Ground Rules to Designate Historically Significant Buildings or Site

There are many good reasons to have a building or site registered or recognized as a historically significant asset. This registration or recognition may be at the local, state, or national level. The level at which this recognition granted is at the property owner’s discretion. A suggested list of proof that a property is historic is offered on the websites listed in this document.

Once a property is deemed historic, the property owner may purchase and install a sign declaring their property has met the criteria set by the historic boards. A drawing of the signs acceptable in the Madison area can be found at the back of this document. There is no designated vendor or set price for the historic sign. The property owner is encouraged to find a vendor that can supply a sign that is in compliance with the historic signs currently on display today.

All research and costs associated with this recognition and signs are the burden of the property owner.

Table of Contents:

1.Local Registry- Within Madison‘s Historic District

2.Local Registry- Outside of Madison‘s Historic District

3.Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage

4.The National Register (NR) of Historic Places

5.National Register Listing Process-

6.Acceptable Historic Madison Area Sign Design- Drawing and Dimensions:

7.Acceptable Historic Madison Area Sign Design- Photo of Example:

1.Local Registry- Within Madison‘s Historic District

Property within the city limits of Madison, Alabama may be recognized and listed as buildings, sites, structures, objects, and districts as being historic in nature and contributing to the history of Madison. Properties inside Madison‘s Historic District are under the ordinances of the Madison Station Historic Preservation Commission. A Madison, Alabama Historic District map can be found on this website:

Madison Station Historic Preservation Commission has adopted the National Register’s guidelines for establishing the district’s ordinances. The Madison Station Historic Preservation Commission reserves the right to review and approve the addition of any signs and grant a Certificate of Appropriateness. This pertains to signs visible from the public curb and includes signs that designate a property as a historic site. It is required to have a complying sign design similar to those located in the Madison Historic District. The Madison Station Historic Preservation Commission’s contact information can be found on the website:

2.Local Registry- Outside of Madison‘s Historic District

Property within the city limits of Madison, Alabama but outside the designated Madison‘s Historic District may be recognized and listed as buildings, sites, structures, objects, and districts historic in nature and contributing to the history of Madison. Properties outside the Madison‘s Historic District are encouraged to follow the ordinances of the Madison Station Historic Preservation Commission. Members of the Madison Station Historical Preservation Society (not to be confused with the Commission) will offer assistance or direction on obtaining a sign and staying in harmony with the historic community. The Madison Station Historical Preservation Society website can be found at:

3.Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage

The following guidelines are taken from the Alabama Historical Commission (AHC)

The Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage is an official listing of buildings, sites, structures, objects, and districts worthy of preservation. These properties, which may be of national, state, and local significance, are deemed worthy of preservation by the Alabama Historical Commission (AHC). The designation is honorary and carries no restrictions or financial incentives.

Persons interested in historic recognition of their property are encouraged to begin with the Alabama Register program, as it helps AHC staff determine whether or not a property is eligible for the National Register. The Alabama Register includes properties such as cemeteries, churches, moved properties, reconstructed properties, and properties at least40 years old which may not normally qualify for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

To be considered for AHC recognition, the property owner will need to provide documentation or other data. AHC offers a guide that lists acceptable data. This guide is Guide to Researching Old Buildings in Alabama, website:

Please consult this website for the most current revision of this guide.

4.The National Register (NR) of Historic Places

The National Register nomination process usually starts with your State Historic Preservation Office* (SHPO). They recommend you contact your state office before proceeding to the national level.

The National Register (NR) of Historic Places is the nation's official list of cultural resources, 50 years or older, worthy of preservation. Authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the NR is part of a nationwide program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect our historic and archaeological places.

Properties listed in the NR include districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture at the local, state, and/or national level. The list is maintained by the National Park Service.

To be considered for NR recognition, the property owner will need to provide documentation or other data. The NR offers a website that lists acceptable data. This website is:

5.National Register Listing Process-

The following process is from the NR website. This process has been modified to include the local level recognition of property and is used as a suggested process to follow in register your property:

  • Nominations can be submitted by property owners (or agent of the owner), historical societies, preservation organizations, governmental agencies, and other individuals or groups. Official National Register Nomination Forms are downloadable or from your State Historic Preservation Office. National Register Bulletins can also provide guidance on how to document and evaluate certain types of properties. Sample Nominations provide additional useful information.
  • The granting organization notifies affected property owners and local governments and solicits public comment. If the owner (or a majority of owners for a district nomination) objects, the property cannot be listed but may be forwarded to the National Park Service for a Determination of Eligibility (DOE).
  • Proposed nominations for state and national recognition are reviewed by your state’s historic preservation office and the state’s National Register Review Board. The length of the state process varies but will take a minimum of 90 days.
  • Complete nominations with supporting information, are submitted by the state to the National Park Service in Washington, D.C. for final review and listing by the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places. The National park Service makes a listing decision within 45 days.

6.Acceptable Historic Madison Area Sign Design- Drawing and Dimensions:

7.Acceptable Historic Madison Area Sign Design- Photo of Example: