St. George, UT Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Designating body
- City council, on owner application
- Age threshold
- Building at least 100 years old
- Demolition
- Barred except immediate safety hazard
- Construction on site
- Requires city council permit
- Violation penalty
- Class C misdemeanor, per-day
Summary
St. George's city council can designate a building, structure, or site a landmark site if it is at least 100 years old, sits within city limits, retains its historic character, and meets one added historic or architectural criterion, triggering strict demolition and alteration limits.
Any building, structure, or site may be designated as a city landmark site if it meets the criteria in subsections A2a through A2c of this section, and at least one (1) of the other criteria set forth in subsections A2d through A2h of this section... No structure or building within a landmark site designation shall be demolished or removed unless the structure poses an immediate hazard to human health and safety.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-062, passed August 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code chapter 10-13E, the city council designates landmark sites on the property owner's application. Qualifying properties must be at least 100 years old, within city boundaries, free of major alterations that obscured historic features, and meet at least one added criterion (National Register listing/eligibility, historical significance, notable architecture, or archaeological value). Once designated, no structure may be demolished or removed unless it poses an immediate hazard to health and safety, and any exterior-changing construction needs a city council permit reviewed by the historic preservation commission. Landmark sites may also get a conditional use permit for limited uses like low-impact offices, small private schools, retail, or restaurants -- but not short-term rentals or hotels.
Violations & Fines
Violating the landmark preservation chapter, including unpermitted demolition or false statements to the commission, is a class C misdemeanor or lesser offense under Code section 1-4-1, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a St. George property owner tear down a designated landmark site?
Can an owner get a landmark designation removed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. George
Compare St. George to another location·View the Utah historic preservation overview
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