The Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) assists private citizens, private institutions, local governments, tribes, and state and federal agencies in the identification, evaluation, protection, and enhancement of historic and archaeological resources that have significance for local communities, the State of Arizona, and the Nation. The role and function of the SHPO is defined in state laws (A.R.S., §41-511.04, as amended, and the Arizona State Historic Preservation Act [State Act]); and federal law (National Historic Preservation Act [NHPA], as amended). Also see SHPO website at https://azstateparks.com/shpo/.
SHPO reviews thousands of compliance documents each year. By mandate, we have 30 business days to review documents for compliance under the State Act, and 30 calendar days to review compliance documents under NHPA. If information received for review is not sufficient, the review clock starts over upon receipt of additional information. For detailed information regarding submittals to SHPO, see SHPO Survey Report Standards.
Important Notes
Projects/permits conducted on State-owned land and/or using State funds are subject to SHPO review under the State Act.
Projects involving federal lands, federal funds, or federal permit, license, or approval, regardless of land jurisdiction, are subject to review under Section 106 of the NHPA.
SHPO will conduct non-mandated document review (i.e., there is no state or federal involvement) as a courtesy, and as time permits. See SHPO Guidance Point No. 11.
Projects conducted on state, county and municipal land are (also) subject to the provisions of the Arizona Antiquities Act (AAA), with archaeological permits issued by the Arizona State Museum. Please note: SHPO is not involved in permitting.
Informal coordination (pre-consultation) with SHPO staff is recommended, as early as possible in project planning. Contact us by email or by telephone (see below).
