Colorado Historic Preservation and State Register Review Boards

Colorado Historic Preservation Review Board

The purpose of the Colorado Historic Preservation Review Board is to:

  • Review the State of Colorado Historic Preservation Plan
  • Review and approve National Register nominations prior to submission to the Keeper of the National Register in Washington, DC
  • Participate in the review of appeals to National Register nominations
  • When appropriate, provide written opinions on the significance of properties
  • Review State Historic Preservation Officer recommended National Historic Landmarks prior to submission to the Governor and the Secretary of the Interior
  • Provide general advice, guidance, and professional recommendations to the State Historic Preservation Officer in carrying out the other duties and responsibilities authorized by the National Preservation Act and implementing regulations.

The Board is composed of from twelve to fifteen members, not including ex officio members, appointed by the Governor and the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO).  Composition of the Board includes at least one recognized professional in each of the disciplines of American history, prehistoric archaeology, historical archaeology, architecture and architectural history.  Membership may include non-professional citizen members with demonstrated interest or competence in archaeology or historic preservation as long as the majority of the membership consists of recognized professionals.  The two State Advisors to the National Trust for Historic Preservation serve as voting members ex officio.

The term of the Board members is two years, renewable.  One-half of the members are appointed every year by the Governor and the SHPO. Members may be appointed for a total of three consecutive terms.  Members having served three consecutive terms are again eligible for appointment after having been off the Board for a period of one year.  The Governor and SHPO make appointments to fill vacancies any time during the term for the balance of the unfilled term.

The Board meets at least three times during each calendar year. Meetings of the Board are open to the public with notice of date and time meeting the requirements in the current Federal regulations.  The State Historic Preservation Officer serves as chairperson of the Board; in the absence of the SHPO, a deputy SHPO serves.  The chairperson only votes to break a tie.

State Register Review Board

The State Register Review Board reviews nominations to the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties and issues a recommendation to the History Colorado Board of Directors (BOD) for each nominated property's inclusion in, or denial of inclusion in, the State Register. The Review Board also provides general advice, guidance and professional recommendations in regard to the State Register program.

The Board consists of a minimum of five persons, the majority of whom are recognized professionals in the fields of history, prehistoric and historic archaeology, architectural history, and architecture. Members of the Board are appointed by the History Colorado Board of Directors, based on the recommendation of the Executive Director of History Colorado. Membership may include non-professional citizen members with demonstrated interest or competence in archaeology or historic preservation as long as the majority of the membership consists of recognized professionals.

Board members serve two-year renewable terms. Members may be appointed for a total of three consecutive terms. Members having served three consecutive terms are again eligible for appointment after having been off the Board for a period of one year.

The Board meets a minimum of three times during a calendar year. Meetings of the Board are open to the public. History Colorado's Executive Director serves as chairperson of the Board; in the absence of the Executive Director, a deputy State Historic Preservation Officer serves. The chairperson only votes to break a tie.