Storey County PO Box 176 Virginia City, NV 89440

Historic District

CONTACT US
Comstock Historic
District Commission

Email

20 N. “E” St.
P.O. Box 128
Virginia City, NV 89440

Ph: 775-847-0281
Fx: 775-847-0653
 
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The Comstock Historic District Commission is a state agency under the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, with day to day activities governed by Nevada Revised Statutes 384.

The Historic District includes parts of Storey County and Lyon County, including all of Virginia City proper, North through the Highlands, South to Gold Hill, and Silver City, as well as Old Dayton and Sutro.

Commission Responsibilities

The Historic District oversees mandates for properties within the district boundaries in an effort to maintain the historic character and integrity of the Comstock. The Historic District oversees all property exteriors, including those zoned as commercial, residential, and industrial.

All new structures and alterations to structures must be applied for through the Historic District, reviewed by the commission, and awarded a certificate of appropriateness before the owners of the structures can proceed with any construction.

Incentives

Structures and modifications are defined as:

  • Buildings
  • Fences
  • Lighting
  • Paint colors
  • Paving
  • Permanent signs
  • Sheds
  • Walls
Due to the Historic District’s status as a National Historic Landmark, tax incentives are available to property owners within the district for rehabilitation of historic buildings.

Storey County Landmarks

Virginia City was recognized as a National Historic Landmark 1961 and then listed in National Register of Historic Places. Storey County is also home to a number of historical markers, including:

  • The Comstock Lode
  • Mark Twain
  • Savage Mansion
  • Mackay Mansion
  • Chollar Mine
  • The Great Fire of 1875
  • Piper's Opera House
  • Boston Saloon

Design Guideline Book

A design guideline book outlining current mandates for structures in the Historic District is available through the Comstock Historic District Commission and can be requested by:

Comstock Historic District Commission - Email

Address
20 N. “E” St.
P.O. Box 128
Virginia City, NV 89440
Ph: 775-847-0281
Fx: 775-847-0653

Historic Places Forms & Descriptions

There are also a number of helpful forms--as well as descriptions of Historic Places--available by visiting the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs Historic Preservation Office website.These forms include:

  • National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
  • Nevada State Register of Historic Places
  • State Historic Marker Registry Guidelines
  • Commission for Cultural Affairs 2008 Grant Manual and Application
  • Commission for Cultural Affairs Certification Letter
  • 2007 Historic Preservation Fund Subgrantee Application Guidelines
  • IMACS Site Form
  • Historic Resources Inventory Form
  • Historic Resources Inventory Form Instructions
  • Application for Certificate of Appropriateness