Heritage Designation: Sample Application

Following is information that can be the basis for an application form for designation.

It is important that you, as the applicant/owner, understand the purpose of heritage designation and what it means to the future of your property.

• Heritage designation is the legal recognition of a structure or property of cultural and historical significance; the designation is established in a bylaw by [our town/city], as described in the Local Government Act.
• Heritage designation means that the owner and [our town/city] are committed to retaining and maintaining qualities and features that are important to our community.
• Once designated, alterations to features described in the designation bylaw may only be made through a heritage alteration permit process. A designated property may not be demolished without approval by the council.
• Designation does not affect private ownership and does not impede the purchase or sale of the property. The current owner and future owners will retain all rights to individual enjoyment and use of their property. Once designation of a property is approved by Council, that status remains with the property through a change of ownership, however, the property can be sold or bought without special approval.

Name and contact information of the applicant:

Property Description:

• Date of construction
• Address
• Lot
• Block
• Section
• District
• Plan
• Present use

Do you wish to designate the land or any outbuilding with the building? Yes/no

• Reason for designating the land/outbuilding

Do you wish to designate a landscape feature on the property?

• Describe the feature and reason for the designation.

Do you wish to designate an interior feature on the property?

• Describe the interior feature and reason for the designation.

The designation application will be evaluated on criteria such as:

• Age
• Style
• Construction type and methods
• Designer/builder
• Historic significance (person, period, event)
• Community context
• Visual qualities
• Condition
• Archaeological potential

Please provide information that will support the evaluation of the property, such as:

• How were the original owners or any owners of historical interest?
• Did anyone connected to the property make any particular or significant contribution to the neighbourhood, municipality, province or nation?
• What is the cultural or neighbourhood significance of the property?
• Are there any historical events associated with the property?
• What is the year of construction?
• What is the architectural style and construction? Who was the architect/builder?
• What are the significant features?

As the applicant, why are you suggesting this property be considered for designation?

Please attach photographs and other documents to support the evaluation of your request for designation.

Compensation in relation to the heritage designation of this property is not provided.

All current property owners with an interest in the property must sign this form.

(Include typical information regarding consent and privacy)

Signature by the applicant; date.

Did you find the answer to your question? If not, let us know and we will help you find the information you need.

This guide provides an overview of Heritage Designation through research and commentary. Application of this heritage conservation tool is not prescriptive, as it can be adapted to each situation. Local governments and regional districts wanting to implement the heritage conservation tools should seek legal counsel as required.

SPECIAL NOTE: It is intended this guide will develop through community input. If you have best practices and case studies that would benefit this guide, please contact Heritage BC.