Alameda, CA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

2 as any site, including significant trees or plant life on it, building, structure or group of structures of particular historic significance to the City, whether for architectural, cultural, political, economic or social reasons. 4 that requires ten days' notice by posted sign and mail to the owner, tenants and neighbors within 300 feet before any City Council designation vote, and the designation is recorded against the property with the County Recorder. 5(a) bars demolishing, removing or altering the resource, including its trees and plantings, without first obtaining a certificate of approval from the Historical Advisory Board, unless the Building Official finds immediate action necessary for public health or safety.

The Board evaluates alteration requests against the Secretary of the Interior's rehabilitation standards, demolition requests against whether the resource remains a community detriment that cannot be cured, and removal requests against whether the receiving site offers appropriate architectural or cultural context. The Board must act within 180 days of a complete application, and any interested person can appeal a Board decision to the City Council within 10 days; the Council can only reverse if the owner shows the property cannot earn an economic return. Approved certificates are valid for three years, and every listed resource must be kept in good repair by its owner.