City Council adopted ordinance #241070 on December 19, 2024 for the purpose of reviewing proposed demolitions of structures to determine if the structures have historical, architectural, cultural or urban design value to the City.

The ordinance requires that all proposed demolitions on buildings over 50 years old be reviewed to determine if they meet the criteria to be listed on the Kansas City or National Register of Historic Places.  Demolition of buildings that have been declared dangerous under Chapter 56, Article V are exempt from this review.

Staff of the historic preservation office will assess each building to determine if it’s listed or eligible for listing.  If staff determines that it is not eligible for listing, then a notice of administrative approval will be sent to the historic preservation commission and the neighborhood association.  If the commission does not request to review the case, the approval to proceed with the demolition will occur after the seven day notice.

Click here for the current list of administrative approvals.

If staff of the historic preservation office determine it is eligible for listing, it will be presented at the next available meeting of the historic preservation commission will determine if the property meets the criteria for historic listing and can instituted  a 45-day delay on its demolition allow the public to look at other alternatives.  After the 45-day delay, the demolition can proceed.