Historic Review

Historic Review
Encouraging rehabilitation and adaptive reuse through stewardship and compliance

A historic review is required for any project affecting the exterior of a historic structure which requires a permit from the City. In the commercial district interior alterations are reviewed on a limited basis, unless financial incentives are being used. View the reference guide below to see if a historic review is required.

Does my project require historic review?
 Project Yes No
Adding an addition X  
Changing roof material, i.e. asphalt shingles to a new material X  
Construction of a new garage greater than 100 square ft. X  
Demolition of a house or secondary structure X  
Fencing less than 30 inches in height    X
Fencing greater than 30 inches in height X  
Interior renovations (residential)    X
Landscaping    X
Construction of a new house or accessory dwelling unit X  
Painting or changing color schemes    X
Porch/deck additions and alterations X  
Repair of historic features    X
Replacing asphalt shingles    X
Replacing siding X  
Replacing windows X  
Storefront alterations X  

Download the Historic Review Application here. Applications must be submitted in person to the Rapid City Community Development Department, unless other specific arrangements are made.

Standards for Review

Historic Review processes are established in South Dakota codified Law 1-19A-11.1 and Rapid City Municipal Code Chapter 17.54.080. The historic review process uses the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation  (the Standards) when reviewing proposed projects. These are best practices for the treatment of historic property. In general, the Standards recommend repairing historic fabric rather than replacing it whenever possible. If replacement is necessary due to substantial deterioration, the new material should match the old in design, color, texture, and material whenever possible. 

The Secretary of the Interior’s Guidelines for Rehabilitation provide more detail on best practices for the treatment of historic building elements. 

Rapid City’ Draft Design Handbook for West Boulevard is another resource to consider when planning a project on a historic structure.

Process

Step 1: Review by the City and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

  • Pre-application conference followed by submission of  a complete application
  • Application is Reviewed by Community Development Staff and the SHPO
  • This review will result in a finding of no adverse effect, potential for adverse effect, or adverse effect. When no adverse effect is determined, the historic review is complete and the applicant can submit for a building permit. For potential or actual adverse effect, the applicant may revise the application or proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: If applicable, Case Report and/or HPC Meeting

  • If the SHPO requests a case report, the Applicant and City prepare one using information provided by the applicant.
  • A completed Case Report must be submitted at least 12 days prior to the next regularly scheduled Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meeting.
  • If a review of the Case Report determines the project is not an adverse effect, the historic review is complete and the applicant can submit for a building permit. For potential or actual adverse effect, the applicant may revise the application or proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: If applicable, Decision by the City Council at a public hearing

  • Community Development staff submits the Case Report/Project Information for review by the City Council in accordance with the Department's Submittal Deadline Calendar.
  • The City Council reviews the Case Report/Project Information at a subcommittee meeting.
  • The City Council considers all relevant factors, feasible and prudent alternatives, and planning to minimize harm to the historic property. 
  • If the City Council approves the project, there is a 10 day waiting period following SHPO’s receipt of written notice of the decision before the applicant can submit for a building permit. If the City Council denies the project a permit cannot be issued. The applicant may revise and resubmit. 

Timeline

The historic review timeline depends on such factors as 1) the scope of the project 2) the legibility and completeness of the supporting documentation by the applicant, and 3) the project’s conformance with the Standards. 

Historic Property Map

Access Rapid City’s Interactive Mapping Tool, RapidMap, to view property information and historic attributes. Click on the “Map Layers” tab to display the Historic Preservation data. Use the “Search” box to find property by address, Tax ID, etc. or hover over the map.

Click here to go to RapidMap.

Other Links for Historic Review

Get In Touch With Us
Contact the Rapid City Community Development Department to reach the City staff Liaison to the HPC. 605.394.4120