Historic Demolitions

Historic Demolitions

In general, the Landmarks Commission reviews applications for demolitions of contributing buildings in a Historic Protection Overlay (HPO) zone or a City landmark [Historic Certificate of Appropriateness – Major].

• The Landmarks Commission will approve a demolition if it determines that the building cannot produce a reasonable economic return as presently con­trolled and that no means of preserving the structure has been found.
• If the Landmarks Commission denies a demolition request, a demolition moratorium is in effect for a period of 12 months. During this time the Landmarks Commission and City staff will work with the property owner to find an alternative solution to demolition. If the demolition moratorium expires with no solution, City Council can approve demolition if it determines that there is no reasonable way to preserve the building.

Contributing & Noncontributing Buildings

Not all buildings in a Historic Protection Overlay zone are contributing buildings, that is, buildings that have been designated as contributing to the historic, architectural character of the district in the official survey.

In the Fourth Ward and Eighth/Forrester Historic Protection Overlay zone, the Landmarks Commission has established modified demolition procedures for noncontributing buildings.

• A noncontributing accessory building (a building detached from and smaller than the primary building on the same lot) can be demolished with approval from Historic Preservation staff [Historic Certificate of Appropriateness – Minor], without obtaining approval from the Landmarks Commission.
• A noncontributing primary building can be demolished with approval from Historic Preservation staff if plans for a replacement structure have been approved and a building permit has been issued for the new construction.
  • If no replacement structure is planned, the Landmarks Commission will need to review the request to demolish a noncontributing primary building [Historic Certificate of Appropriateness – Major].

Demolitions Outside a Historic Protection Overlay Zone

The City's Historic Preservation staff reviews applications to demolish buildings that were constructed before 1945. City staff signs off on most demolitions in 1-2 business days. If the building seems historically significant, City staff can require the owner to go to the Landmarks Commission for sign-off. The Landmarks Commission may delay the demolition for up to 120 days in order to:

• allow City staff to document the building prior to demolition.
• explore development solutions that would avoid demolition.
• explore opportunities for the City to purchase the property.  

Contact

For questions or more information, email [email protected] or call 505-924-3860 and select the option for "Boards, Commissions, and ZHE signs."

Resources

• ABQ-PLAN
  • Apply for a Demolition – Commercial
  • Apply for a Demolition – Residential
  • Apply for a Pre-application Review – Historic
  • Apply for a Historic Certificate of Appropriateness – Major (HPO zone or City Landmark)
  • Apply for a Historic Certificate of Appropriateness – Minor (Noncontributing Structure in an HPO zone)
  • Apply for a Historic Demolition (Outside an HPO zone or Building on State or National Register of Historic Places)
• Historic Landmarks
• Historic Preservation
• Historic Protection Overlay Zones
• Historic Standards and Guidelines
• Historic Tax Credit Programs
• Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO)
• Landmarks Commission
• Forms & Application Checklists