PRESERVE
YOUR HISTORIC PROPERTY
Preservation Easements
The world renowned architecture throughout the County and cities of Sarasota, Florida - from the romance of the Ringling Estate to the midcentury Sarasota School, the graceful work of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, to the quirky road side motels - needs to be preserved and celebrated.
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Whether you own an elaborate Mediterranean Revival on the Bay, a human-scale commercial building downtown, or a small vernacular cottage nestled among grand oaks, each is vulnerable to up-zoning and developmental pressures. A preservation easement permanently ensures the survival of our historic architecture and your legacy.
WHAT IS AN EASEMENT?
A preservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement that protects the significant architectural features of a historic property, while allowing the owner to continue to occupy and use the building. Easements also limit future owners from demolishing or inappropriately altering the building.
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Why are easements an important tool?
Local legislation can only do so much to protect the historic fabric of a community. Even the strongest preservation ordinances are still vulnerable to up-zoning, the political goals of specific leaders, and the financial incentives of developers with other plans for the land.
An easement is the only way to legally protect a historic property forever.
Considering an easement donation? Call 941-529-1833 today!
Easement Donations
Who should consider donating a preservation easement?
An owner of a historic property, such as those listed on the Local or National Register of Historic Places may wish to donate a preservation easement to ensure that the significant character-defining elements of their unique property are protected for future generations. Historic designation is not a requirement for easement donation, however additional tax benefits may be available to designated properties.
Leveraging the owner's private property rights, an easement does not require Commission or Council approval, cannot be appealed by determined builders, and enlists the SAHP as a partner in good stewardship of the property forever.
Easement Resources
Historic Structures: Designated vs. Not Designated
If your structure has been designated
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The Building Dept & Historic Preservation Board will review:
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Your demolition request
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Alterations requiring permits (alterations not requiring permits do not require reviews (i.e. painting).
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You will be entitled to Ad Valorem Property Tax Exemptions
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You will eligible for flexibility in building codes
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You will be exempt from FEMA substantial improvement rule
If your structure has not been designated
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The Building Dept & Historic Preservation staff will:
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Your demolition request
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Alterations requiring permits (alterations not requiring permits do not require reviews (i.e. painting).
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You will not be entitled to Ad Valorem Property Tax Exemptions
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You will not be eligible for flexibility in building codes
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You will not be exempt from FEMA substantial improvement rule
Historic Preservation Standards and Guidelines
To encourage consistent practices, the National Park Service has developed standards and guidelines that guide preservation work at the national, tribal, state, and local levels. In some cases, these standards can be regulatory. The guidelines explain the standards.​
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The Secretary’s Standards for Rehabilitation
The most commonly used standard used by preservationist organizations nationally, “the intent of the Standards is to assist the long-term preservation of a property’s significance through the preservation of historic materials and features. The Standards pertain to historic buildings of all materials, construction types, sizes, and occupancy, and encompass the exterior and the interior of historic buildings. The Standards also encompass related landscape features and the building’s site and environment, as well as attached, adjacent, or related new construction.
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National Park Service – Preservation Briefs
With titles such as “The Preservation and Repair of Historic Stucco” and “Improving Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings”, this series of fifty pamphlets provides background information and common sense advice on issues commonly encountered in the rehabilitation of historic structures and sites.
The Illustrated Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings Online Version with PDF download option.
The illustrated guidelines are used for the practical application of the ten Standards for Rehabilitation, enhancing an overall understanding of basic preservation principles. Shows specific examples of appropriate treatments and the consequences of inappropriate treatments. Includes list of technical guidance publications.
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Sarasota County History Preservation Resources
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City of Sarasota – Local Historic Designation Application Packet
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City of Sarasota – Certificate of Appropriateness Application
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City of Sarasota – Zoning Code Requirements for Historic Structures and Districts
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Sarasota County Design Guidelines for Historic Properties
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Sarasota Historic Structures Surveys
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To encourage consistent practices, the National Park Service has developed standards and guidelines that guide preservation work at the national, tribal, state, and local levels. In some cases, these standards can be regulatory. The guidelines explain the standards.​
​
The Secretary’s Standards for Rehabilitation
The most commonly used standard used by preservationist organizations nationally, “the intent of the Standards is to assist the long-term preservation of a property’s significance through the preservation of historic materials and features. The Standards pertain to historic buildings of all materials, construction types, sizes, and occupancy, and encompass the exterior and the interior of historic buildings. The Standards also encompass related landscape features and the building’s site and environment, as well as attached, adjacent, or related new construction.
​
National Park Service – Preservation Briefs
With titles such as “The Preservation and Repair of Historic Stucco” and “Improving Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings”, this series of fifty pamphlets provides background information and common sense advice on issues commonly encountered in the rehabilitation of historic structures and sites.
The Illustrated Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings Online Version with PDF download option.
The illustrated guidelines are used for the practical application of the ten Standards for Rehabilitation, enhancing an overall understanding of basic preservation principles. Shows specific examples of appropriate treatments and the consequences of inappropriate treatments. Includes list of technical guidance publications.
​
Sarasota County History Preservation Resources
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City of Sarasota – Local Historic Designation Application Packet
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City of Sarasota – Certificate of Appropriateness Application
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City of Sarasota – Zoning Code Requirements for Historic Structures and Districts
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Sarasota County Design Guidelines for Historic Properties
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Sarasota Historic Structures Surveys
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Click here to learn about our Historic Loan Program.