Purpose of Prescott’s Preservation Program

The purpose of Prescott’s Preservation Program is to:

• -increase public awareness of the City’s origin, development and historic significance
• -conserve, protect and preserve the unique qualities and distinctive historic characteristics of the community
• -facilitate restoration and rehabilitation of historic structures, landscape features and other culturally significant physical objects and geographic areas.

When Do I Need a Review by the Preservation Commission?

Owners of properties located in a Local Historic District (see map here)
must go before the Prescott Preservation Commission for any work requiring a permit.

• Application for Review of Work by the Preservation Commission

If you are only located in a National Register District (see map here),
work requiring a permit is reviewed administratively by the Historic Preservation Specialist.

Financial Incentives for Historic Properties

To encourage historic preservation, incentives are offered, through City, State and Federal programs for City Preservation Districts and National Register of Historic Places/Properties: Incentives include:

• Special provisions of the International Building Code for Building Conservation.
• Conservation and preservation easements allowing limited tax benefits.
• Federal Investment Tax Credits (National Register properties used for commercial purposes only). Administered through the National Park Service- links below lead to National Park Service website pages:
  • Grant and Funding Sources for Historic Properties
  • Application Instructions and Form (and much more info on this site regarding tax credits)
• State Property Tax Reduction Program (owner-occupied residential National Register properties).

• Form for Change in Ownership for Tax Reduction Program
• Application for Tax Reduction Program

Historic Preservation Publications

• A Brief Introduction to the National Register of Historic Places
• Historic Preservation Booklet
• Historic Preservation Districts Map
• National Register Districts Map
• Sample Arizona Historic Property Inventory Form

The following documents are available at the Community Development Department. Charges may apply for some documents.

• Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow: A Guide to Preserving Your Prescott Home
• The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation or online at National Park Service
• Design Guidelines for Prescott’s Historic Districts
• Prescott Preservation Master Plan
• Historic Prescott, Arizona Walking Tour Guide
• Historic Property Inventory Form of each National Register property in the City