Manti establishes Historic Preservation Commission; council says ordinance won’t restrict private property

The Manti City Council on Sept. 9 voted to adopt an updated historic preservation ordinance that establishes a certified local Historic Preservation Commission and a local register for historic properties.

McKay, who explained the ordinance during a public hearing, said the change allows the city to inventory historic resources, review nominations to the National Register of Historic Places and support property owners pursuing federal tax credits. McKay told the council that "this ordinance does not restrict any personal private property rights at all," and noted the National Register can make owners eligible for tax credits of up to 20% on qualified rehabilitation work.

During questions, council members and staff discussed how the local register would operate and the potential to package applications so residents could access tax incentives without completing the entire federal application on their own. The council voted by voice to adopt the ordinance after the public hearing; no formal opposition was recorded in the meeting transcript.

City staff said they will publish next steps for property owners who wish to nominate properties and will work with the new commission on outreach and inventory work.