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1. What is historic designation?

Section 3-2300. (Landmarks Board) of the Springfield Zoning Ordinance (PDF) establishes the duties and responsibilities of the Landmarks Board.

Section 4-2400. L-Landmarks Board establishes the administrative process for the identification and protection of historic properties that are valuable assets to the city. Springfield's Historic Register booklet contains a list of sites, objects, or districts that have been honored with historic designation and are considered significant or valuable to the city, region, state, or nation.

The Springfield Historic Register was first established in 1976. The current list includes the dates of City Council approval and National and/or Local Register designation for selected sites and districts within the Springfield city limits. Historic property designation sets forth procedures and criteria for the protection of publicly or privately owned resources. Historic resources may be residential or commercial, monumental or simple.

Designation may be as an Historic Landmark, part of an Historic District, or an Interior Landmark. These designations may not be altered or demolished unless a Certificate of Appropriateness or Certifications of Economic Hardship is granted by the Landmarks Board.

2. What is the difference between National Register and Local Register designations?

National Register designation is our nation's official list of historic properties or resources worthy of preservation. A local listing protects a community's historic properties and areas through a design process outlined in section 4-2400 of the Springfield Zoning Ordinance (PDF).

3. What is the City of Springfield Landmarks Board?

The purpose of the Landmarks Board is to help promote the creation and use of Historic register resources for the educational, cultural, economic, and general welfare of the public through preservation, protection and regulation. The board advises City Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Park Board, and the City Manager relating to the identification, protection, retention and preservation of historical sites in the City of Springfield.

This 9 member board reviews applications for permits and renovation design within the Commercial Street Historic District, the Walnut Street Urban Conservation Districts, and the individual historic sites in the Mid-Town Historic District and throughout the community. Landmarks Board meetings are held every other Wednesday, City Hall, Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Avenue. All members are volunteers who are required under Certified Local Government (CLG) regulations to receive a minimum of 2 hours of training per year.

4. Hide What kinds of changes will be reviewed by the Landmarks Board?

Any project that requires a building permit, or any work that will affect the exterior appearance of a designated historic property needs to be approved by the Landmarks Board. Examples of projects requiring review include but are not limited to:

• Moving or demolition of any building
• Additions to existing designated historic buildings
• New construction (i.e. garages, outbuildings, porches, decks)
• Addition of fencing
• Enclosure or removal of porches
• Changes in exterior building materials (i.e. roofing, siding, window cladding)
• Adding dormers
• Removing historic exterior trim pieces and chimneys
• Installation of new driveways, sidewalks, or retaining walls
• Installation of replacement window and/or door treatments

If you are considering any alterations to your historic property, contact the Landmarks Board city staff person by email or phone at 417-864-1031. Design guideline booklets are available for the Commercial Street Historic District, Walnut Street Historic District, and the Mid-Town Historic District.

5. Who do I call for more information about historic designation?

For more information regarding historic designation and Springfield's
Historic Register, contact a member of the Landmarks Board (417-864-1031), the Planning Staff (417-864-1611), or a member of the State of Missouri Historic Preservation Office (573-751-7858).

6. How do I nominate properties for local historic designation?

Contact the City Planning Department at 417-864-1611 for an application. Nominations will be heard first by the Landmarks Board. If approved, they are then forwarded to the City Council for final approval.

7. If my area is proposed for designation, do I have a say in the process?

Yes. Public comment is encouraged. Property owners in a proposed Historic District will be notified that their property is being included for designation.