Boise, ID Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Reviewing body
- Historic Preservation Commission
- Permit required
- Certificate of Appropriateness
- Designation method
- By city ordinance
- Violation class
- Misdemeanor, per BCC § 1-4-1
Summary
Boise designates historic buildings, sites, and monuments by ordinance and requires a Certificate of Appropriateness before exterior changes.
The purpose of the HD-O is to promote the educational, cultural, and economic welfare of the public by engaging in a comprehensive program of historic preservation to promote, preserve, and protect historic buildings, structures, sites, monuments, streets, squares, and neighborhoods that serve as visible reminders of the historical, archeological, architectural, educational, and cultural heritage of the city. It is the further purpose of this Section for the social, economic, and environmental advantages of the city to promote the use and conservation of such property and to encourage new buildings and developments that will be harmonious with the existing historical, archeological, architectural, educational, and cultural buildings, structures, sites, streets, squares, and neighborhoods.
(2) Applicability: These provisions apply to all properties in the HD-O district. In the case of properties located in both the HD-O district and a Character Overlay district listed in Section
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Boise's Historic Design Overlay (HD-O) protects buildings, structures, sites, monuments, streets, squares, and neighborhoods with historical, archeological, architectural, or cultural significance. The Historic Preservation Commission recommends designations, and once a property sits in a Historic District or is named a Historic Landmark, owners need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Planning Director (Minor) or the HPC (Major) before altering exterior features. Owners must also keep designated property free of structural decay, 'demolition by neglect' violations can force repairs.
Violations & Fines
Any violation of the Development Code, including unapproved exterior work on a designated Historic Landmark or District property, is a misdemeanor under BCC § 1-4-1, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I alter the exterior of a Boise Historic Landmark without approval?
Who decides what becomes a Boise Historic Landmark?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
Compare Boise to another location·View the Idaho historic preservation overview
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