Upcoming Hearings Regarding Historic Preservation Benefits

City Council adopted a preservation ordinance in 1972, creating the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). Within two years the historic districts were established and designation, primarily of publicly owned properties, began. With the guidance of HPC, in 1980 the Planning Office developed the “City of Aspen Inventory of Historic Landmark Sites and Structures” listing significant historic resources that met criteria for designation and protection.
 
Today the Inventory contains 300 properties from both Victorian and Modern eras, which are subject to design for any proposed alterations. The mission of the historic preservation program, as stated in the Municipal Code (Section 26.415.010), is to promote the health, safety and welfare through the protection, enhancement and preservation of those properties, areas and sites, which represent the distinctive elements of Aspen’s cultural, educational, social, economic, political and architectural history.
 
To balance the restrictions that may be associated with the historic preservation and encourage good preservation practices, HPC and City Council can grant certain benefits. The benefits have allowed the City to act as a partner in preservation, providing support to property owners responsible for stewardship of the community’s heritage. Since the adoption of the benefits in 1987, no significant changes have been made. With the participation of the community, City Council and HPC would like to update and improve the Historic Preservation Benefits to better serve the community.