Historic Preservation

Historic Preservation Commission
The City of Jefferson Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) came into existence in 1983 as a result of 1980 Congressional amendments to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. In 2003, the city began participating in the Missouri Certified Local Government (CLG) Program.

The CLG program, administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), is designed to expand the historic preservation network of federal and state governments by creating a mechanism for the participation of local governments.  Requirements for participation in the Missouri CLG program include enacting a historic preservation ordinance, appointing a preservation commission, conducting an ongoing survey and inventory of historic properties, and conducting public outreach and education.

A Certified Local Government with a historic preservation program at the local level offers the potential for providing the best protection that can be devised for the enjoyment, appreciation, and preservation of our community’s cultural resources.  Recognition and preservation of our community’s cultural resources can enhance residential and commercial property values, encourage neighborhood conservation, foster civic pride, and promote the community’s attraction to visitors, tourists, industry, and future employers.

The volunteers appointed to the HPC work to encourage and assist with the identification and preservation of sites, buildings, structures, and objects which reflect the community’s cultural, historical, and architectural heritage.  The HPC also reviews demolition requests forwarded to it by the City Department of Planning & Protective Services.

Specific Duties
A. To review and select the annual Local Landmark Award designees.    
B. To encourage economic development through historic preservation and heritage tourism.   
C. To protect and enhance architectural heritage.
D. To conduct or support historic surveys and research.
E. To carry out recommendations made in the Historic Preservation Plan.
F. To review demolition requests.

To view Historic Preservation Commission Meetings, click here
2023 HPC Meeting Calendar
2023 HPC Filing Due Dates

Historic Context of the City of Jefferson
The document will serve as a tool aiding the identification and evaluation of resources by focusing on and explaining what aspects of geography, history, and culture significantly shaped the physical development of the City of Jefferson.
The Historic Context can be viewed and downloaded by clicking the link below
Historic Context (PDF)

Historic Preservation Plan
In 2019, the City hired consultants, Heritage Strategies, to develop a historic preservation plan. The Jefferson City Historic Preservation Plan will provide the community with a focused document, specifically concentrating on unique issues and opportunities, to guide historic preservation and enhancement throughout the City. The goals and strategies within this document will influence historic preservation efforts in Jefferson City through the next 20 years.

The full plan can be reviewed by clicking the link below.
     Historic Preservation Plan (PDF)
     Appendix
     Paper copies can be reviewed at City Hall

 Missouri State Capitol & Munichburg Commercial Districts: Exterior Structural Survey
The City of Jefferson received a Historic Preservation Fund grant to conduct a structural survey of unreinforced masonry buildings in the Missouri State Capitol and Old Munichburg Commercial Districts, both districts are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The purpose of the structural survey project was to provide information to the City, property owners, and the public in order to facilitate and guide preservation and revitalization efforts in Jefferson City. Structural engineers from Walter P Moore have created individual property reports.

To view survey: Exterior Structural Survey

National Register Nomination
Missouri State Penitentiary National Register Nomination - Revised 1st Submittal
Missouri State Penitentiary National Register Nomination - 2nd Submittal

Historic Preservation Code Revision Committee 
Function: The Stakeholders Committee for Historic Preservation are tasked with meeting regularly to accomplish the following: provide clear procedures for citizens and staff, identify the roles of boards and commissions during the historic preservation process, align local ordinances with the Secretary of Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, and allow for appeals and enforcement of established procedures.

Membership Information: The Stakeholders Committee for Historic Preservation Code Review shall dissolve once its final recommendations are submitted to the City Council or upon the action of the City Council at any time.

To view Historic Preservation Code Revision Committee Meetings click here