Use this application to request changes and alterations to historic properties with AHC held easements. Contact Christy Anderson at (334)230-2696 or Christy.Anderson@ahc.alabama.gov with any questions.
The Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage is a state program that recognizes historic places important to Alabama’s story. Managed by the Alabama Historical Commission, it highlights sites honor local history, build community pride, and support preservation planning.
To be eligible, a property generally must be at least 40 years old, retain some historic integrity, and have significance at the local, state, or local level. The Alabama Register recognizes places that can still be visited and experienced today. Because of this, properties that have been completely demolished or no longer survive are not eligible.
The program is designed to be accessible for property owners, community groups, and anyone interested in celebrating Alabama’s heritage.
All historic buildings and sites, regardless of use, are assessed as Class III property in the state of Alabama. The Class III assessment rate is 10 percent. Historic buildings and sites are defined as buildings or structures i) determined eligible by the State Historic Preservation Officer for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; or ii) located in a registered historic district and certified by the United States Secretary of the Interior as being of historic significance to the district. Owners must inform the revenue commissioner that their building is historic. (§40-8-1, Code of Alabama 1975). Residential properties are already assessed as Class III property, therefore only owners of non-residential properties can take advantage of this benefit.
Applications for the Ad Valorem program must be submitted in electronic format to the Alabama Historical Commission using the online platform Submittable. This is a free service, but it will require users to create an account.
The AHC reviews complete electronic applications within a thirty-day period. If a property is confirmed to be listed or determined eligible for the National Register, the AHC will email a letter to owner. Hard copies will be mailed upon request. These letters may be taken to the county revenue commissioner to request reassessment of the historic property.
The requirements for Ad Valorem applications vary according to the property’s National Register status.
**If an applicant chooses to use previously AHC reviewed and approved documentation for a new or expanded historic district, it will be valid for a period of 3 (three) years from the date of approval.**
This form is used by the Alabama Historical Commission (AHC) to determine potential eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places, the nation's official list of cultural resources, 50 years or older, worthy of preservation. Authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register is part of a nationwide program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect our historic and archaeological places. The National Register listing only recognizes a place's historic character and does not place restrictions on the property. The list is maintained by the National Park Service.
Submissions do not need to be made on the National Register form, however the information submitted needs to convey substantially similar information to a National Register nomination, which includes a physical description and a clear statement of significance. The AHC will review complete applications within a thirty-day period and will determine if a property is listed in or eligible for the National Register. A digital copy of the decision letter will be emailed to the applicant; hard copies will be mailed upon request.
Note: the AHC's determination that a property is eligible for listing in the National Register is not the same as it being formally listed by the National Park Service.
If you are applying for the Ad Valorem Tax Reduction, do not fill out this form and instead click here.