Chico, CA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Local term used
- "Landmark," not cultural monument
- Deciding body
- City Council, on Board recommendation
- Review board
- Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board
- Registry
- City of Chico Historic Resources Inventory
Summary
Chico protects historic sites through a Landmark designation, not a "cultural monument" label, requiring City Council approval on Board recommendation.
Upon the recommendation of the board and approval of the City Council, an historic resource may be designated a landmark, or a definable geographic area may be designated a landmark overlay zoning district, if the resource or area meets any of the following criteria and retains a high level of historic integrity.
1. The resource or area is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns in the history of Chico, the State of California, or the nation;
2. The resource or area is associated with individuals who were significant in the history of Chico, the State of California, or the nation;
3. The resource or area embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, architectural style or method of construction, represents the work of a master designer, or possesses high artistic values.
B. Additional Factors to be Considered in Landmark Designation. In determining whether to designate a resource a landmark, the following additional factors may be considered, if applicable:
1. A resource moved from its original location may be designated a landmark if it is significant primarily for its architectural value, or if it is one of the most important surviving structures associated with an important person or historic event.
2. A birthplace or grave may be designated a landmark if it is that of an historical figure of outstanding importance in the history of Chico, the state, or the nation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Chico Municipal Code Chapter 19.37 governs local historic preservation. The city has no "cultural monument" category; instead, the Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board recommends and the City Council designates individual properties as "Landmarks" or areas as "Landmark Overlay Zoning Districts" on the city's Historic Resources Inventory. Designation requires the resource retain high historic integrity and meet at least one of three criteria: association with significant historical events, association with significant individuals, or distinctive architectural/construction characteristics. Once listed, alterations require a Certificate of Appropriateness and demolition requires a Certificate of Demolition under later sections of the same chapter.
Violations & Fines
Altering or demolishing a designated Landmark or Historic Resource without a Certificate of Appropriateness or Certificate of Demolition from the Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board violates Chapter 19.37 and can halt work via a stay-of-work order under Section 19.37.090.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chico have a "cultural monument" designation?
What qualifies a property as a Chico Landmark?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California historic preservation overview
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