Tehama County, CA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Any archaeological or cultural remains found
- Required action
- Stop work immediately in that area
- Who to contact
- A qualified archaeologist
- Governing ordinance
- Grading & Erosion Control Ord., Ch. 9.43
- Local landmark program
- None found in county code
Summary
If grading in unincorporated Tehama County uncovers archaeological or cultural remains, work must stop immediately in that area until a qualified archaeologist examines the find.
If, in the course of development, any archeological or cultural remains are encountered, work shall cease and a qualified archeologist contacted immediately. If any potential prehistoric, protohistoric, and historic cultural resources are encountered during any phase of the project operations, all work should cease in the area of the find pending examination of the site and materials by a qualified archaeologist.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23).
Full Breakdown
In the unincorporated area of Tehama County, California, the county's Grading and Erosion Control Ordinance requires that if grading or other development work uncovers archeological or cultural remains, all work must cease and a qualified archaeologist be contacted immediately; work in the area of the find stays halted until the archaeologist has examined the site and materials. This is a chance-find rule tied to grading projects under Chapter 9.43, not a landmark-designation program: the county code does not establish a separate historic-preservation commission or monument list. Red Bluff, Corning, and the City of Tehama enforce their own preservation rules, if any.
Violations & Fines
Failing to stop work after a cultural-resource discovery is enforced under Chapter 9.43's general penalties: a stop-work order, misdemeanor fines up to $1,000 and six months in jail, or administrative penalties up to $5,000 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tehama County have a historic landmark designation ordinance?
What happens if my construction project in Tehama County unearths an artifact?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tehama County
California rules heatmap·Compare Tehama County to another location·View the California historic preservation overview
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