Bill > HB4074

This bill establishes civil penalties for the improper demolition of historic properties, defining "historic property" as any property designated as historic by federal, state, or local government, and "improper demolition" as demolishing such a property without required approvals from a historic preservation office, commission, or board. Individuals who knowingly or negligently demolish a historic property improperly will face a $5,000 civil penalty per demolition, which will be deposited into a newly established "improper demolition fund" managed by the Arizona State Parks Board. This fund will support historic preservation grants, technical assistance to local preservation programs, and related education and outreach. The bill allows enforcement by municipalities with populations of 75,000 or more, counties with populations of 75,000 or more, and the Arizona State Parks Board, with the Attorney General also able to enforce on referral. Exceptions to the penalty exist if a demolition is deemed necessary by a local official due to an imminent threat to public health and safety, provided timely notice is given to the relevant historic preservation office. The legislature finds that this act aims to ensure compliance with existing local historic preservation processes, provide a statewide baseline consequence for violations, and reinvest penalties into historic preservation efforts without restricting lawful development or emergency actions.

Government Affairs

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85596