Historic Preservation

Designation allows properties to receive special historical, architectural, and/or geographical significance in Greeley’s history. It also ensures that historic qualities will be maintained in the future, independent of its ownership. Designation can significantly increase the value of the property and surrounding neighborhood, contributing to the revitalization of neighborhoods and pride in the community.

While there is no obligation to restore or rehabilitate a property on the historic register, owners must work with the Historic Preservation Commission or the Historic Preservation Specialist for the following:

• Altering, moving or demolishing a structure.
• Major exterior alterations, repairs, rehabilitation, reconstruction or new construction.
• Repairs, routine maintenance, landscaping, low fences or walls, or painting.

The Historic Preservation Staff is ready to help answer questions about a property’s eligibility for the Historic Register and is a great first resource for processing an application. There are different kinds of nominations.

Individual Property Nominations

Any owner may nominate their property, area or structure for designation. The Historic Preservation team will help a property owner navigate the nomination process, including explanation of the process, benefits and obligations of designation, and assistance in determining eligibility and significance of a property.

Properties and districts nominated but not yet designated are subject to legal protection for 120 days until the status is determined. Permits to alter or remodel the exterior of a property or to build, relocate, or raze will not be issued during that 120-day period unless there is a written exemption from the Commission.

Designation for the Historic Register is a five-step process which takes 60-90 days from the time the application is submitted to the public hearing where the Commission votes on the designation.

Once a property is deemed to be a good fit, a property owner may submit a completed Greeley Historic Register Nomination Packet, including a legal description of the property, exterior photos of all building sides and a $50 application fee to the Historic Preservation Office.

If the property owner’s application is accepted, they will be notified, a public hearing will be scheduled, and a public notice will be posted on the property. The public hearing will include a report on the merits of the application, an applicant presentation (if desired), and public comment, and will be held before the Historic Preservation Commission. The commission will then rule on the application.

Non-owner and District Nominations

The Planning Commission, Greeley Urban Renewal Authority, Downtown Development Authority or any preservation organization including nonprofit historic preservation groups may nominate a property, district, area or structure for designation subject to all the rules and procedures of the Greeley Municipal Code. Non-owner individual nominations are reviewed under stricter protections and must meet criteria of overwhelming historic importance to the entire community.

Two or more individuals may nominate a district in which they own property by attaching a petition with signatures of support from property owners within the district showing. District nominations require a district designation plan, neighborhood meeting and an owner vote with a majority approval prior to a designation hearing.

In the case of non-owner and district nominations, the Commission makes a recommendation, and the City Council makes the final decision.