Historic Preservation in Santa Clara County, CA (2026)
1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Santa Clara County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.
Historic-Cultural Monuments
Historic and architecturally significant properties in unincorporated Santa Clara County can be designated county 'landmarks' if they are 50 years or older, retain historic integrity, and meet at least one significance criterion set by the Board of Supervisors.
Santa Clara County Historic Landmark Designation
Significant RestrictionsSanta Clara County Ordinance Code § C17-5
For the purposes of this Chapter, the Board of Supervisors may designate those historic resources as "landmarks" which meet the following designation criteria: A. Fifty years or older...B. Retains historic integrity...C. Meets one or more of the following criteria of significance: 1. Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local or regional hist...
Historic Preservation by City in Santa Clara County
3 cities in Santa Clara County have their own historic preservation rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Santa Clara County ordinances
See every category we cover for Santa Clara County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Santa Clara County Ordinance Hub →