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WELCOME PROPERTY OWNERS

Easement Property Owners

Alteration Review Process for Easement Properties 

The preservation easements that we hold require that any alterations to the building exterior, property, or interior if included in your easement, be reviewed beforehand and approved by the Historic Properties Committee. Owners need to contact the Historic Properties Program Manager at the start of their project development. 

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What criteria does the Preservation Utah Historic Properties Committee use to evaluate proposed alterations? 

  • Specific stipulations in the easement document for the property. If you do not have a copy of the preservation easement for your property, we will be happy to send you one. 

  • The most recent Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The Standards are a nationally recognized and widely used tool for ensuring that alterations do not jeopardize the historic integrity of a building. Download the Standards and refer to them when planning any project that impacts the exterior of your building. 

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How does the Historic Properties Committee apply these criteria? 

  • Each easement is unique to each property, and the Historic Properties Committee tightly adheres to the specific stipulations in each easement document. For your property's documentation, contact our Historic Properties Program Manager at (801) 533-0858 or historicproperties @ preservationutah.org.

  • The committee strictly applies the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation to proposed alterations involving a property's character-defining features and areas visible from public ways. 

  • The committee may allow more flexibility in altering non-character defining or non-historic features in areas not visible to the public. 

 

What information must I submit to the Historic Properties Committee or staff to have my plans reviewed? 

  • Easement property owners should begin the alteration process by reviewing and submitting this form. Information submitted through the form includes:

    • Contact details (property address; owner name, email, and phone; architect/contractor name, email, and phone).

    • Detailed drawings of proposed changes: Preservation Utah reserves the right to require architectural drawings when necessary.

    • A site plan sketch showing the impact of the proposed alterations on the site.

    • List of building materials, including sample materials or product literature, if appropriate or requested.

    • Construction timetable.

    • Photos of the project area.

    • Indications of whether you intend to utilize state or federal historic rehabilitation tax credits. 

  • Information is accepted via email; photos and drawings must be clearly scanned. Contact our Historic Properties Program Manager at (801) 533-0858 or historicproperties@preservationutah.org.

  • Documents should be in PDF format, and photos in .jpg or .png format. 

  • Preservation Utah does not return documents or photographs submitted, so please make copies for your records.

 

When must I submit this information? 

  • It is imperative that easement property owners obtain the approval of the Historic Properties Committee before beginning work on their project. The Historic Properties Committee meets monthly. To consider your project, submit the abovementioned information two weeks before the scheduled meeting date. This will allow time for staff to review the information and request any additional materials the Historic Properties Committee will need to make a decision about your project. 

  • Please contact the Preservation Utah office for a schedule of Historic Properties Committee meetings. Exceptions to this schedule will be made for emergencies that immediately threaten the property.

 

When will I be notified of the Historic Properties Committee’s decision regarding my project? 

  • The property owner will be notified in writing of the Historic Properties Committee’s decision within two weeks of the meeting at which the project was reviewed. 

 

What follow-up documentation is required? 

  • After the Historic Properties Committee approves a project and it is completed, the property owner must submit photos documenting that the project was completed according to the approved plans. 

 

Is there anyone else I need to contact about my project? 

  • You should contact your city's historic preservation or landmark commission if you live within a local historic district. Local historic districts often have regulations governing the alterations that can be made to historic buildings in their boundaries. Please consult your municipality to inquire whether your historic property falls under local ordinances or requires additional review. 

  • If you wish to apply for federal or state historic rehabilitation tax credits, consult the Utah Division of State History’s

  • Preservation Office before beginning your project. They can be reached at (801) 533-3500.

 

Is this legally enforceable?

  • In the event an easement property owner makes an alteration to the exterior of their property without Preservation Utah's approval, the easement documents empower Preservation Utah to pursue a variety of legal measures to rectify the violation, including: 

    • Requiring the restoration of the property to its condition before the violation.

    • Entering the property, correcting the violation, and holding the owner liable for the costs.

    • Recovering damages for the violation to restore the property. 

 

For questions about the alteration review process, contact our Historic Properties Program Manager at (801) 533-0858 or historicproperties @ preservationutah.org.

Easements

Revolving Loan Funds

Preservation Utah's mission is to preserve, protect, and promote Utah's historic built environment through public awareness, advocacy, and active preservation. We provide financial resources to stimulate historic preservation activities through our Revolving Loan Fund Program for the rehabilitation of historic properties. 

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Loan applications are approved based on several criteria, including loan funds availability, property eligibility, owners credit, and the proposed renovation's historical appropriateness.

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Property Eligibility

A property must be at least 50 years old and retain its architectural integrity to qualify (a good rule of thumb: would the original owner recognize the building today?). 

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The property needs to also meet one of the following criteria:

  • It is listed on, or is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

  • It is listed on a local register of historic or cultural resources.

  • It is eligible to be a contributing building within a local or national historic district.

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How will I qualify to receive a loan?

