SB 2639 – Property rights and historic designations

SB 2639 stops large cities from forcing historic designations onto private properties without either the owner’s consent or financial compensation. It ensures that property owners are not left bearing the cost of government-imposed restrictions that devalue their land or prevent development. If a city wants to impose a historic label against an owner’s wishes, it must offer fair compensation based on the property’s value and restoration costs. If the owner disagrees with the offer, a court process is triggered where independent commissioners assess damages. The city must pay legal and court fees if it undervalued the property. This protects property owners rights and from activist-driven interference that can stall or halt development. It injects transparency and fairness into a process that could be used as a political tool.