Salt Lake City

Historic Preservation

Planning Division | (801) 535-7700 | historicpreservation@slc.gov

Help Preserve Historic Masonry

Help Preserve Historic Masonry

Hello Salt Lake City Residents!  

Unpainted historic masonry (brick, sandstone, limestone, terracotta, and adobe) should remain unpainted! This is because painting historic masonry can severely damage the structural integrity of the masonry unit. Painting can often trap moisture which can lead to extensive damage.

Photo by Old Home Living

It is also important to know that unpainted masonry buildings located in one of our 14 Local Historic Districts cannot be painted. Salt Lake City Planning Division is here to answer questions regarding painting or removing paint from historic masonry. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re unsure whether your property is located in a local historic district.

What is Masonry?

Masonry in its many forms is one of the most important character-defining features of a traditional building. Brick, stone, adobe, terra-cotta, ceramics, stucco, cast artificial stone, and concrete are typical masonry construction materials used across the city, reflecting its sequence of settlement and development, as well as personal means and architectural style. Masonry materials of various types exist as walls, cornices, pediments, steps, chimneys, foundations, and functional and/or decorative building features and details.

Am I located in a Historic District?

To check if you are located in a Local Historic District please view the Zoning Look-up Map.

For questions please contact us at historicpreservation@slc.gov.

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