What must a building have to qualify for historic site exemption?

To qualify for a historic site exemption, a building must be certified as a historic site. This certification typically involves a process where the building's historical significance is evaluated, often requiring it to meet specific criteria related to its age, integrity, and importance in terms of local, state, or national history. The certification process helps ensure that properties recognized for their historic value are properly preserved and appreciated.

This requirement stands as a crucial factor because it establishes a formal recognition that a building holds historical significance, which justifies the exemption. The other options do not provide the necessary criteria to qualify for the exemption. For instance, a privately owned building can be denied the exemption if it doesn't have the required certification, and simply being less than 50 years old or located in a historic district does not guarantee that a property has attained historic status. Therefore, the requirement focuses on the certification aspect, underscoring the importance of established criteria in maintaining the integrity of historical designations.