fss-mini-rag-github/development-compliance-research/historic_preservation_guidelines.md

# Historic Preservation and Cultural Resource Guidelines
## Mixed-Use Development Projects

### Section 106 Review Process

#### Project Review Triggers
**Federal involvement requiring Section 106 review:**
- Projects using federal funding (HUD, USDA, DOT)
- Federal permits required (Army Corps, EPA)
- Federal property or easements involved
- Projects on federal or tribal lands

**Area of Potential Effects (APE):**
- Direct effects: Property footprint and immediate adjacency
- Indirect effects: Visual, auditory, and atmospheric impacts
- Typically extends 0.25-0.5 miles from project boundaries

#### Historic Resource Identification
**Properties requiring evaluation:**
- Structures 50+ years old within APE
- Archaeological sites of any age
- Traditional Cultural Properties (TCP)
- Historic districts and contributing structures

**National Register Criteria:**
- **Criterion A**: Associated with significant historical events
- **Criterion B**: Associated with significant persons
- **Criterion C**: Distinctive architectural or engineering characteristics
- **Criterion D**: Potential to yield important archaeological information

### State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Coordination

#### Required Documentation
**Historic Structures Report:**
- Architectural description and photographs
- Historical research and chain of title
- Statement of significance and integrity assessment
- Condition assessment and recommended treatments

**Archaeological Survey Requirements:**
- Literature and records search
- Field survey by qualified archaeologist
- Subsurface testing if surface artifacts found
- Report following state archaeological standards

#### SHPO Review Timeline
- **Initial consultation**: 30 days
- **Historic structures assessment**: 45-60 days
- **Archaeological survey**: 60-90 days
- **Effect determination**: 30 days
- **Memorandum of Agreement (if adverse effects)**: 90-120 days

### Tribal Consultation Requirements

#### Consultation Triggers
**Projects requiring tribal consultation:**
- Ground disturbance >1 acre within traditional territories
- Areas with known or potential sacred sites
- Projects near water bodies or burial grounds
- Traditional cultural landscapes

#### Consultation Process
**Initial Contact:** 30 days minimum before ground disturbance
**Required Information:**
- Project description and location maps
- Area of potential effects documentation
- Preliminary archaeological findings
- Construction timeline and methods

**Tribal Response Period:** 45 days for formal consultation
**Follow-up Requirements:**
- Site monitoring agreements
- Cultural sensitivity training for contractors
- Inadvertent discovery protocols

### Local Historic District Requirements

#### Historic District Designation Levels
**Local Historic Districts:**
- Design review required for exterior modifications
- Certificate of Appropriateness for new construction
- Contributing vs. non-contributing property designations

**National Register Districts:**
- Tax incentive eligibility for rehabilitation projects
- Enhanced review for federally-involved projects
- Preservation easement opportunities

#### Design Review Standards
**Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation:**
1. Compatible use preserving historic character
2. Retention of distinctive architectural features
3. Recognition as contemporary intervention
4. Reversible alterations when possible

**New Construction in Historic Districts:**
- Compatible scale, massing, and proportion
- Complementary but distinguishable design
- Traditional materials encouraged
- Height limitations typically apply

### Archaeological Protection Requirements

#### Survey Methodology
**Phase I Archaeological Survey:**
- Background research and records search
- Visual inspection and surface collection
- Systematic subsurface testing (shovel test pits)
- GPS mapping of all findings

**Phase II Evaluation (if sites found):**
- Intensive testing to determine significance
- Artifact analysis and dating
- Site mapping and feature documentation
- National Register eligibility assessment

**Phase III Data Recovery (if necessary):**
- Excavation of significant portions
- Comprehensive artifact and data analysis
- Final report and curation planning

#### Protection Measures During Construction
**Site Avoidance:** Preferred method for significant sites
**Protective Fencing:** Around sensitive areas
**Archaeological Monitoring:** During ground-disturbing activities
**Inadvertent Discovery Protocol:** Stop work procedures if artifacts found

### Mitigation and Treatment Options

#### Historic Structures
**Preservation:** Maintaining existing condition
**Rehabilitation:** Adapting for contemporary use
**Restoration:** Returning to specific historical period
**Reconstruction:** Rebuilding non-surviving elements

#### Economic Incentives
**Federal Historic Tax Credits (20%):**
- Substantial rehabilitation of income-producing properties
- Must follow Secretary of Interior Standards
- Minimum $5,000 investment required

**State Tax Credits (varies by state):**
- Typically 10-25% of qualified expenses
- May apply to residential properties
- Can be combined with federal credits

### Compliance Documentation and Reporting

#### Required Reports
**Historic Resource Inventory:**
- Property identification and descriptions
- Photographs and location maps
- Significance statements
- Integrity assessments

**Effects Assessment:**
- Direct and indirect impacts analysis
- Visual impact studies
- Cumulative effects consideration
- Mitigation recommendations

#### Regulatory Coordination
**Multiple Agency Coordination:**
- SHPO consultation ongoing throughout project
- Tribal consultation at key milestones
- Local historic preservation commission review
- Federal agency coordination (if applicable)

### Construction Phase Requirements

#### Pre-Construction Activities
**Cultural Resource Training:** Required for all construction personnel
**Site Security:** Fencing and access control for sensitive areas
**Monitoring Protocol:** Archaeological oversight during excavation

#### Discovery Procedures
**Inadvertent Archaeological Discovery:**
1. Immediate stop work in discovery area
2. Notify project archaeologist within 4 hours
3. Contact SHPO within 24 hours
4. Secure area pending evaluation
5. Resume work only after clearance

**Human Remains Discovery:**
1. Immediate stop work and secure area
2. Notify law enforcement and coroner
3. Contact state archaeologist
4. Tribal notification (if applicable)
5. Follow state burial laws

### Timeline and Cost Considerations

#### Typical Review Timelines
- **Historic structures assessment**: 2-4 months
- **Archaeological survey (Phase I)**: 1-2 months
- **SHPO review and consultation**: 2-3 months
- **Tribal consultation**: 2-6 months
- **Mitigation planning**: 3-6 months

#### Budget Planning
**Survey and Assessment Costs:**
- Historic structures report: $15,000-40,000
- Phase I archaeological survey: $5,000-15,000 per acre
- Phase II evaluation: $25,000-75,000 per site
- Phase III data recovery: $100,000-500,000 per site

**Mitigation Costs:**
- Historic structure stabilization: $50-150 per square foot
- Archaeological data recovery: $150,000-1,000,000
- Monitoring during construction: $1,500-2,500 per day

### Best Practices and Risk Management

#### Early Consultation Benefits
- Identifies issues before design finalization
- Allows for project modifications to avoid impacts
- Builds relationships with reviewing agencies
- May qualify for streamlined review processes

#### Risk Mitigation Strategies
- Conduct preliminary assessments during due diligence
- Include contingencies in project budgets and schedules
- Maintain ongoing communication with regulatory agencies
- Consider alternative sites if significant resources present