DESIGN GUIDELINES
Don’t forget that downtown Rawlins is under Design Guidelines approved by City Council in August 2012. This ordinance creates a mandatory review, voluntary compliance for all facade updates, new construction and signage in the Downtown Development District. You don’t have to do what we suggest, but there is a mandatory review of all façade changes. So if you are planning any work on the front of your building, whether it is a new sign, paint or a whole new front, you must to talk to us first!
PAINT PROGRAM
The Rawlins DDA/Main Street’s Paint Program is designed to help beautify our community by assisting Rawlins business property owners with the expense of painting the outside of their commercial buildings. We will reimburse 25% of the cost of paint only, up to $500, for businesses outside the downtown district. Downtown businesses who wish to receive funding must have their colors approved and will be approved for 70%, up to $500, of their paint costs reimbursed. All color schemes must go through a simple approval process first, and paint must be purchased in Rawlins. Please click here for more details. Note that application must be received before paint is purchased.
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REHABILITATION TAX CREDITS
The rehabilitation credit applies to costs you incur for rehabilitation and reconstruction of buildings. Rehabilitation includes renovation, restoration, and reconstruction. It does not include enlargement or new construction. The property and rehabilitation must meet certain guidelines: the property must be historic, the work must meet the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for Rehabilitation, and the project must be substantial. Generally, the percentage of costs you can take as a credit is 10% for some buildings placed in service before 1936 and 20% for certified historic structures. A tax credit differs from an income tax deduction. An income tax deduction lowers the amount of income subject to taxation. A tax credit, however, lowers the amount of tax owed. In general, a dollar of tax credit reduces the amount of income tax dollar for dollar.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PRESERVATION BRIEFS FOR WORKING WITH HISTORIC BUILDINGS
For over 25 years, the National Park Service’s Technical Preservation Services has helped homeowners, preservation professionals, organizations, and government agencies by publishing easy-to read guidance on preserving, rehabilitating and restoring historic buildings. The first Preservation Brief was published in 1975 and since then, over 40 more have been added to the series. A quick overview is available and a complete listing of the briefs, along with a database organized by preservation issues, are available below: