Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Provo

Provo, UT Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter: Provo City Code Ch. 16.05
Minimum age to qualify: 50 years old
Certificate of Appropriateness review: 30 days after complete application
Administrative staff decision window: 10 days
Demolition notice-and-negotiation period: 60 days, extendable once
Economic Review Panel report deadline: 45 days after appointment
COA approval validity: Expires after 12 months if work not started

Summary

Provo designates historic buildings, structures, objects and sites to its Landmarks Register under City Code Chapter 16.05. Once listed, any exterior alteration, addition or demolition requires a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Landmarks Commission before the Building Official can issue a permit.

Any district, building, structure, object or site may be designated to the Historic Landmark Register if it meets the first three (3) criteria below, and at least one (1) of the other criteria outlined in numbers (a) through (f) below: (1) It is located within the official boundaries of Provo City; (2) It is at least fifty (50) years old; and (3) It retains its historic integrity... After a property has been designated on the Landmarks Register, any alteration of the exterior appearance of a structure, site, object or work of art affecting a Landmark shall be made or permitted only after application for a Certificate of Appropriateness has been submitted to and approved by the Landmarks Commission.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-17, passed June 9, 2026).

Full Breakdown

020). 030). 040). 050(5)). 050(6),(8)); a person aggrieved by an administrative decision has 10 days to appeal to the full Commission. 050(12)). 060(3)). 070(4)(b)).

Violations & Fines

Altering, demolishing or removing a designated Landmark without a Certificate of Appropriateness blocks issuance of any building, sign or demolition permit; the Chief Building Official forwards affected permit applications to the Landmarks Commission before they can be issued (16.05.050(12)(a)). A Certificate of Appropriateness approval expires after 12 months unless substantial work has started, unless the Commission grants an extension (16.05.050(12)(f)). A Building Official finding imminent risk to health or safety can bypass the Certificate requirement to issue an emergency demolition permit for a Register-listed building (16.05.060(5)).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who decides whether a Provo property gets Landmark status?

The Landmarks Commission reviews nominations for compliance with the criteria in Section 16.05.020 and sends a written recommendation to the Municipal Council within 14 days; the Council then designates the property by passing a resolution under Section 16.05.030(4).

Can I repaint or replace windows on a Provo Landmark without approval?

No. Section 16.05.050(5) lists exterior paint color changes, window and door alterations, masonry work and sign installation among the changes that require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Landmarks Commission or its staff before work begins.

Can a Provo Landmark building ever be demolished?

Yes, but only if the Landmarks Commission finds under Section 16.05.060(2) that demolition is required to address a health-and-safety threat confirmed by the Building Official, or that the owner has proven economic hardship under the standards in Section 16.05.070.

What happens if my Certificate of Appropriateness application is rejected?

Section 16.05.050(12)(d) gives you a 60-day negotiating period with the Landmarks Commission to explore alternatives such as modified plans, public acquisition or financial assistance, with one possible 60-day extension before a final denial at 120 days.

Sources & Official References

[1]Provo City Code 16.05.020, 16.05.050, 16.05.060

Other rules in Provo

Parking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions Fire Regulations: Brush ClearanceSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: Wildfire ZonesSome Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Native PlantsLight Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Artificial TurfHeavy Restrictions

All Provo rules

Compare Provo to another location·View the Utah historic preservation overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Historic-Cultural Monuments in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Utah County handle historic-cultural monuments.

Orem, UT

Light Restrictions

Eagle Mountain, UT

Some Restrictions

Lehi, UT