Historic Structures and Preservation

The Historic Preservation Board works to educate the public on the history of the area and preserve historic landmarks in Cortez. There is a local register of historic buildings, sites and districts and another register for historic signs.

On July 28, 2010, the City of Cortez received designation from the National Park Service as a CLG (Certified Local Government). The CLG program seeks to encourage and expand local involvement in preservation issues through a partnership between the CLG and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).


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To strengthen existing local preservation programs and to catalyze the development of new ones, CLGs are eligible to apply annually for no-match grants from a designated CLG fund. In addition, local landmarks of CLGs are eligible for Colorado’s state historic income tax credit of 20% or $50,000, whichever is less, of the cost of qualified rehabilitation. CLGs assume a leadership role by identifying, evaluating and protecting historic resources within their communities; receiving technical advisory services from the SHPO; and having a formal role in the National Register process.

Procedures for Designating Historic Structures, Sites and Districts for Preservation 

A nomination for designation listing in the city register may be made by the board or by any citizen by filing an application with the City Planner. The applicant shall pay all public notice expenses, recording fees and any other fees established by resolution of the city council. 

Once a structure, site, district or sign has received historic designation, the owner is requested to consult with the Historic Preservation Board prior to making any alterations. This will allow the board to determine compatibility with historic standards.

If a building or special feature on a designated site has been altered in such a way so as to negate the features necessary to retain historic designation, the historic designation will be revoked. In such instances, the owner may apply to the board for a revocation of the designation or the board shall recommend revocation of the designation to the city council in the absence of the owner’s application to do so.

Resources:                                                              Historic Surveys: