The short version
- Who reviews
- Denver Landmark Preservation, part of the city's Community Planning and Development department
- What is usually reviewed
- Exterior changes visible on designated landmarks and in designated historic districts
- What to confirm first
- Whether your specific address is designated
- When to ask
- Before exterior demolition or ordering replacement materials
Why this matters after a fire
After a fire, the instinct is to get the house closed up and rebuilt as fast as possible. On most houses that means choosing roofing, windows, siding or brick based on cost and availability. On a property that is individually landmarked or inside a designated historic district, exterior work that changes materials or appearance may first need approval from the city's landmark preservation staff or commission.
Park Hill is a large area with a range of designations and none at all on many blocks. Do not assume either way. Your title documents, the city's online property and zoning maps, or a direct question to Denver Landmark Preservation should tell you whether your address carries a designation.
Temporary protection, such as board-up, tarps and shoring, is generally about safety and preventing further damage. Ask the city how emergency stabilization is handled on designated property so you are not delayed in securing the house.
Review can also help the claim. A written requirement to use matching brick, wood windows or a particular roof profile is useful when an adjuster's first estimate assumes standard replacement materials. Ask your insurer how the policy treats added costs that come from these requirements.
Sorting your situation
- IfThe house is not designated and not in a districtStandard Denver permits apply. Landmark review generally does not, though you may still want to match the original for value and appearance.
- IfThe house is in a designated historic districtExpect visible exterior changes to need review. Interior work is usually outside landmark review, but confirm.
- IfThe house is an individual landmarkTalk to preservation staff early. Bring photos of the damage and of the house before the fire.
- IfYou are not sureAsk Denver Landmark Preservation directly and keep a note of who you spoke with and what they said.
Questions to bring to the city and your contractor
- Is this address designated, either individually or as part of a district?
- Which of the planned exterior repairs would need review, and which are like-for-like replacement?
- How is emergency board-up or roof tarping handled on a designated property?
- What documentation of the pre-fire condition would help the review?
- How long does review typically take, and can it run alongside building permit review?
- Has the contractor worked on designated properties before and handled the submittals?
Common questions
Does landmark review cover interior plaster and trim?
Denver's landmark review is generally focused on exteriors. Saving interior features is usually the owner's choice and a claim conversation, not a city requirement. Confirm with the city for your property.
General information for Park Hill, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.