Frequently Asked Questions | National Register | Kansas City Register |
What are the National and
the Kansas City Registers? | The National Park Service, through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, oversees the National Register, which is a Federal list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. | The Landmarks Commission of Kansas City, Missouri oversees the Kansas City Register, which is a list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in Kansas City History. |
| Is there a benefit to being on a register? | Yes, owners may be eligible for a 20% federal investment tax credit for income-producing properties that can be combined with a 25% state income tax credit. The Missouri tax credit applies to owner-occupied property as well. | Yes, the design review process encourages quality design for proposed alterations to listed properties and gives any person or neighborhood a forum to comment on changes to their neighborhood. |
Can my property be on
both registers? | Yes, an owner of a property that is both locally designated and listed in the National Register may take advantage of Federal and state tax incentives and are expected to conform to national and local historic preservation standards. |
Do I have to be on the
Kansas City Register before I can be on the National Register? | No, a property may be listed on either register or both. The Kansas City Register and the National Register use the same criteria to evaluate historic properties. The registers are designed to compliment each other by providing unique benefits and tools to protect historic properties. |
| Are all buildings in Historic districts historic? | No, historic districts often include non-historic (non-contributing) properties. Owners of these properties are currently not eligible for state or Federal tax credit incentives. | No, historic districts often include non-historic (non-contributing) properties. Changes to these properties are subject to design review and approval by the Landmarks Commission so that proposed changes are compatible with the character of the historic district. |
| Do I have any say as to whether my property is included in a historic district? | Yes, before designation all owners have the opportunity to concur with or object to listing at public hearings with the Landmarks Commission and the Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Designation is not permitted if the majority of property owners submit objections. | Yes, before designation all owners have the opportunity to concur with or object to listing at public hearings with the Landmarks Commission, the City Plan Commission, and the City Council. |
| Do I have to restore my property to its "original" appearance? | No, owners of private property listed in the National Register have no obligation to restore their property. | No, any changes present at the time the property is designated may remain. Any future exterior alterations will have to follow the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. |
| Do I have to maintain my property? | No, owners of private property listed in the National Register have no obligation to restore their property. | Yes, the Landmarks Ordinance requires that designated properties be kept in good repair and meet the minimum requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. |
| What might happen to the value of my property? | Because National Register properties have some protection and tax incentives available, owners may be more inclined to make improvements to their properties, and this may increase the value of all property in a given district. | Because Kansas City Register properties have some protection through design review, owners may be more inclined t make appropriate improvements to their properties, and this may increase the value of all property in a given district. |
| Where can I go for assistance? | State Historic Preservation Office
100 East Street
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
Phone: (573) 751-7858 | Landmarks Commission
City Hall, 414 East 12th St.
14th floor - room 1407
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
Phone: (816) 513-2902
Fax: (816) 513-2899 |
