Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I get my structure designated as a Local Historic Landmark?
A: You must file an application with the Development Services Department and provide the following items:

1. A written description of the architectural, historical, or archaeological significance of the proposed landmark.
2. Date of construction of the structures and the names of former owners.
3. Photographs of the property.
4. Legal description and map of the property to be landmarked.

The application will be considered by the Historic New Smyrna Beach Preservation Commission (HPC), which will make a recommendation to the City Commission. The City Commission will make the final decision.

Q: I have a historic home and I want to change the exterior. What do I need to do?
A: First contact the building department to see if a permit is required. If the house is more than 50 years old and there is any demolition involved, the request may have to go before the HPC. Please contact Development Services in order to determine if this is the case. If there is not any demolition involved, you do not need to go before the Historic Preservation Commission, unless the structure is a Local Historic Landmark or part of a Local Historic District (at this time there are very few local landmarks and no Local Historic Districts in the City). If this is the case, then a Certificate of Appropriateness must be obtained from the HPC before any work is done.

Q: I have a historic home and I want to remodel the interior. What do I need to do?
A: The HPC is not involved in interior renovations that do not affect the exterior of a building and do not require a demolition permit. All you need to do is contact the Building Department to see if a building permit is required.

Q: What do I need to do to get a demolition permit?
A: If the structure is less than 50 years old, a demolition permit can be obtained by contacting the Building Department. If the structure is greater than 50 years old, an application for demolition must be filed with the Development Services Department and the case may have to be heard by the HPC, prior to receiving a permit from the Building Department. Please keep in mind that the City is required to advertise a demolition thirty (30) days in advance of the HPC meeting at which it will be heard, as this will affect the time it takes to receive your permit.

Q: Does my structure qualify for the Local Ad Valorem Tax Exemption?
A: If you have a historic structure over 50 years old, you may qualify. Historic status is determined two ways. Various structures have been identified as contributing to one of the City’s two National Register of Historic Places Historic Districts. To find out if your structure is one of them, you need to contact Development Services. If your structure is over 50 years old, and has not been previously identified as contributing to a historic district, you may apply for local landmark status. The HPC and the City Commission must approve local landmark status.

Q: If I qualify for the Ad Valorem Tax exemption, what does that entitle me to?
A: You are exempt from 100% of the increase in Ad Valorem taxes levied by the City for up to ten years, which result from an increase in the assessed value of your property due to the restoration, renovation, or rehabilitation of a historic structure. The exemption only applies to improvements that go through the permitting process after January 8, 2002, and the improvements must conform to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Copies of those standards are available at the Development Services Department.

Q: Are there any City sponsored programs besides the Ad Valorem Tax Exemption that can be used to help renovate historic buildings?
A: If you are in the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) area, want to do external improvements to your commercial property, and the improvements conform to the design standards for the area, you may qualify for a matching grant, up to $5,000.00 (the CRA matches money dollar for dollar). This benefit is available to both historic and non-historic properties. A map of the CRA area is available at the Development Services Department

Q: Are there any federal tax credits/benefits available for historic structures?
A: Yes. If building was built before 1936, is owner-occupied, has been altered to the point that it has lost its historic significance, and is being rehabilitated in conformance with the Secretary of Interiors Standards for rehabilitation, it may qualify for a 10% federal tax credit, or if the property is an income producing property (e.g. commercial, rental, or industrial), and is being rehabilitated in conformance with the Secretary of Interior Standards, it may qualify for a 20% tax credit.

Q: What is a “Boom House”?
A: In the 1920’s, before the Great Depression, there was a period of intense construction in New Smyrna Beach. Any house built during this time period is sometimes called a “boom house.”