Find out what is a Certified Local Government?

A Certified Local Government (CLG) is a local government having a partnership agreement with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and National Park Service (NPS).  A CLG's ordinance and historic preservation commission must meet certain standards.  In addition, the partnership agreement obligates a CLG to develop a plan to survey and inventory the historic resources in its community as well as to develop local preservation programs.  In exchange, the NPS requires that each SHPO annually pass through to the CLGs 10% of the SHPO's federal funding.  These grants are currently without a match requirement.  Another significant benefit is that the locally designated landmarks (including private residences) of CLGs are eligible for Colorado's 20% state rehabilitation tax credit.  For additional information visit our Certified Local Government section or visit the National Park Service web site.

Find out if my community has a local preservation ordinance?

Approximately 100 Colorado municipalities and counties now have a local historic preservation ordinance of some kind.  Our office maintains a list of each local government with an ordinance including staff contact information.  In addition, a brief comparison of the key features of each local ordinance can be found under our Certified Local Government section.

Find out if a property or site listed on the National or State Registers have greater protection than a locally designated property or site?

Local designation, through local design review, offers the greatest protection against demolition or incompatible alterations because most changes to historic properties are by private property owners using private funds.  The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) reviews activities that may affect properties eligible for or listed on the National Register only if federal funds or federal agency action is involved.  Similarly, the SHPO reviews activities involving properties nominated to or on the State Register only if state funds or state agency action is involved.

Contact someone from your office to speak in my community about historic preservation ordinances and/or Certified Local Governments?

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