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What the National Register means — criteria, process and limits, explained by Utah SHPO
Summary
Corey Jensen of the Utah SHPO outlined the four National Register criteria (A–D), explained the multi‑stage review and typical 6–12 month timeline for nominations, and emphasized that listing is honorific — legal protection requires local ordinance or easement; tax credits and CLG grants are available to support rehabilitation.
Corey Jensen, who manages the National Register program at the Utah State Historic Preservation Office, gave a concise explanation of what the National Register of Historic Places does and does not do and how property owners or volunteers can pursue nominations.
“It's the official list of properties that are significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, and engineering,” Jensen said as he introduced the register’s purpose and scope. He explained the three basic eligibility tests: age/integrity/significance, with the general 50‑year guideline for age.
Jensen outlined how nominations are reviewed: an initial desk review at SHPO, multiple edit cycles as needed, review by the State National Register Review Committee (which meets three times a year) and, if approved, submission for listing at the National Register. He estimated the full process typically takes about six to 12 months.
The four criteria were summarized as: - Criterion A: association with events or broad patterns of history; Jensen said most Utah nominations fall here. - Criterion B: association with significant persons; relatively uncommon because the person must be demonstrated to be highly significant. - Criterion C: architectural significance or representation of a construction method, including districts of similar architecture. - Criterion D: potential to yield information important in prehistory or history, usually archaeological sites.
Jensen said nominations require documentary evidence and a clear statement of significance. The owner of a property is notified and has the opportunity to object; public ownership does not by itself bar a nomination, though building managers can comment during review. He cautioned that "the National Register does not provide any kind of protections for a listed property," noting that legal safeguards are implemented locally through ordinances or preservation easements.
Jensen and other presenters described financial incentives that can make rehabilitation projects more feasible: they said state and federal rehabilitation tax credits exist (discussed as 20% credits in the session) and SHPO offers CLG grants that cities and counties with certified local government status can apply for. Attendees were advised to contact Amber Anderson (SHPO) early in a rehabilitation planning process to discuss eligibility and program requirements.
The talk closed with an invitation to contact SHPO staff for nomination assistance and to consult SHPO guidance and local preservation specialists when considering significant alterations or nominations to the National Register.
The session recorded no formal votes or policy changes; Jensen’s remarks were presented as guidance about the National Register process and incentives.
