On this page you'll find resources and information to support historic property owners and those seeking possible historic designation.
Historic Preservation Services, in partnership with the Historic Preservation Commission, helps protect Fort Collins’ historic resources and enforces preservation requirements in the City Code and Land Use Code.
We can help you:
- Check if a property is historic or in a historic district
- Learn how to apply for historic designation
- Understand designation before buying or renovating a property
- Navigate the historic review process
- Explore financial incentives and research tools for historic properties
Historic Preservation
Historic Review Notifications and Decisions
These documents on these pages are provided for printing purposes. For assistance viewing or reading these documents, please contact the City's ADA Coordinator via email adacoordinator@fortcollins.gov or phone: 970-416-4254.
Historic designation means a property has been officially recognized for its historic, architectural or cultural value. Designation may make properties eligible for financial incentives but also subject to special review requirements.
Historic districts include groups of properties connected by shared history or architecture. Properties in a district are classified as individually eligible, contributing or noncontributing, based on their significance and integrity.
Landmark designation recognizes your property’s historic value, supports the long-term health of your neighborhood and helps the environment by conserving existing buildings.
Nominating your property as a Landmark requires the following steps:
- Complete the forms. Fill out the Landmark Nomination Form(PDF, 316KB) and Character-Defining Features Worksheet(PDF, 234KB) to show how your property meets the City’s Landmark requirements (Municipal Code Chapter 14, Article II). You’ll also need to sign and notarize the Owner Agreement for Landmark nominations.
- Submit your paperwork. Send your completed materials to preservation@fortcollins.gov or drop them off in person at 281 N. College Ave.
- City review. Staff will review your nomination and, if needed, complete a historic survey to confirm that your property meets Landmark requirements.
- Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) review. If your property is eligible, staff will schedule your nomination for the next available HPC meeting. If the Commission agrees the property qualifies, it will pass a resolution recommending designation to City Council.
- City Council approval. City Council reviews the nomination during two meetings. If approved, the Landmark Ordinance is recorded with the County Clerk and takes effect 10 days after approval.
For information on the process, please contact staff at preservation@fortcollins.gov or 970-224-6078.
All work on historic properties is reviewed based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines.
Properties in the Old Town Historic District are also subject to the adopted Old Town Historic District Design Standards(PDF, 5MB).
Local policies and guidelines related to common historic rehab projects are available for painting masonry, solar panels and roofing.
Contact us at preservation@fortcollins.gov or 970-224-6078 to learn more about specific local policies and guidelines and how to plan for a successful rehab project that meets City code requirements.
Landmark Design Review begins when we receive a project application.
How to submit your application:
Documents to include with your application:
- Plans: Working conceptual plans or first-round PDP plans, including site plan, building elevations, landscaping, and photos of existing conditions.
- Historic treatment summary: Explain how your proposed work on any historic resources follows the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.
Most simple applications are reviewed by staff. Some projects need review by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). Contact staff to confirm if your project requires HPC review and the submission deadline. The HPC meets on the third Wednesday of every month.
What documentation is required during this process?
Design Review begins when an application is received for a project.
Contact us via email or phone 970-224-6078 to request a Design Review Application. Hard copies of the application are also available for pickup at our offices at 281 N. College Ave.
The following documents should accompany your application:
- Working conceptual plans or first round PDP plans (site plan, building elevations, landscaping, and photos of existing conditions).
- A summary of how proposed treatment of any historic resources on the development site are in keeping with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.
- A summary of how your project meets the design compatibility requirements in Land Use Code Article 5 Section 5.8.1(F)(1)(c), Table 1 (pp. 5-57–5-58, PDF pp. 61-62).
- If applicable, details and status regarding any proposed modifications of standards.
- Please contact Historic Preservation staff to get scheduled for an HPC meeting and confirm the deadline for submitting materials for review. The HPC meets the third Wednesday of every month.
During or prior to the Conceptual Review process, you may need to order a historic survey if the City does not have existing documentation.
What types of changes trigger Historic Review?
Projects involving demolition, exterior remodeling, additions or new construction on or near historic properties may require review. Routine maintenance or interior changes usually do not. Note that even seemingly minor exterior additions, such as changes to siding and windows, can be subject to review and approval. Contact us before starting a new project for guidance.
Who conducts the Historic Review and how long does it take?
City Historic Preservation staff conduct the initial review, and in some cases the Historic Preservation Commission makes the final decision. Most reviews are completed within a few weeks, depending on project complexity. Some projects involving historic resources may require adjustments to minimize impacts, and property owners may be eligible for incentives or technical assistance.
What incentives are available to help with historic preservation?
Historic property owners in Fort Collins may be eligible for several types of incentives, such as tax credits (state or federal) for qualified rehabilitation work, low- or no-interest loans (e.g., matching exterior rehab loans), grants (for planning, research or restoration), and technical assistance (e.g., design consultation, help preparing applications).
