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Grand County to explore reinstating historic‑preservation designation and 'CLG' status; draft language due this summer
Summary
At a workshop commissioners discussed reinstating a local historic preservation program and exploring certified local government (CLG) status. County staff and local preservation groups will draft updated resolution language and contact municipalities to gauge interest; a target for draft language and municipal outreach was set for June–July.
The Board of County Commissioners held a workshop with the Grand County Historical Association and local preservation advocates on April 1 to discuss options for local historic‑preservation designation and to explore reinstating certified local government (CLG) status.
Shanna Gann, executive director of the Grand County Historical Association, and Patrick Brower of the Moffat Road Railroad Museum outlined two paths: (1) reinstate a county historic‑preservation commission under CLG rules (which creates formal local designation powers and opens state CLG grants and some tax incentives), or (2) adopt a county‑level landmark ordinance or resolution in which the board itself would hear and decide landmark nominations.
History Colorado staff (Lindsay) told the board that CLG status provides access to CLG grants, State Historical Fund grants for local landmark projects, and expanded state tax‑credit options (35% for eligible projects in rural areas). CLG grants can also be used to support the administration of a local preservation board. A drawback of CLG status is a more formal administrative requirement (regular surveys, enforcement of local preservation laws when adopted) and the need to maintain active program work to retain certification.
Local advocates said many properties across the county — depots, ranch structures, schoolhouses and other sites — could qualify for local designation, and that local designation does not automatically add legal restrictions unless owners accept state funds tied to preservation conditions. Patrick Brower said local landmarking would enable applicants (including nonprofit museums) to apply for state historical fund grants for building restoration.
Commissioners asked for next steps: staff and advocates will update the 2010 resolution language, prepare a model intergovernmental agreement (IGA) to offer to municipalities, and obtain letters of interest or preliminary support from towns. The historical association agreed to re‑engage local champions and to provide potential board member names. The board requested draft resolution language and proposed IGA templates by June so the matter can be considered formally before mid‑summer. A May 12 municipal managers’ meeting was suggested as a venue for advance outreach.
Why it matters: CLG status or a local landmark ordinance would expand opportunities for state grant funding and tax incentives that can offset costs to preserve historic buildings across Grand County. Advocates said local designation especially benefits rural properties that struggle to qualify for national registers.
What’s next: Staff will draft updated resolution language and an IGA template, seek municipal input (targeting managers’ meeting May 12 where feasible), and return to the board with the draft language by June–July.
