PURPOSE AND CRITERIA
Purpose
In accordance with Article XX.3 of the Municipal Code, "The designation of an historic designation is intended to protect and enhance the landmarks and areas which represent distinctive elements of Carrollton's historic, architectural, and cultural heritage; protect and enhance Carrollton's attractiveness to residents, visitors and tourists; support the harmonious, orderly, and efficient growth and development of the community; promote, maintain and stimulate economic prosperity and the general welfare of the community; encourage stabilization, restoration, and improvements of properties and their values; and educate Carrollton residents and visitors of Carrollton history.
Markers are educational in nature and reveal aspects of local history important to a community or region. Markers are placed at sites that have historical associations, but no legal restriction is placed on the use of the property or site. However, the City must be notified if the marker is ever to be relocated.
Age: Most topics must date back at least 50 years, although historic events may be marked after 30 years. The City may waive age requirements for topics of overwhelming importance, although exceptions are rarely granted and the burden of proof for all claims and documentation is the responsibility of the narrative author.
Historical significance: A topic is considered to have historical significance if it had influence, effect, or impact on the course of history or cultural development; age alone does not determine significance.
Criteria (as noted in Article XX.3 “HP” Historic Preservation Overlay District)
- Structures
- Possesses significance in history, architecture, archeology or culture
- Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, style or method of architecture or construction
- Represents the work of a significant builder or craftsman
- Possesses high artistic values
- Has yielded, or is reasonably likely to yield, information important to history or prehistory
- Location
- Place of an established and familiar feature of the community
- Possesses significance in history, architecture, archeology or culture
- Possesses high artistic values
- Has yielded, or is reasonably likely to yield, information important to history or prehistory
- Event
- Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local, regional, state or national history
- Has yielded, or is reasonably likely to yield, information important to history or prehistory
- Person – person’s death date must fall within the age requirements
- Is associated with the life of a person or persons significant to the community by positively contributing to the community’s quality of life, growth, and/or prosperity.
- Represents and/or contributes to a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction
- Has yielded, or is reasonably likely to yield, information important to history or prehistory
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Any individual, group, or entity may apply to request a City of Carrollton Historical or Subject Designation Marker for what it deems a worthy topic. Only complete marker applications that contain all the required elements can be accepted or processed by the City of Carrollton. For markers, the required elements are the application form, narrative history, and documentation.
The Applicant is responsible for providing verified, reliable, and noted documentation for all historical claims. This documentation must be submitted and attached to this application. MHAC nor the City will be responsible for researching historical claims.
1. Completed applications must be duly reviewed, verified, and approved by MHAC and the City.
2. Proposed marker topic and text must be given on the application. However, the City will determine the official title and final text verbiage.
3. The narrative history must include documentation in the form of reference notes, which can be either footnotes, endnotes, or parenthetical citations.
4. The applicant will forward the application and narrative history to Heather.Smith@cityofcarrollton.com. An email confirming receipt of your application will be sent to the applicant listed on the application. If you do not receive confirmation from the City within five business days of sending your application, please contact our office 972-466-3080.