The borrower(s) must have a credit history demonstrating the ability to make regular monthly loan payments and income adequate to repay the funds loaned.

 

Funds are available to individuals regardless of race, handicap, age, color, religion, gender, national origin, or familial status. Corporations, partnerships, and nonprofit and religious organizations are eligible to apply for funds (religious organizations, please contact our staff as available funding may have restrictions). ​

 

What are the terms and interest rates of the loans?

Our loans offer low monthly payments based on a 20-year amortization schedule. However, the loan term is five years, with a balloon payment of the remaining principal and interest due at the end of the fifth year. When the loan application is approved, the interest rate is fixed at ½ of the prime interest rate. For example, if the prime interest rate is 6%, our interest rate is fixed at 3%.

 

What improvements can be made using the loan funds?

Loan funds can be used for restoration, rehabilitation, repair, and project-related costs, such as engineering services, architect's fees, and permits.

  • The first priority for funding is exterior improvements, including brick, chimneys, doors, foundations, masonry, and porches, reconstructing existing additions, roofs, seismic retrofitting, siding repair, and windows.

  • The second priority for funding is interior systems, including code compliance, electrical systems, heating, insulation, and plumbing.

  • The third priority for funding is interior finishes. For example, Preservation Utah will not fund a kitchen remodel if the roof needs to be repaired. However, a kitchen or bathroom remodel can be funded if incorporated into a more comprehensive rehabilitation project.

 

Are there any restrictions on how I use the loan funds?

Funds may not be used for concrete pads (parking, patio, etc.), fences, incompatible materials, inappropriate rehabilitation techniques, landscaping, new construction, completed projects, refinancing existing mortgages, or retaining walls. Funding requests for work in progress will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

How long is the application process?

When Loan Applications are received throughout the year, the Historic Properties Committee reviews them at regular monthly meetings. The entire application process takes about 45 days (this is not a set timeline; each situation is different and may require more time).

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How do I start the application process?

Submit the Revolving Loan Fund Inquiry Form. Once we receive this form, the Historic Properties Program Manager will determine whether your property qualifies to receive funding from the Revovling Fund Loan Program. If it does, you will receive a follow-up letter outlining the work items discussed, the funding sources, amounts, terms available to you, and instructions for submitting a Loan Application.

 

What information do I have to provide to complete a loan application?

If you are interested and project qualifies for funding and you decide to apply for a loan, you must provide the information listed below. A complete checklist of items will be provided when you schedule your loan application appointment.

 

  • RF Loan Program Application: The required 4-page application is completed with the assistance of the Historic Properties Program Manager.

  • Historical Information: If available, you must submit information to verify the historic significance of the property being renovated with the loan funds.

  • Statement of Property Value: You must submit a copy of an appraisal, purchase agreement, or property tax assessment record issued within the previous 12 months.

  • Description of Work: The application must accompany a written description of the work for which Preservation Utah funding is sought. In addition, construction drawings detailing the proposed improvements may be required.

  • Photographs of the Property: Photographs showing the current condition of all sides of the building and details of problem areas must be submitted.

  • Bids from Licensed Contractors: Copies of bids from currently licensed contractors for all proposed improvements must be submitted.

  • Personal and Financial Information: You must provide your current employment, income, assets, and liabilities.

  • Non-refundable Application Fee: A $75.00 non-refundable application fee is due when your Loan Application is prepared.

 

What does the Historic Properties Committee consider when it reviews a loan application?

The Historic Properties Committee uses criteria which include, but are not limited to:

  • The proposed project's appropriateness and compatibility with the historic building's character.

  • The architectural or historical significance of the property.

  • The financial strength of the application.

  • The geographic distribution of current and proposed projects.

  • The project's potential effect on the surrounding neighborhood and community.

  • The availability of funds. 

 

How do I know if my application is approved?

All applicants receive written notification of the Historic Properties Committee's recommendation within ten (10) business days following the meeting at which their application is considered. If a positive recommendation is forwarded, it is provided to Preservation Utah's Board of Trustees for final review. The Board of Trustees makes the final decision, and a recommendation does not guarantee approval.

 

For more information, contact the Historic Properties Program Manager

revolvingloans

Research a Place

research

There are many ways to begin researching your property. The resources listed below are some ways to get started.

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PLEASE NOTE: Website links are current as of December 2025. However, a given link may have expired or been modified. 

 

Researching your property can be a time-consuming process. If you would like to hire a professional, check out our Preservation Directory (look under consultants).

 

Find out when the building was constructed.

​Historic Building Permits

  • The definitive source for dating a building’s construction is the original building permit. Unfortunately, only Salt Lake City permits are accessible online. For other communities, contact your city or town offices to see if they’ve retained historical building permits or permit registers. 

 

SL City Building Permit Registers: Utah State Archives hosts a site with scanned images of Salt Lake City building permit registers from 1889 through 1954.

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Salt Lake City Building Permit Cards (Salt Lake City): Generally, this site posts permits from the early 1900s, including both the original permit and modifications. (Click “Sign Out,” then, on the next page, click “Sign In” to access the site.)

