El Paso County, CO Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Unincorporated subdivision applications only
- Governing section
- LDC § 8.4.1(H)
- Core duty
- Avoid altering historic/archaeological sites
- If unavoidable
- Agency may excavate, purchase, or record first
Summary
In unincorporated El Paso County, land divisions must avoid altering historic or archaeological sites and give agencies a chance to excavate or record a site before it is disturbed.
Alterations of historic or archaeological sites shall be avoided. Emphasis should be placed on reuse of historical structures and incorporation of historical and archaeological sites into the park and open space system. If disturbance of sites is unavoidable, the applicable public agency shall be provided the opportunity to excavate, purchase, or record the site before alteration takes place.
Environmental Considerations
The following environmental design considerations apply to divisions of land:
(A) Miscellaneous Environmental Requirements.
(1) Buffers.
(a) Planting Easement Along Collectors, Arterials, or Expressways. A planting or screening easement may be required along the property line of lots abutting collectors, arterials, or expressways. No vehicular access shall be allowed through a planting or screening easement.
(b) Landscaping between Differing Land Uses. Landscaping should be provided, especially as a buffer between different types of uses. Xeriscape should be used whenever possible to minimize water consumption.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Land Development Code: Supplement 3 | Drainage Criteria Manual: Publication | Engineering Criteria Manual: Supplement 3 | Ordinances: Reformat).
Full Breakdown
El Paso County's Land Development Code treats historic and archaeological site preservation as a subdivision design consideration, not a landmark-designation program. Under LDC § 8.4.1(H), any division of land in the unincorporated county must avoid altering historic or archaeological sites where possible, favor reuse of historical structures, and incorporate such sites into park and open space systems. If disturbance can't be avoided, the applicable public agency must get the chance to excavate, purchase, or record the site first.
Violations & Fines
No fine is set; enforcement runs through subdivision plat review. Planning and Community Development can require the applicable public agency be given the chance to excavate, purchase, or record a historic or archaeological site before the plat is approved and alteration proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does El Paso County have a landmark designation ordinance?
Does this rule apply inside Colorado Springs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Paso County
Compare El Paso County to another location·View the Colorado historic preservation overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.