Tempe, AZ Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

Section 14A-4(a) sets three paths to designation: a property that already meets Arizona or National Register criteria; a property at least 50 years old that is 'reflective of the City's cultural, social, political or economic past' and tied to a significant person or event, or that is an established, familiar visual feature due to a prominent location or singular physical feature; or, for properties less than 50 years old, a landmark that is integral to a historic district or independently meets the same significance test, automatically reclassified as a historic property once it turns 50.

Section 14A-4(b) lets a whole district qualify where a substantial concentration of contributing properties shares documented historic boundaries, such as early roadways, canals or subdivision plats. Once a property is entered on the Tempe Historic Property Register under § 14A-5, § 14A-6 requires Historic Preservation Commission, or for minor work the Historic Preservation Officer, approval before any building permit for alteration, remodeling or new construction can issue, judged against the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. Demolition or removal is held even more tightly under § 14A-7: the Commission must find the property lacks historic or architectural value, and if it denies a demolition request, no demolition is allowed for up to 365 days while the City and owner search for a preservation buyer or economic assistance. Decisions can be appealed to the City Council within 10 working days under § 14A-8.