Part 2 applicants are encouraged to submit applications describing proposed work and to receive approval from the National Park Service prior to the start of construction. Owners who undertake rehabilitation projects without prior National Park Service approval do so at their own risk.
Submitting Your Project
Effective July 24, 2023 the State Historic Preservation Office will accept historic tax credit applications electronically only. Click here to submit your application.
Preliminary Meeting
Schedule a preliminary meeting with the Technical Preservation Services Department staff during the project planning stage, before any rehabilitation work is undertaken. We are here to assist you. We want your project to be successful, and early planning is key.
While we can’t design your project or recommend particular products, we are happy to react to the initial materials and information you show us and suggest solutions based on our experience. Please do not hesitate to contact our office at 614.298.2000 with any questions at any point in the process.
General Recommendations
Carefully read and follow the application instructions and call our office at 614.298.2000 with any questions.
Submit Part 2 well before the planning commencement of construction. The typical review period for the Part 2 is 90 days. It is important to allow this amount of time for the review and approval process carried out at the state and federal levels. This 90 day review period does not include mailing time, fee processing time, or more than one round of clarifying questions.
Submit complete and accurate project information to avoid multiple holds and multiple restarts of the 30-day review period. In all instances, drawings and the application narrative are to be in agreement.
Complete and accurate information on the Part 2 cover sheet is essential. Neither state-level nor the federal–level reviewers are permitted to alter any information on the cover. The only option is to submit a new cover. Be mindful of details like Social Security number, zip-plus-4 zip codes, original signatures in ink and checking appropriate checkboxes when completing the cover.
The National Park Service makes all final decisions on the certification application. Owners should always wait for the National Park Service's decision before proceeding with any work or ordering costly materials.
What Information Should I Include in Part 2?
Project Summary Paragraph
Use the first field under Item 5., Project Description, to provide a paragraph or two summarizing the project and its timeline.
Feature by Feature Descriptions [Also Known as the Project Narrative]
Be sure to address all features of the building and its site, historic or not, in completing the project narrative. If you are not doing work to a feature, describe the feature and state “no work to be done.” All work must be mentioned in this section even if others are paying for the work. Include construction or alteration of features and additions. Work must be described in detail sufficient for the State Historic Preservation Office to determine the effect of the proposed work on the appearance, integrity and condition of the building and its component. Note that in the event of any discrepancy between the application form and supplementary materials submitted with it, such as architectural plans, the application form takes precedence.
If the specifics of work to a feature or system are unknown, state that once known, final details will be submitted prior to the commencement of work via the Amendment review and approval process. This will help avoid a Part 2 condition, but please use caution when doing this since projects need to be viewed and reviewed in whole to determine the compatibility of the work and compliance with the Standards.
Features and systems to include in the project narrative include but an not limited to the following:
Exterior
• site, including signage and exterior lighting
• roof and drainage systems
• cornice
• additions
• wall treatment
• siding
• foundation
• trim
• windows
• doors
Interior
• each major interior space
• stairs
• doors and trim
• walls and ceilings
• secondary spaces
• electrical system
• plumbing, including sprinklers
• HVAC systems
• new construction
What Should I Submit with the Part 2?
Be sure to check the Documentation Requirements page on the National Park Service tax program website.
Drawings
Most projects require some drawings. Please submit only “meaningful” and legible drawings; that is, drawings that give a good visual representation of what is described in the narrative.
Photographs
See tips regarding photographs under Part 1 Tips
Additions
If one or more additions are planned as part of the project, submit a model, photos of a physical mock-up, and/or a rendering with a sightline study for any additions, including rooftop work. The National Park Service does not accept sightline studies alone. Photos taken from several vantage points around the building and neighborhood may be required.
In Part 2 we must have a sufficient understanding of what the overall project will be and if the project will meet the standards in order to complete our review and issue a recommendation. Also, think of your construction timeline and plan accordingly when submitting these items via an Amendment.
When is an Amendment Needed?
A project may require one or more amendments during the course of the project. An amendment must be submitted if Part 2 was submitted with some aspects of the work unknown at the time and if any aspect of the rehabilitation project changes during the course of the work. Changes to work items that are carried out prior to the conclusion of the amendment review and approval process risk not being approved.
Consider your amendment submission as a mini Part 2 application – with as much detail and all pertinent supplemental information (such as drawings, renderings, additional photographs, etc.) included. As with Part 2, the Amendment narrative takes precedence, and all materials must agree.
Discuss potential amendments with your State Historic Preservation Office reviewer prior to submitting an amendment to help facilitate the review and approval process.
List All Amended Items
Briefly describe all amended items on the amendment cover sheet in the space above the signature block. Attach additional sheets to more specifically describe the proposed changes.
Differentiate the Narrative Revisions
Make clear what was originally proposed and how what is proposed in the amendment differs by highlighting or italicizing the changes. Only work items clearly identified in the Amendment narrative as being revised or amended will be reviewed.
Drawings
Only include “meaningful” drawings with any submission, including amendments. Only drawing details clearly identified as revised will be reviewed. Clearly show where changes are to occur through labels, “clouding” or highlighting the work. All work detail must be included in the narrative, not just shown on the drawings.
Interim approvals for fully completed phases are submitted on amendment forms; however if full project completion is imminent, please wait and submit the full Part 3.
Build into your work schedule sufficient time for the Amendment (or Amendments) review process including the National Park Service decision, which is typically no less than 60 days, not including mailing time, if all information is complete upon submission. The 30-day review clock begins anew whenever additional information is needed.
National Park Service makes all review decisions, so applicants should always wait for the National Park Service decision prior to proceeding with any work or order. To begin work before NPS approval is to proceed at one’s own risk.
