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State & Federal Preservation Programs
The SHPO administers federal and state preservation programs for New York State. Here are brief descriptions of some of the programs, why they may apply to your project, and what you can expect from the SHPO.
The SHPO reviews these projects using the Secretary of the Interior?s Standards to ensure that the project does not destroy, significantly alter or negatively impact the architectural and historic features of the property. While there is no application form, a full project description (existing and proposed conditions) is needed to complete this review.
Reviews are usually conducted within a 30 day time frame. Projects that do not meet preservation Standards are subsequently reviewed by the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in Washington D.C. We strongly encourage careful project planning and early consultation with our office.
All reviews are conducted by the SHPO and then by the National Park Service in Philadelphia. To qualify, the overall project must clearly meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. For any of these programs, we encourage you to contact the State Historic Preservation Office in the early stages of your project. Projects carefully planned without input and submitted for review and comment before construction begins are the most successful.
For any preservation project, regardless of funding, we encourage you to contact the Building Department office or Clare W. Adams, Julian W Adams, Anthony Opalka, and Jerry Brewington with the New York State Historic Preservation Office Technical Services Program at 518-237-8643. They are always glad to answer questions and assist on appropriate preservation techniques and treatments.
Section 106
Projects involving federal funds, licenses or permits are reviewed in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. This law requires Federal agencies to consider the effect of their undertakings on significant historic and cultural resources. Projects might include housing and commercial rehabilitation, new construction, road and bridge work, life safety and accessibility measures, and many others.The SHPO reviews these projects using the Secretary of the Interior?s Standards to ensure that the project does not destroy, significantly alter or negatively impact the architectural and historic features of the property. While there is no application form, a full project description (existing and proposed conditions) is needed to complete this review.
Reviews are usually conducted within a 30 day time frame. Projects that do not meet preservation Standards are subsequently reviewed by the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in Washington D.C. We strongly encourage careful project planning and early consultation with our office.
Section 14.09
In New York State, Section 14.09 of the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Law is analogous to Section 106 of the federal law. This law applies to projects involving state funds, licenses or permits. The types of projects, time frames and evaluation process parallel the federal programSEQRA
Property owners and developers, as well as municipal officials should be aware of the provisions of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). SHPO review is triggered by local authorities in accordance with the regulations of the Department of the Environmental Conservation (DEC) and assesses the impact of projects on natural and man-made resources. Time frames, materials and evaluation processes parallel the federal program.Investment Tax Credit
The SHPO administers and coordinates the Investment Tax Credit program in New York State. Owners applying for this 20% tax credit should be aware that it applies only to income-producing properties listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. It does not include private homes. There is a specific application process, described elsewhere in this publication.All reviews are conducted by the SHPO and then by the National Park Service in Philadelphia. To qualify, the overall project must clearly meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. For any of these programs, we encourage you to contact the State Historic Preservation Office in the early stages of your project. Projects carefully planned without input and submitted for review and comment before construction begins are the most successful.
For any preservation project, regardless of funding, we encourage you to contact the Building Department office or Clare W. Adams, Julian W Adams, Anthony Opalka, and Jerry Brewington with the New York State Historic Preservation Office Technical Services Program at 518-237-8643. They are always glad to answer questions and assist on appropriate preservation techniques and treatments.