What are Preservation Easements?Updated A preservation easement
is a legal right granted by the owner of a property to an
organization or a governmental entity qualified under state law
to accept such an easement. It protects against undesirable
development or indirect deterioration. Preservation easements
may provide the most effective legal tool for the protection of
privately-owned historic properties. The terms are generally
incorporated into a recordable preservation easement deed and
can prohibit, for example, alteration of the structure's
significant features, changes in the usage of the building and
land, or subdivision and topographic changes to the property.
The property continues on the tax rolls at its current use
designation rather than its "highest and best use" (its value if
developed) thereby giving the owner a genuine tax advantage. For
information on easement holders in your area, contact your SHPO
or statewide or local preservation organization. For additional
information please link here: