Historic districts in the United States
Historic districts in the United States are designated historic districts recognizing a group of buildings, archaeological resources, or other properties as historically or architecturally significant. Buildings, structures, objects, and sites within a historic district are normally divided into two categories, contributing and non-contributing. Districts vary greatly in size and composition: a historic district could comprise an entire neighborhood with hundreds of buildings, or a smaller area with just one or a few resources.
Not to be confused with National Historic Landmark.
Historic districts can be created by federal, state, or local governments. At the federal level, they are designated by the National Park Service and listed on the National Register of Historic Places; this is a largely honorary designation that does not restrict what property owners may do with a property. State-level historic districts usually do not include restrictions, though this depends on the state. Historic districts created by local municipalities, however, almost always protect historic properties by regulating alterations, demolition, or new construction within the district.
Much criticism[1][2][3][4] has arisen of historic districts and the effect protective zoning and historic designation status laws have on the housing supply.[1] When an area of a city is designated as part of a 'historic district', new housing development is artificially restricted[2] and the supply of new housing permanently capped[1] in area so designated as 'historic'. Critics of historic districts argue that while these districts may offer an aesthetic or visually pleasing benefit, they increase inequality by restricting access to new and affordable housing for lower and middle class tenants and potential home owners.[5] Housing advocates have argued that the historic designation process has in many places been hijacked by NIMBY homeowners to block housing.[6]
State-level[edit]
Most U.S. state governments have a listing similar to the National Register of Historic Places. State listings can have similar benefits to a federal designation, such as granting qualifications and tax incentives. In addition, the property can become protected under specific state laws.[20] The laws can be similar or different from the federal guidelines that govern the National Register. A state listing of a historic district on a "State Register of Historic Places", usually by the State Historic Preservation Office, can be an "honorary status", much like the National Register. For example, in Nevada, listing in the State Register places no limits on property owners.[22] In contrast, state law in Tennessee requires that property owners within historic districts follow a strict set of guidelines from the U.S. Department of Interior when altering their properties.[23] Though, according to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, all states must have a State Historic Preservation Office, not all states must have a "state historic district" designation. As of 2004, for example, the state of North Carolina had no such designation.[24]