Design & Historic Preservation

Historic Resources Surveys

For more information, contact the Design & Historic Preservation Section.

 

1. What is a historic resources survey? 
2. What does it mean if a property is included in a historic resources survey? 
3. What existing regulations apply to historic resources? 

Historic Resources Survey

A historic resources survey identifies and evaluates historic resources within a particular geographic area or based on a particular type of resource (i.e. multifamily housing, specific architectural styles, etc.). Historic resources include buildings, districts, structures (e.g., bridges), objects (e.g., signs and street lights), and sites (e.g., historic parks).
A historic resource may be of significance in American history, prehistory, architecture, engineering, or culture—and may be nationally significant or significant to the state, region, or local community.

If a property is included in a historic resources survey, a preliminary determination has been made as to its historic significance; however, review procedures for demolitions or alterations follow similar procedures as potentially significant properties that have not been included in a historic resources survey.  These procedures are outlined in the city's Historic Preservation Ordinance.

To determine if your property has been included in a historic resources survey, you can search the city's online database of historic resources.  If your property is listed in the database and you would like to know whether it has been determined to be historically significant or for more information regarding historic preservation, contact the Design & Historic Preservation Section at 626-744-4009.

What does it mean if a property is included in a historic resources survey?

The inclusion of a property in a historic resources survey does not trigger any additional regulations. Some properties identified in the survey are subject to existing regulations, but these regulations are applicable regardless of inclusion in the survey. Additional regulations for historic resources could be developed as part of a specific plan.

 

• The Historic Preservation Commission or city staff reviews exterior alterations and additions, relocations, and demolitions of designated landmarks, buildings within landmark districts, properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and works of the architects Greene and Greene.
• The Design Commission reviews exterior alterations and new construction of all buildings, including historic buildings, in the Central District and certain other zoning districts.
• The State Historical Building Code (SHBC) is an alternative building code which provides a flexible approach to meet code provisions in historic buildings.
• Historic resources are protected under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). CEQA is a State-mandated environmental review required for all projects subject to discretionary approval by the City (e.g., conditional use permits, variances, and design review). Under this review, local governments are required to mitigate adverse impacts to historic resources.
• Historic resources are also protected under the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and Section 106, a federal process which requires that adverse impacts to historic resources be considered in federally-sponsored or federally-funded projects (e.g., a federal highway project or CDBG funds).
• Income-producing properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places are eligible for a 20% federal tax credit for certified rehabilitation's.

The General Plan commits the City to protect its architectural, historical, and cultural heritage and to ensure that change will be harmonized to preserve the City’s historic character and environment.