Historic Preservation

Boulder City's Preservation Program at a Glance

Founded in the 1930s, Boulder City was created by the federal government to house workers building the iconic Hoover Dam, a project that transformed the American West. The city remained under federal jurisdiction until 1959. Today, its preserved historic charm, from original homes to the vibrant downtown district, reflects the city's unique origins. Visit Our History to learn more about our history and heritage in which we proudly celebrate. 

• In 1983, the Boulder City Historic District, consisting of over 541 homes and buildings, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 
• The Boulder City Historic Preservation Ordinance (Title 11, Chapter 27) provides the procedures and regulations applicable to properties within the district. This includes definitions, procedures for historic property recommendations, certificate of appropriateness requirements for modification or new construction, and provisions related to demolition, maintenance, and enforcement.
• The Historic Preservation Commission advises the City Council to aid property owners in maintaining and enhancing the worthwhile historical resources of Boulder City. To learn more about their goals and priorities, visit here (link to Commission Goals).
• Modifying a Historic Property: Any exterior changes to properties within the historic district that are outside of standard maintenance, requires a building permit, and are visible to a public street, requires a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). The Certificate of Appropriateness Approval Matrix determines if this is necessary, and at what level of review based on the historic district status and scope of the project.
• In 2024, the City created an Interactive Map Viewer which allows the public to search an address to see if it is located within the district, its construction year, architectural style, its contributing status, applicable design guidelines, and other pertinent information related to the property. Any additional resources related to our program can be found on our Historic Preservation Resources page.
• Every May, the Historic Preservation Commission celebrates Historic Preservation Month through events that promote historic places and heritage tourism within Boulder City. The Commission also recognizes outstanding projects involving the preservation, rehabilitation and enhancement of Boulder City’s historic buildings and neighborhoods with its visit Historic Preservation Award program.
• Boulder City offers Historic Preservation Grants to help preserve and restore historic properties, ensuring the community’s heritage remains intact. Property owners and organizations are encouraged to apply and support the protection of our architectural legacy.
• Boulder City became a Certified Local Government (CLG) in August 2019, joining a national network of communities committed to historic preservation. The CLG program is a partnership among local, state, and federal governments—jointly administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Participation in the program reflects Boulder City’s dedication to preserving its historic character. As a CLG, the city benefits from technical support, funding opportunities, and enhanced coordination on preservation initiatives. CLG communities also report annually on their preservation activities.
• In 2023, Boulder City was designated as an American World War II Heritage City, jointly with the City of Henderson, by the National Park Service. This recognition honors the city's significant contributions to the World War II home front efforts. Boulder City served as a central location for military activity due to its existing government presence and instrumental infrastructure. During WWII, a U.S. Army post was established to protect the Hoover Dam—a critical source of hydroelectric power and water essential for defense manufacturing and operations. This supported Henderson’s Basic Magnesium Incorporated (BMI) plant, which was one of the largest magnesium production facilities in the world during WWII. Magnesium was vital for producing aircraft, munitions, and incendiary devices. Boulder City provided housing and services for many BMI workers and military personnel.