Donating an Easement
Donating a preservation easement is one of the most effective ways to ensure a historic property’s protection in perpetuity. While listing in the National Register of Historic Places is a significant honor, it is primarily ceremonial and does not guarantee long-term preservation. Similarly, some Idaho cities have local preservation ordinances that offer limited protection, often delaying, but not preventing, alteration or demolition.
A preservation easement, by contrast, is a legally binding agreement that safeguards a property from neglect, demolition, and inappropriate changes that could compromise its historic character. By establishing an easement, property owners create a lasting commitment to preservation, one that protects the cultural and architectural integrity of Idaho’s historic places for future generations.
Contact
(208) 334-3861
Donating an Easement Guidelines
Easement Program Policies
Easement Process and Documents
Following an initial phone or email inquiry, the Easement Program Manager schedules a meeting with the property owner to discuss preservation goals and the purpose of the program. Staff conduct preliminary research to determine the property’s eligibility and may complete a site visit to assess its condition, with no fee unless expedited service is requested. After the consultation, the property owner then submits the completed application, a $500 non-refundable application fee, and Billing Statement. The Easement Program Manager reviews the materials for completeness and may request additional information if needed.
Donating an Easement Guidelines
Each year, the Easement Program Manager begins by notifying property owners of their shared stewardship responsibilities under the easement. By March 31, staff send written notice, via letter or email, at least fifteen days before the anticipated inspection to allow for scheduling, followed by a reminder one week prior. During the on-site inspection, staff assess the condition of all structural, landscape, and archaeological features protected by the easement, documenting any issues that require attention. If the owner cannot attend, a designated representative may participate. After the visit, staff prepare an Annual Monitoring Report detailing the property’s condition and ISHS’s compliance with monitoring requirements. Property owners receive a digital copy within thirty days and must return a signed copy within ten days of receipt.
Property owners must receive approval from the Idaho State Historical Society (ISHS) Easement Program before making any changes beyond ordinary maintenance. After consulting with staff, owners submit an Alteration Request Application with supporting materials. The Easement Program Committee reviews complete applications under the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and issues a decision within thirty days. Approved work must begin within one year, and upon completion, owners submit documentation and photographs to verify compliance.
Alteration Request Application
Guidance for Determining When Prior Written Approval is Required
If Easement Program staff identify a potential violation, such as neglect or unauthorized alterations, they document the issue, review relevant materials, and develop a corrective action plan with the Easement Program Committee. The property owner receives written notice within thirty days and must complete the required actions within the specified timeframe. Once the work is verified, ISHS confirms the violation has been satisfactorily resolved.