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  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
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    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
      • Women's Initiatives
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
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      • Mentoring Programs
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    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
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    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
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  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
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    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

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      • Office of Historic Alexandria
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    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

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      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
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    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
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    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

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  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

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      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
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    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
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    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

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    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
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    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
      • Women's Initiatives
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
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      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
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  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
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      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
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      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
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      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
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      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
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  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

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    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

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    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

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      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
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      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

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      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

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      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

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      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

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  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

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      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

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Preservation Easements

A preservation easement is a means by which the owner of historic property can be assured of continued preservation after the property passes from his or her stewardship.
Page updated on March 31, 2023 at 7:06 PM

Related Content

  • Historic Preservation Home Page
  • Alexandria's Civic Engagement Policy
  • Archaeology and Preservation
  • BAR Dockets and Webcasts
  • Historic Alexandria
  • National Register Sites
  • Plaqued Houses
  • Preservation Easements

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Preservation Easements

A preservation easement is a means by which the owner of historic property can be assured of continued preservation after the property passes from his or her stewardship. Preservation easements also enable owners to realize significant federal, state, and local tax savings. Under the Alexandria’s Historic Preservation Easement Program, easements are granted to the Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission (the Commission) and are administered by it through the city’s Office of Historic Alexandria.

  • Learn more about Historic Preservation in the Office of Historic Alexandria.
  • Read Century hopping: How easements preserve times past , by Susan Horne, chair of the Alexandria Historic Restoration and Preservation Commission, Alexandria Times, January 5, 2023.

Free Seminar on Historic Easement Tax Benefits

Wednesday Apr 19, 2023, 7 - 9 p.m.
Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
201 S. Washington Street

Reception at 7 p.m.; program begins at 7:30 p.m.
Free but registration required.

Register at The Alexandria Shop or call The Lyceum at 703.746.4994.

Presented by the Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission (AHRPC) and co-sponsored by the Old Town Civic Association (OTCA) and the Historic Alexandria Foundation (HAF). 

Join us and learn how you can help preserve the architectural heritage of your home and our historic community. Contrary to popular belief, you can preserve the historic elements of the interior and exterior of your home and still have modern amenities, all the while taking advantage of federal, state and local tax incentives. 

In our designated historic districts, the facades of homes are protected by the Building and Architectural Review Board (BAR), but there are also ways to preserve interior aspects of your home and outdoor spaces. Interior easements are available for particular elements of a home such as an original fireplace mantel, detailed archways, period moldings, and other architectural details. Taking on such easements doesn’t preclude the installation of contemporary features, such as a new kitchen or bath. Open space easements that preserve gardens, historic walls, or outside structures are also available. 

At this free seminar, a panel of experts will discuss interior, exterior and open space easements for historic homes, the tax benefits and impacts on real estate sales. Several current easement holders, both original and subsequent, will also be available to share their experiences. A question and answer session will follow the panel discussion. 

The Panel:

  • Annwyn Milnes, Appraiser Supervisor, Office of Real Estate Assessment, City of Alexandria
  • Mark Allen, Real Estate Attorney
  • Mickey Campagna, Real Estate Appraiser
  • Danny Smith, Interior/Exterior Easement Holder
  • Frederick Lowther, Exterior Garden Easement Holder
  • Moderator: Susan Horne, Chairperson of AHRPC 

Protecting Alexandria's Historic Resources

Alexandria’s historic resources are irreplaceable. These structures and sites are the tangible reminders of the city’s rich history. The fabric made up of our historic buildings, neighborhoods, landscapes, and sites provides a connection to our heritage and the traditions upon which our city, state and country have been built. This heritage enhances the lives of Alexandria’s citizens and visitors. While some of the more famous places have had their futures secured by being converted into museums or other types of public amenities, most of the resources remain in private ownership and thus are exposed to loss or destructive change. The integrity of the city’s historic character is continually threatened with erosion through demolition, neglect, “densification,” encroachment by major construction projects, as well as lesser forms of modern development.

Some change may be inevitable; however many owners of historic resources are concerned about the future of their properties and want to ensure a proper stewardship of these valuable resources beyond their own tenure. To assist in meeting this goal, federal, state and city laws have been enacted that permit and encourage property owners to use easements as a means of securing long-term legal protection for these resources while they remain in private ownership.

