Skip to Content or Accessibility Information

Historic Preservation

Photo of a historic home in Prescott.
Historic home in Prescott
Photo taken by Franz Rosenberger

The purpose of Prescott’s Preservation Program is to increase public awareness of the City’s origin, development and historic significance; to conserve, protect and preserve the unique qualities and distinctive historic characteristics of the community. To facilitate restoration and rehabilitation of historic structures, landscape features and other culturally significant physical objects and geographic areas.

For more information please contact our Historic Preservation Specialist at 928-777-1318 or our Community Planner at 928-777-1360. You may also want to take a look at our FAQ below.

The City of Prescott participates in the Certified Local Government (CLG) program, which is a nationwide program of technical and financial assistance to preserve historic buildings. Responsibilities of a CLG include maintaining a historic preservation commission, (provide link to Land Development Code, Section 8.5) surveying local historic properties, providing public input and enforcing state and local preservation laws.

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).
  • State Property Tax Reduction Program (owner-occupied residential National Register properties).

Surveys of historic resources and National Register Nominations have been completed in several Prescott neighborhoods including East Prescott, West Prescott, Fleury’s Additions, Prescott Armory, South Prescott Townsite, Mile High Park, Joslin and Whipple, Whipple Heights and Pine Crest. Also, many outstanding structures located in several historic areas of Prescott were placed on the National Register in 1978 as part of a Multiple Resource area.

The Prescott Preservation Commission and staff also work with neighborhood groups and other organizations to carry out special projects such as the proposed Courthouse Plaza Historic Preservation District.

Historic Preservation Publications

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

FAQ

Q. Is my house, building, etc., listed in the National Register?
A. The City of Prescott has records on all listed properties. Any staff member in the Community Development Department can look up this information for you. For more specific information on your property, contact the Preservation Specialist at 928-777-1318. You can also access the State Historic Preservation Office website.
Q. What does it mean if my property is on the National Register?
A. The National Register is the country’s official list of historic properties. It does not place restriction or protections on privately owned property. The City of Prescott works with owners of these properties to maintain or enhance the historic integrity of the building whenever work is to be done. Property tax credits and other benefits are available to owners.
Q. What is a Historic Preservation (local) District?
A. This is an overlay zoning district created by City Ordinance at the request of at least 51% of the property owners in the district. It places protections on the historic integrity of the neighborhood and requires pre-approval for all work which requires a City permit, including window and siding replacement, new roofs, any structural work, plumbing and electrical work etc.
Q. Why do I have to have work approved by the Preservation Commission?
A. City Code requires that all work requiring permits within a historic preservation (local) district be approved by the Preservations Commission in order to help to preserve the historic integrity of the building and the neighborhood. National statistics show that historic preservation districts help to stabilize and enhance property values, add a sense of history and an understanding of the historical importance of a community or neighborhood and enhance pride in neighborhoods.
Q. How do I research my property?
A. Historical records regarding property can be obtained at City Hall, Sharlot Hall Museum Archives, the Yavapai County Recorder’s and Assessor’s Offices, Arizona State Archives and from other sources. Both the City of Prescott and Sharlot Hall Museum have handouts, which will help you with your research.
Q. I have an historic property listed in the National Register. How do I get a plaque?
A. You must purchase a plaque. Yavapai Heritage Foundation has a National Register plaque program for property owners. You can contact Nancy Burgess at 777-1318 for more information.