Heritage Preservation

Program Description

The goal of the Heritage Preservation Program is to implement the public policy for the preservation of the historic environment of Flagstaff, the work of this program includes:

  • Design review
  • Historic property inventories
  • Impact analysis
  • Landmark and historic district formation
  • Maintenance

In addition, the work of this program includes Section 106 reviews for all projects of the federal government, including projects licensed or funded by the federal government. Program staff works with the State Historic Preservation Office and the Heritage Preservation Commission on heritage preservation efforts.

Heritage Preservation Programs

Historic District Design Review

Projects in the local historic districts are reviewed by the Heritage Preservation Commission for consistency with the established guidelines for each district. The Commission meets monthly and this review can be accomplished while other City reviews are taking place. On smaller conforming projects, including signs, consent approval is granted by the Historic Preservation Officer.

Historic Signs & Facades Grant Program

The Flagstaff City Council established this grant program to assist in the preservation of historically important properties within the community (Guidelines (PDF)). Grants are approved by the Commission for reservation, restoration, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of historic properties. The work must meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and eligible work must have a public benefit, such as being visible from a public right-of-way (Application (PDF)). It has been used for the treatment of porches, store fronts, historic signage, cornices, windows, and roofing.

Cultural Resource Studies

Per Flagstaff Zoning Code Section 10-.30.30, cultural resource studies are required for all public and private developments involving one of the following:

  • Properties listed on the Arizona Register of Historic Places
  • Properties listed on the Flagstaff Register of Historic Places
  • Properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places
  • Structures over 50 years old at the time of application
  • Undeveloped land

If you have been advised through the review of a permit or project application that a cultural resource study is required, you will need to contact hire a qualified professional to prepare it. It will then be submitted to the Historic Preservation Officer.

There are three levels of cultural resource study that may be prepared a letter report, a Phase I report, and a Phase 2 report. Phase 1 and 2 reports must be presented to and accepted by the Flagstaff Heritage Preservation Commission.

Heritage Preservation Projects

Landmarks Design Review Overlay District

The Heritage Preservation Commission is actively seeking properties that can be placed in this new floating historic district. The district provides local recognition and affords preservation of historic properties according to established regulations. Only historic properties with willing property owners are eligible. At present, the Commission is working primarily with City-owned historic properties, though several willing private properties are included. This is expected to be a multi-year project with eight to twelve properties being included each year.