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The Historic Utah Buildings Web Viewer

The Utah State Historic Preservation Office conducts surveys of communities throughout Utah to determine which buildings may qualify for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s possible that—even if it’s not historic—your building has been surveyed by the Utah State Historic Preservation Office with an estimate of the year it was constructed. If it is listed on the National Register, the site should include a link to a folder with more information.

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Access the Viewer

  • In the search window, enter the address.

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  • For a more general search, enter a city name and use the Viewer to zoom in on the property.

 

If the property has been surveyed, it will be identified by a red or green dot. Click on the dot for more information, including an estimated construction year. These estimates are generally more reliable than those provided by county assessors.

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County Assessors
The following county assessor’s offices provide property searches on their websites through which you can locate an estimated year of construction. For other counties, contact the county assessor directly. Having detailed property information (e.g., parcel number) will facilitate the search. 

  • Cache County

  • Carbon County

  • Davis County

  • Kane County

  • Morgan County

  • Salt Lake County

  • Summit County

  • Tooele County

  • Uintah County

  • Utah County

  • Washington County

  • Weber County

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Utah Digital Newspapers
Historic newspapers often contain information about when a given building was constructed. You can search by address, the name of the builder, or the name of the original owner (if you know it), but as with any search, entering the most productive search term can be a little tricky, so make sure to try different terms (e.g., “E” or “East”). Some newspapers often listed new buildings in a regular “Building Permits” listing.

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Sanborn Maps
The Sanborn company produced insurance maps for various Utah communities from the 1880s through 1969. The maps show each building on the principal blocks in the community. They are color-coded to indicate the various construction materials. By comparing the maps from different years, you can determine approximate construction dates and changes to your building and property.

 

Utah Historic Architecture Guide
The guide may help you identify the style of your building, which, in turn, may help you determine a general period of construction.

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Local and Family Histories
These histories often contain information about individual buildings. Some can be accessed through various library websites.
 

Determine what the building looked like originally.

County Assessors
Some assessor’s offices also post images of a building when it was completed or shortly thereafter. Those images would be found where a given property’s information is located. It’s important to note, however, that some photos were taken well after a building was completed, so it may have been modified before the image was taken.
 

Historic Photos
Although there may not be a photo of your building specifically, there may be one of the street that it’s on. You might also search by the names of various occupants.


Digital Collections (Higher Ed)

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Utah Architects and Builders Guide
Marriott Library maintains an index of many architects and builders who have practiced in Utah.  

 

General Sources

  • Local Libraries: Many local libraries maintain their own digital collections.

  • Local Historical Societies. Local historical societies often have repositories of historical materials, including photographs. 

  • Local Museums. Local museums, including Daughters of the Utah Pioneers museums, often hold collections of historical materials.

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Learn about the occupants.

Several of the sources listed above may also have materials related to the occupants (e.g., photos, oral histories, etc.).

  • Digital Collections

  • Local Libraries

  • Local Historical Societies

  • Local Museums
     

County Recorders: County recorders' offices maintain records of property transactions commonly known as “Title Abstracts,” the registers that track ownership (“chain of conveyance”) for properties. Some county recorders offer online access to title abstracts. You will need a legal description of the property to locate the corresponding records. It’s important to note, however, that owners are not always occupants.

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City Directories: City directories provide accurate information about the occupants at a given address.

  • Marriott Library

  • Local libraries. Some local libraries provide access to city directories, for example, through Heritage Quest (ancestry.com). Check with your local librarian. Or subscribe to a genealogy website.

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Genealogy Websites: Various genealogy websites offer a range of information, including access to Census data. Although most require a paid subscription, FamilySearch.org provides a free alternative.

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US Census: The Census is a reasonably definitive source for the names of occupants. Some local libraries provide access to Census searches (for example, through Heritage Quest). Check with your local librarian.
 

Historical Newspapers: Historical newspapers are often good sources of information. As mentioned above, however, it’s important to be flexible with your search term(s), as names and addresses may either be misspelled and/or may not have scanned correctly.

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Publications/Websites: Several publications and websites often contain information about individuals.

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Birth and Death Certificates: The Utah State Archives maintains birth and death certificates

Tax Credits

taxcredits

Federal Tax Credits for Commercial Properties

The Utah State Historic Preservation Office administers the federal investment tax credit program. Qualifying projects must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places within three years of starting the project, plan for work to be done that will meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, and will meet an adjusted basis formula to determine eligibility. If all criteria are met, the owner qualifies for a federal tax credit of 20% of the total rehabilitation costs on that project.

 

State Tax Credits for Residential Properties

The Utah State Historic Preservation Office administers the state tax credit program. Qualifying projects must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places within three years of starting the project, plan for work to be done that will meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, and spend a minimum of $10,000. If all criteria are met, the owner qualifies for a state tax credit of 20% of the total rehabilitation costs on that project.

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