Through the easement program, a private owner has the opportunity to guarantee the perpetual protection of an important historic resource without giving up ownership, use, or enjoyment of the property. The resource remains in private hands and on the tax rolls, but its existence and sympathetic treatment are secured for the benefit of future generations. Furthermore, the current and future owners of the property may be able to take advantage of significant financial benefits associated with easement donation.

What is a Historic Preservation Easement?

An historic preservation easement is a voluntary transfer of some rights associated with property ownership. It is an agreement, set forth in a legal document recorded in the city’s land records, which allows the donor to retain ownership and possession of an historic site or structure while granting to a trusted preservation organization the authority to protect its historic features. Such easements contain provisions that obligate the owner and all subsequent owners to refrain from actions that are incompatible with the property’s preservation. This means that the easement “runs with the land” and legally binds all subsequent owners.

Some easements only protect the open spaces surrounding an historic resource, while others protect exterior facades of historic structures or their significant interior architectural elements. Some easements combine all of these features.

Under the Alexandria’s Historic Preservation Easement Program, easements are granted to the Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission and are administered by it through the city’s Office of Historic Alexandria.* The Commission will accept historic preservation easements if the structures or objects on the property are at least 50 years old, the property is significant in city, state, or national history or culture, and the easement protects the open space or other elements of the property that contribute significantly to the cultural heritage and visual beauty of the City of Alexandria.

Alexandria’s easement program has been successful, due in large part to the sense of stewardship shared by owners of easement properties and to the careful administration of the program.

* Most of the city’s thirty existing historic easements are held by the Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission, but the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Board of Historic Resources and certain private non-profit preservation organizations also accept historic preservation easements.

Which Alexandria Houses have been Granted Easements?

The Department of Planning and Zoning maintains a list of Alexandria properties with easements.

How does an Easement Work?

Open space protection: If the easement protects scenic open spaces, the Commission generally requires that the easement cover enough surrounding open space to preserve the setting and historic context of the historic resource. Restrictions on the land may prohibit or limit subdivision and construction of additional structures on the property.

Architectural protection: If the easement protects the exterior or interior of an historic structure, the Commission requires some control over the architectural elements. Usually, owners must secure written approval from the Commission before undertaking any alterations or additions.

Perpetual duration: All easements held by the Commission must be perpetual in duration; that is, they must “run with the land” and be binding on all subsequent owners. In addition, any current mortgage or lien holders must be given notice of and agree to the proposed easement.

Public access: Easements held by the Commission include a provision for maintaining public access on a limited basis to the part of the property covered by the easement. In addition, federal and state laws condition tax benefits on providing limited public access or public view. This requirement can be satisfied if an easement donor agrees to provide for public access for limited hours at least one or two days a year on mutually agreed terms with the Commission. These terms could include restrictions designed for protection and maintenance of the property, personal circumstances, and any other relevant factors.

Periodic inspection: In order to ensure that the property is preserved as the donor intended, the Commission must be able to inspect the property periodically. The easement provides for annual inspections at a time mutually agreed to by the owner and the Commission. Normally, scenic open space easements do not require access to interiors of the structures on the property.

Why Give an Easement?

For the easement donor, the primary motivation behind the gift is a desire to see the property protected. Because the easement is perpetual, the donor is assured that all future owners of the property will be bound by its conditions. This can be a welcome guarantee for those who have invested considerable time, money, and energy in the restoration or preservation of an historic property.

By accepting an easement, the Commission makes a commitment to the preservation of the property. Its staff and other city government resources provide technical advice and assistance, as well as literature on preservation treatments. The Commission and its staff participate in periodic inspections of easement properties to ensure compliance with the terms of the easement. These inspections are arranged at the mutual convenience of the Commission and the property owner. Such inspections provide an opportunity to discuss maintenance questions or other issues related to the property. Staff members are always available to meet with property owners to discuss their plans or concerns.

What are the Typical Terms and Conditions Contained in Historic Easements?

Every easement is negotiated on an individual basis with the property owner. Commission staff and members will help identify the historic elements of the property, discuss the owner’s goals, plans, and needs, and assist in drafting an easement document for the owner’s and the Commission’s review. Easements accepted by the Commission may include provisions similar to the following:

Open space protection: If the easement protects scenic open spaces, the Commission generally requires that the easement cover enough surrounding open space to preserve the setting and historic context of the historic resource. Restrictions on the land may prohibit or limit subdivision and construction of additional structures on the property.