Incentives are offered by various entities — city, state, and federal programs — and the details change frequently, so it’s best to speak with Historic Preservation staff to learn about current opportunities.
Rehab Right with Design Assistance!
If you have an historic building that needs some work and aren’t sure where to start, check out the Design Assistance Program (DAP). The DAP provides mini grants to historic property owners for project planning and design in advance of repairs, rehabilitation and other projects. It can also help owners of non-designated historic properties develop compatible plans that minimize the effects of additions on historic buildings. Examples of how the DAP can assist you:
- Evaluating your historic windows for weatherization upgrades and repairs
- Assessment of exterior conditions to determine appropriate repairs
- Determining appropriate new mortar mixtures to repoint your historic masonry
- Determining if an addition or exterior modification to your property is feasible and will meet historic design requirements
- Site planning/design including civil engineering to address drainage issues
Getting Started with DAP
Contact us via email or phone (970-224-6078) to arrange an initial consultation. Staff will advise on project eligibility, how to submit anapplication, and connect you with a qualified local consultant who can address the design or planning needs of your project.
Historic Review is part of the City's Development Review process. Projects that affect designated or potentially historic properties must go through Historic Review during development review. This process allows for community feedback and helps property owners learn about preservation incentives.
Development Review FAQs
What is the purpose of the Historic Review process?
Historic Review helps protect Fort Collins’ architectural and cultural heritage by evaluating properties that may have historic or cultural significance before they’re altered or demolished.
When is Historic Review required for a property or project?
Historic Review is required whenever a property that’s 50 years old or older is proposed for demolition, exterior alteration, or relocation, or when new development may affect a historic resource.
How do I know if my property is considered historic or potentially historic?
Before starting the Conceptual Development Review process, you can use the City’s online map to check your property’s historic status.
Next, contact staff to confirm whether your property is officially designated or may qualify for historic consideration.
If your property’s historic status is unclear, a historic survey will be required during the Conceptual Review phase to determine eligibility for landmark designation before submitting a development review application.
What happens if a property is found to be historically significant?
If a property more than 50 years old is found to be eligible for landmark designation, staff will work with the applicant during the Development Review process to meet code requirements and explore options for preservation, adaptation or reuse.
Staff will also explain the benefits and responsibilities of voluntary designation at the local, state or federal level.
What criteria are used to determine whether a property is eligible for historic designation?
Typically, a property is evaluated using standards that consider age, integrity and significance:
- Age: In most cases, a property must be at least 50 years old to be considered historic, but age is not the only factor considered.
- Integrity: The property should still reflect its appearance from its period of significance — meaning its essential materials, design and setting remain intact.
- Significance: The property must have historical, architectural or cultural importance. This may include association with a notable person or event, representation of a distinctive architectural style or construction method, or contribution to the broader story of Fort Collins’ development.
These criteria are consistent with those used by the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties, ensuring local decisions align with recognized preservation standards. City staff reference these guidelines when determining whether a property qualifies for designation or further review.
The SUDDN process applies to proposed demolitions of single-unit homes that are more than 50 years old and not already designated as City Landmarks or part of a Landmark District.
This process ensures potentially significant historic or cultural resources are considered before demolition. It also gives community members official notification and the chance to pursue landmark designation before demolition proceeds.
Until SUDDN review is complete and approved, eligible parties may submit a landmark nomination under Section 14-31 of the Fort Collins Municipal Code.
How to start the SUDDN Process
Property owners can begin the Single-Unit Dwelling Demolition Notification (SUDDN) process by contacting Historic Preservation Services and submitting:
- A written request to initiate SUDDN
- Confirmation that the new construction will be a single-unit dwelling (with plans, if available)
- Photos of all sides of the house and any secondary structures to be demolished
What happens during the process?
Once initiated, the SUDDN process includes:
- Posting a Notice of Demolition sign on the property
- Listing on the City’s public notification list and in the City's relevant e-newsletters
- Direct notification to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) for discussion at their next meeting
At the HPC meeting, staff provide a summary of the property’s history and any survey results. Members of the public may speak about the demolition proposal. Until the process is complete, eligible parties — such as three or more Fort Collins residents, the HPC, or City Council — may initiate a Landmark nomination under Section 14-31 of City Code.
Completion, Timing and Exceptions
The SUDDN process concludes after the HPC meeting. If no landmark nomination is initiated, Historic Preservation staff may approve demolition permits the following day.
If the demolition permit expires or six months pass without permit issuance, the notification process must be repeated.
Secondary structures, mobile homes, and partial demolitions may be exempt or follow separate review rules under Chapter 14, Article IV of City Code.
Note: If the project doesn't keep at least one full exterior wall, it's considered a full demolition and this notice is required.
Researching your property can uncover who lived there, how it fits into Fort Collins’ history, and what makes it unique.
Our Property Research Guide can help you get started with local archives and online tools — whether you’re preparing a landmark nomination or just curious about your home’s past.