Pocatello, ID Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

City Code section 17.04.210, the Historic Preservation Overlay (HPO), lets the city establish local historic districts and individual landmark designations to preserve buildings, sites, monuments and structures reflecting the city's cultural, social, economic, political, archaeological and architectural history. Designation can be requested by the council, the Historic Preservation Commission, or a majority of affected property owners, and follows an investigation and report by the Commission, a City Council hearing within 45 days, and recordation of the designating ordinance with the county recorder. Section 17.04.210.E sets an eight-factor selection test for landmarks and districts, including significant heritage or cultural value, association with a significant historical figure or event, a recognized architectural style, notable engineering or craftsmanship, or, as the code itself illustrates, an established visual landmark such as 'Red Hill' on the Idaho State University campus.

Once a property or district is designated, section 17.04.210.G bars demolition, exterior alteration, new construction or new signage within it until a certificate of appropriateness is approved by the Historic Preservation Commission or the Planning Director, regardless of whether a building or sign permit is also required, per Table 17.04.210. Designations can later be amended or rescinded through the same council process if a property no longer meets the qualifying criteria. Planning and Development Services staffs the seven-member Commission that reviews these applications.