What is The National Register of Historic Places?

From their website: "The National Register of Historic Places is the Nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. Authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect our historic and archeological resources. Properties listed in the Register include districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. "

How can I get my property listed on The National Register?

The complete process and criteria can be reviewed at: http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/listing.htm

Are there any Federal tax incentives to being on The National Register?

From their website: "Owners of properties listed in the National Register may be eligible for a 20% investment tax credit for the certified rehabilitation of income-producing certified historic structures such as commercial, industrial, or rental residential buildings. This credit can be combined with a straight-line depreciation period of 27.5 years for residential property and 31.5 years for nonresidential property for the depreciable basis of the rehabilitated building reduced by the amount of the tax credit claimed."

To read more about the program, see: The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives website

What is Oregon's "Special Assessment for Historic Properties" program?

From the State Historic Preservation website: "In return for significant investments in historic rehabilitation on a National Register property, the Special Assessment of Historic Properties program offers a fifteen year “freeze” of its assessed value. Applications are accepted year-round. Dating from 1973, the program is the oldest of its kind in the country. "

To read about the process of putting your property on the Special Assessment, go to the info page at: http://www.shpo.state.or.us/shpo/services_specassess.php

If my property is on Special Assessment, do I need to open it up for public viewing?

Yes, you will need to hold an Open House one day out of each year, for a 4 hour period of your choosing, for the length of time it is on Special Assessment.

What is Washington's "Special Valuation for Historic Properties" program?

From their website: "During its 1985 session, the Washington State Legislature determined that as the state approached its centennial year, the preservation of a lasting legacy of historic resources was an important goal. In order to reach this goal, the legislature passed a law which allows a 'special valuation' for certain historic properties within the state.The primary benefit of the law is that during the 10-year special valuation period, property taxes will not reflect substantial improvements made to the property."

To read about the process of putting your property on the Special Assessment, go to the info page here.

If my property is on Special Valuation, do I need to open it up for public viewing?

According to Megan Duvall, Certified Local Government Coordinator & Survey Program Manager in Olympia, Washington: "In Washington, the state does not administer the Special Valuation program as they do in Oregon, rather it is handled solely by local governments. Right now, there are 30 to 40 communities that offer the incentive to property owners. The open house provision is only required of properties that cannot be viewed from the public right-of-way - my guess is that almost all of the properties that have used the incentive in Washington are viewable from the right of way and they do not have a requirement to actually open the property to the public."

More Washington Information can be found here