Architectural protection: If the easement protects the exterior or interior of an historic structure, the Commission requires some control over the architectural elements. Usually, owners must secure written approval from the Commission before undertaking any alterations or additions.

Perpetual duration: All easements held by the Commission must be perpetual in duration; that is, they must “run with the land” and be binding on all subsequent owners. In addition, any current mortgage or lien holders must be given notice of and agree to the proposed easement.

Public access: Easements held by the Commission include a provision for maintaining public access on a limited basis to the part of the property covered by the easement. In addition, federal and state laws condition tax benefits on providing limited public access or public view. This requirement can be satisfied if an easement donor agrees to provide for public access for limited hours at least one or two days a year on mutually agreed terms with the Commission. These terms could include restrictions designed for protection and maintenance of the property, personal circumstances, and any other relevant factors.

Periodic inspection: In order to ensure that the property is preserved as the donor intended, the Commission must be able to inspect the property periodically. The easement provides for annual inspections at a time mutually agreed to by the owner and the Commission. Normally, scenic open space easements do not require access to interiors of the structures on the property.

What are the Financial Benefits in Granting Easements?

In addition to the civic pride a donor may derive, the gift of an historic preservation easement may also have financial benefits:*

  • The value of the easement, as determined by a qualified appraiser, may be claimed as a charitable donation deduction from federal taxable income. Deductions for conservation easements may be claimed for up to 30% of the donor's adjusted gross income for any one year. Any unused portion of the deduction may be carried forward for up to five years.
  • Donation of an easement may also lower inheritance taxes. By eliminating the right to further develop property, the owner may lower its value in an estate.
  • Donation of an easement may stabilize or even lower local property taxes. City tax assessors are required by law to take an easement into account in valuing property. Because the easement generally restricts development rights, the assessed value of property subject to an historic preservation easement will normally be reduced. The extent of this reduction, of course, varies with the type and terms of the easement, the nature of the property in the immediate area, and the likelihood that the easement property would have been developed in the future.
  • Under state law, up to 50% of the value of certain easements may be claimed as a credit, within certain dollar limits, against state income taxes. Like the federal tax deduction, this state tax credit may be carried forward for up to five years.
  • Some costs associated with granting an easement are tax deductible. The cost of securing advice from an attorney or accountant about the tax treatment of the donation or how the donation needs to be structured to qualify for a credit or deduction would be deductible; however, the cost of surveys, appraisals, attorneys’ fees for reviewing the terms of the easement, etc. for the donation itself would not be.

* This is a general overview only. Individuals considering easement donation should consult their own tax advisor to determine how these financial benefits may apply to their specific situation.

What are the Steps in Granting an Easement?

  • The donor should first consider very specifically, possibly in consultation with counsel, what he or she wants to be covered by the easement. Is it just open space or are there interiors or exteriors of historic structures to be protected? As pointed out above, all easements accepted by the Commission must be made in perpetuity and must allow for a limited public viewing each year, which may occur under controlled conditions. The easement must also contain a provision for periodic inspection by the Commission to ensure compliance with its terms. Other than those two provisions, a donor may choose and state exactly what protections are desired in the easement. For example, if a donor wants to protect open space on the property, he or she may still want to reserve the right to add or rehabilitate a structure in the future. The donor is free to tailor this private contract to fit his or her needs and desires, subject, of course, to the Commission's acceptance.
  • Next, the donor must obtain a legal description of the property. This can be found in a copy of the deed or mortgage papers or at the office of the Alexandria Clerk of the Court where deeds are recorded. If the easement is to be granted on only part of the property, the property owner must obtain a survey of that part at his or her direction and expense.
  • The donor should then contact the Office of Historic Alexandria., or the chair of the Alexandria Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission at 202.662.3824. The Commission will make an appointment to visit the property and discuss the proposed easement with the donor. Commission staff is available to assist in preparing the necessary legal documents or in responding to drafts prepared by the donor's counsel. The property owner will present the proposed easement at a meeting of the Commission, and acceptance of the easement is effected by a vote of the Commission.
  • If the donor hires legal or other professionals to review the easement documents, provide advice on tax issues, etc., these are at the donor's own expense. If the donor desires an estimate of the changes in the property's real estate tax assessment, the city's Department of Real Estate Assessments is available to discuss this in advance of the donation.
  • When the easement documents are finalized and signed, the Commission will file the easement in the land records of the City of Alexandria where it will become a public record and provide notice of the protections of the easement for all subsequent owners.

 

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