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Springfield, MO Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

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

Key Facts

Reviewing body
Springfield Landmarks Board
Designation method
City council resolution
Exterior work
Needs certificate of appropriateness
Recorded with
Greene County Recorder of Deeds

Summary

Springfield's Landmarks Board designates historic sites, landmarks, and districts by city council resolution, and once designated, exterior work needs a certificate of appropriateness.

The landmarks board shall recommend to the city council that a site, structure, object, or district be designated if the proposed feature(s) meets one or more of the following criteria: Has significant character, interest, or value as part of the city, region, state or nation's history...Designation of a site or tract as a historic landmark or historic district is intended to be an overlay zoning district and the regulations imposed by such district shall be in addition to the regulations of the underlying zoning district applicable to the subject parcel.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2 | Land Development Code: Supplement 9 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Under LDC § 36-404, Springfield's Landmarks Board evaluates nominated sites, structures, or districts against eleven criteria, historic association, architectural style, craftsmanship, and more, before recommending designation to city council, which acts by resolution. Designation functions as an overlay zoning district layered on top of the underlying zoning. Once designated, owners must obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the Landmarks Board before altering, constructing on, or demolishing the exterior (or, in some cases, significant listed interior features), and the city clerk records the designation with the Greene County Recorder of Deeds.

Violations & Fines

Exterior work without a certificate of appropriateness halts permit issuance; disputes go to the board of adjustment, and enforcement runs through LDC § 36-335, zoning enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designates a historic landmark in Springfield?
City council, by resolution, on the Landmarks Board's recommendation, per LDC § 36-404(2).
Can I repaint or renovate a designated landmark's exterior?
Only with a certificate of appropriateness from the Landmarks Board first, per LDC § 36-404(3)(a).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Springfield

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Springfield rules

Compare Springfield to another location·View the Missouri historic preservation overview

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