Frequently Asked Questions about Preservation Services

Historic Resources: National Register of Historic Places

Who is on the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council?
The Council is comprised of 15 voting members appointed by the Director, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, and three ex-officio members. Councilors are qualified by professional or civic involvement with historic preservation, and they meet four times each year to evaluate places for the National Register.

Can someone who does not own the property make an application?
Yes.

Can an owner stop his/her property from being listed by somebody else?
A private owner can prevent designation of a place by submitting a notarized letter to this office at any time before final designation by the Keeper of the National Register and stating (a) the address of the property, (b) that he/she is the owner of record and (c) that he/she opposes the designation. In the case of a proposed district, a majority (51%) of the owners submitting letters like those noted above are required to prevent a district from being designated. When a private owner objects, the nomination still proceeds through the various review stages. However, due to owner objection, the Keeper will instead determine that the property is eligible for listing on the National Register rather than officially listing it. If at a future date, the objection is removed, the property will be listed. Eligible properties receive the same protection as listed properties, but do not qualify for grants or rehabilitation tax incentives.

If my application is not accepted, can I reapply for National Register listing?
Yes, but if the Council advises against designation one year must elapse before subsequent new information can be submitted to the Council

Financial Assistance: Tax Freeze

What is the project time frame? Ordinarily, the project should take no longer than 24 months, and you must apply within two years of completion. The Director can give an extension when individual cases warrant more time (i.e. the scope of the project, finances, and family emergencies). To request a longer rehabilitation period, you will need to notify the Director and provide an explanation for the longer rehabilitation period.

How much do I need to spend on the rehabilitation project? At least 25% of the property's fair cash value (market value) as determined by the local assessment officer. This figure can usually be found on your tax bill, or can be obtained by calling your township or county assessor's office.

What if my project has already started (or is completed)? Although pre-approval of your project is not a requirement, it is strongly recommended, in order to avoid complications that may occur.

What if there is additional rehabilitation to be done in the future? A Certificate of Rehabilitation can be issued once the financial test has been made, even though additional work is anticipated. That additional rehabilitation work should be described in your application, or sent at a later date prior to initiating work. Future work, if substantial, must still meet the Secretary of Interior's "Standards".

What are eligible expenditures? Qualified rehabilitation expenditures include any cost incurred by the property owner in renovation, restoration, or reconstruction of the historic building. Examples of allowable costs include, but are not limited to, roof replacement, repointing, painting, wood refinishing, electrical and mechanical systems upgrades, kitchen and bathroom improvements. Architectural fees are also allowable.

What are ineligible expenditures? New construction outside the existing structure, enlargement, and landscaping costs are ineligible. Examples of ineligible costs are patios, decks, new additions, driveways, and plants.

How do I document my expenditures? Any of the following can be used to document your rehabilitation expenditures: cancelled checks, bills marked paid, and contractors' liens. A written summary that lists work items and costs is helpful. You need only submit enough documentation to show that 25% of the property's fair cash value was spent on the rehabilitation project.

Can I count my own time spent on the project as an allowable expense? You can document your hours using the IHPA "Volunteer Service Time Report" form. The allowable hourly rate is the federal minimum wage rate. If you are a professional, you can charge your professional wage rate (example: you are, by trade, a plumber and did all the plumbing rather than contracting it out). A letter certifying your hourly rate must accompany the form, which is available upon request.

Can I build an addition to my house? The new addition will be reviewed for compliance with the Secretary's "Standards." However, the cost of the new addition cannot be counted toward meeting the financial test.

What happens if I sell my house during the freeze period? The freeze is not transferable to a new owner, so if the house is sold, the Certificate is revoked. Also, if the use changes from residential to commercial, the Certificate will be revoked.

Are there other requirements that have to be met during the freeze period? Each year, the assessment officer will send you an affidavit that you must complete that verifies that you are the owner occupant of the single-family residence. Failure to return the affidavit will lead to the revocation of your Certificate.