demolition Review Historic Denver believes in the principles underlying the demolition review ordinance, because such notification provides an opportunity for the community to discuss the merits of the property, the impact of demolition and possible alternatives. Most importantly, the demolition review provision ensures that a truly significant and valuable historic resource is not lost without reasonable consideration. The provision encourages owners of un-designated historic buildings to examine a wide range of reuse options before pursuing demolition. HOW DOES IT WORK? How it Works: 1) A property owner elects to apply for a Demolition Permit or Certificate of Demolition Eligibility. A demolition permit provides authorization to demolish a building within 90 days. A Certificate of Demolition Eligibility (formerly known as a Certificate of Non-Historic Status) is a bit different. It provides certainty regarding a building’s potential for historic designation, and if granted, ensures that the owner can receive a demolition permit with no further historic review for a period of five years. A Demolition Permit is typically used when demolition is imminent, while a Certificate of Demolition Eligibility is typically used when an owner is considering what to do with a property. It can also be a due diligence tool for a prospective buyer if that buyer is interested in demolition in the future. 2) Once a demolition application or CDE is received by the City of Denver, city staff has ten days to determine whether the building potentially meets the criteria for designation as an individual landmark. To be potentially eligible the building has to meet at least three criteria related to history, architecture, geography or culture. The building must also retain its historic integrity. 3) If the building is determined not eligible, the demolition permit or CDE is issued. If the building is determined potentially eligible the City is required to “post” a notice on the building and notify City Council members and the closest Registered Neighborhood Association. 4) From the date of the posting a 21-day “clock” begins to tick. Within this 21 days the community has the opportunity to discuss the property, reach out to the property owner, and consider a course of action. Within this time frame community members can also elect to submit a “notice of intent” to file a designation. If notice to submit a designation is received within the 21-day time frame it is extended to the 60th day (from the date of the application) and the city provides a mediator to ensure that the community members and property owner discuss the property and the circumstances before a designation process begins. During the mediation the parties may agree to an alternative approach to either demolition or designation, and there are a number of win-win outcomes that can serve as examples. If this is not the case, then the community can submit a designation application on the specified timeline. To submit a designation there must be three applicants who are residents in the City of Denver. The applicants must also pay an $875 fee. 5) If no designation (or intent to file) is submitted, the demolition permit or CDE is issued automatically at the expiration of the 21-day period. If a designation is submitted after the posting and mediation period the formal designation process begins, including review by the Landmark Preservation Commission, a public hearing at the Commission, and consideration by City Council, with a public hearing. This entire process must be completed within 90 days from the date of the designation application. If it is not completed the demolition permit or CDE is issued. While designation action is an option, the true value of the demolition review process is the window of time it provides for conversation. Historic Denver has created a protocol community members can follow when a building in their neighborhood is posted. We believe following this protocol can lead to collaborative and positive preservation outcomes. VIEW CURRENT ISSUES HISTORIC DENVER QUICK LINKS MOLLY BROWN HOUSE MUSEUM DISCOVER DENVER DENVER STORY TREK WALKING TOURS CONTACT US 1420 Ogden Street Suite 202 Denver CO 80218 303.534.5288 Send a Message HOMETOURS & EVENTSRESOURCESCURRENT ISSUESSUPPORT USABOUT US OUR SPONSORS © Copyright 2021 - Historic Denver | Website by Neon Web Studio | All Rights Reserved