Historic Preservation: Frequently Asked Questions

Does the City have a list of buildings that are historically designated?

Yes, the City has a list of approximately 180 locally designated buildings. These buildings and sites are identified by an 8 x 8 bronze plaque installed in a highly visible location. Local Register of Historic Places

How do I know if my house is eligible for historical designation?

Generally, houses are eligible for historic designation in the City of Sarasota once they are at least 50 years old. The City also recognizes the importance of younger structures associated with the Sarasota School of Architecture. A structure or site has to meet one of the six specific criteria in the Zoning Code [see Sec. IV-801].

How can I get my house (or other building) historically designated?

Getting a home or other structure historically designated is a permitting process that can take several months. The Historic Designation of a property is achieved only after a public hearing before the Historic Preservation Board, a second public hearing before the City Commission and approval of an ordinance designating the property in question. See the Historic Designation Application and Information page.

How does historic designation benefit a property owner?

Historic designation entitles an owner to a variety of programs to encourage the preservation of significant historical resources. These range from incentives to promote sensitive historical rehabilitation by offering some relief from building and zoning code regulations, and an ad-valorem tax exemption for qualifying improvements to historic structures. More information on the benefits of local historic designation is available from the City Planning and Redevelopment Department. The City Auditor and Clerk is also authorized to pay for the installation of an official bronze plaque to identify designated historical resources.

I need to make repairs (or renovations) to my historically designated house?

Making any exterior changes to a locally designated structure requires a Certificate of Appropriateness. There is an application form that must be submitted to Clerk's Office for a hearing before the Preservation Board. Your application should include clear building plans and other relevant information. For more information on the Certificate of Appropriateness process, see COA Process.

When does the City's Historic Preservation Board meet?

Please refer to the 2009 Schedule of Board Meetings.

How can I have my item or issues considered by the Board?

The Historic Preservation Board has a deadline for submission of materials for presentations. It is one week before the meeting. Applications for Historic Designation, and Demolition of Historic Structures must be submitted approximately 6 weeks in advance due to the legal notice requirements that apply to these quasi-judicial hearing matters. Certificate of Appropriateness, applications can be submitted as late as 2 weeks before the meeting in order to be placed on the agenda. (Please refer to the table of HP Deadlines for 2009.) 

As with all of the City's Citizen Advisory Boards, the Historic Preservation Board offers the opportunity for citizen input at all meetings. Citizens may address the Board for 5 minutes relative to any topic not already on the agenda at any regularly-scheduled Board meeting.

What are the City's plans for historic preservation in the future?

The City of Sarasota has adopted an Historic Preservation Chapter as part of its comprehensive plan, the Sarasota City Plan. The Chapter specifies certain goals, objectives and action strategies that the City would like to achieve related to historic preservation. At this time, the City is actively involved in updating the inventory of historic resources within the City limits. With the help of state/federal matching grants, the City has hired consultants to review and catalog all structures that may be of historic interest. The survey has been completed in the downtown area and is underway north of 10th Street. Future phases are expected to cover the neighborhoods to the south and east of downtown.

Where can I learn more about historic preservation in the City and in Sarasota County?

Reference books are available at the Sarasota County History Center Library, 701 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. They can be reached at (941) 861-1183.  Sample designation reports are available in the City Planning Department located in the City Hall Annex Building at 1565 First Street on the 3rd floor. Please contact Clifford Smith, Senior Planner, at (941) 954-4195 for more information about designation reports.

Are there any state sources for information about historic structures and sites in the City of Sarasota?

The State of Florida maintains a comprehensive statewide list of locations and structures that are of historical and archeological interest. That list is called the Florida Master Site File. The City of Sarasota is in the process of updating the survey records in the Florida Master Site File using state/federal grant funds.

For more information about the City's Historic Preservation Program, please contact Clifford Smith, Senior Planner, at (941) 954-4195.