The following is a brief description of the principal aspects of the Carson City Historic District and the oversight role of the Historic Resources Commission —

Carson City Historic District

• Created in 1982 by the Carson City Board of Supervisors
• The Carson City Historic Resources Commission oversees development within the District, as well as National Register listed properties and eligible properties within Carson City
• Originally an advisory committee to the Board of Supervisors
• Updated by ordinance (CCMC 18.07) to commission status to approve or deny construction permits
• Generally reviews all exterior renovation, remodeling, or demolition of designated historic properties

Click Here for the Historic District Map
Click Here for Historic Photos

General Guidelines

The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is defined at the process of returning a property to a state of utility, through repair or alteration, which makes possible an efficient contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its historic, architectural and cultural values.

Carson City Historic District Guidelines
Specific guidelines mirroring the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards with emphasis on particular building and landscape elements. 

Certified Local Government (CLG)

• Partnership between National Park Service—National Historic Preservation Program and Local Government
• Responsibility to review and approve nominations to the National Register of Historic Places
• Eligibility to apply for CLG funds through State Historic Preservation Office

Click here for Carson City CLG Awards (1987-2009)

Certified Local Government Requirements

• Must enforce state or local legislation for the designation of historic properties — should have a local preservation law
• Establish a Preservation Commission — interest, competence, or knowledge of preservation law
• Maintain a system for the survey and inventory of historic properties
• Provide adequate public participation in local preservation programs
• Perform all responsibilities delegated under the National Historic Preservation Act (1966)

Historic Surveys

Historic Survey 1860-1948
Historic Survey 2000
East Carson City Historic Resources Inventory 2004 Part 1  Part 2
East Carson City II Historic Resources Inventory 2006 Part 1  Part 2
Carson City Mid-Century Survey Phase I

Project Flow

• Applicant contacts Community Development or Planning Department regarding project. (Building Department will flag and re-direct to Community Development if project is in District.)
• Applicant submits brief application form with attached plans for review
• Placed on agenda for next HRC meeting. (May elect to agendize for discussion only, chairman may approve small projects like re-roofing that meet standard requirements)
• Item is heard in public meeting
• Reviewed for compliance with Secretary of Interior Standards and HRC Guidelines
• Additional conditions may be attached
• If approved, project proceeds to permit
• If denied, applicant may re-submit with substantial changes, or appeal decision to the Board of Supervisors
• In 25 years of its existence, 2 appeals, both upheld

Recent Concerns/Updates

• Demolition by neglect
• Landscaping
• State Properties
• Non-permitted activities
• Demolition process
• Documentation
• Economic analysis
• Post WW II Architecture

Ultimate Goal

A Vibrant Historic District that:
Integrates commercial development,
private/public properties, and infill development 
with existing cultural resources.

 « Return to the main Historic Resources Commission page «

Map of historic buildings (under construction)