Owners or community groups can nominate Denver structures as individual landmarks under DRMC chapter 30. Landmark Preservation Commission reviews applications using significance, integrity, and exterior criteria. Designation triggers Certificate of Appropriateness review for exterior changes.
Denver's individual landmark designation program under DRMC chapter 30 allows the owner, three community members, or city council to nominate any structure 30+ years old that meets architectural, historical, or geographical significance criteria. The Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) holds public hearings; final designation requires Denver City Council approval. Owner-objection nominations require a higher standard and three city-council supermajority. After designation, all exterior alterations need a Certificate of Appropriateness; interiors are unregulated unless individually designated. Property owners can access Colorado Historic Preservation tax credits (up to 30% of qualified expenses) and may qualify for Denver-specific grants. The program protected ~350+ individual landmarks, including the Daniels & Fisher Tower and Tom's Diner.
Demolition or alteration of a designated landmark without COA violates DRMC §30-6 with daily fines up to $999, restoration orders, and possible misdemeanor charges. Tom's Diner-style demolition battles demonstrate the lengthy hearing process before any change.
See how Denver's historic-cultural monuments rules stack up against other locations.
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