Historic Preservation Consultation
Historic preservation consultation consists of identifying a project's potential effect to historic buildings and structures, historic districts, historic landscapes and settings, and to known or potential archaeological resources. This consultative process, also known as Project Review, occurs between the Vermont State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and project applicant (state/federal agency, developer, or property owner). In Vermont, SHPO is also the Division for Historic Preservation (VDHP).
- SHPO shall consult on the effect of the proposed project on any historic, archaeological, architectural, and cultural resources.
- Federal undertakings: the Section 106 review process is an integral component of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. It requires that each federal agency identify and assess the effects its actions may have on historic resources.
- State undertakings: the Vermont Statute 22 VSA chapter 14 outlines the role of VDHP in the cooperation with federal, state, and local agencies in planning and conducting specific undertakings affecting historic properties and preservation objectives and in the implementation of federal and state laws pertaining to local and regional planning and development, land use planning, and environmental protection.
- Act 250 permit: Criterion 8: Aesthetic, scenic and natural beauty (historic sites) establishes the consultation with VDHP on the effect of a proposed project on historic sites eligible for or listed in the State Register of Historic Places. Does the project require consultation?
- Building Energy Standards: Exemptions to the Residential Building Energy Standards (R501.6) & Commercial Building Energy Standards (C501.6) are possible if compliance would threaten, degrade or destroy the historic form, fabric or function of the building. The Historic Buildings Exemption Form
- The Vermont Agency of Education has responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act to consider the effects of construction, maintenance, and alteration projects on historic properties, including historic buildings, structures, districts, and archaeological sites. To start the review process, please visit: Vermont Agency of Education and Vermont State Historic Preservation Officer/Division for Historic Preservation
- For relevant laws and regulations, please visit Resources and Rules .
Applicants are encouraged to contact VDHP early and often in the project planning process.
Please review the Checklist for Historic Preservation Review.
- Project Review Cover Form must be submitted for each project or undertaking.
- For undertakings as part of State or Federal Programmatic Agreements, please visit the Programmatic Agreement Library for processes, steps, review periods, and project review forms specific to those agreements.
All submittals and correspondence should be email to VDHP at ACCD.projectreview@vermont.gov.
If you have any questions about this process, please contact us. Who can help with your review?