Glendale, CA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Local landmark list
- Glendale Register of Historic Resources
- Listing decided by
- City council on HPC recommendation
- Designation criteria
- 4 criteria, §15.20.050(A)-(D)
- Appeal window
- 15 days after decision
- Major alteration/demolition
- Historic Preservation Commission hearing
- Tax incentive
- Mills Act program, §15.20.070
Summary
Glendale's version of a cultural monument list is the Glendale Register of Historic Resources, created under Municipal Code Chapter 15.20. City council may add a building, site, structure or object only after finding it meets one of four criteria in Section 15.20.050, and once listed, major alterations or demolition require Historic Preservation Commission review.
The designation of any resource that is proposed for inclusion in the Glendale Register of Historic Resources as a designated historic resource shall be granted only if city council first finds that the resource meets one or more of the following criteria: A. The resource is identified with important events in national, state, or city history, or exemplifies significant contributions to the broad cultural, political, economic, social, tribal, or historic heritage of the nation, state, or city, and retains historic integrity. ... C. The resource embodies the distinctive and exemplary characteristics of an architectural style, architectural type, period, or method of construction; or represents a notable work of a master designer, builder or architect whose genius influenced his or her profession; or possesses high artistic values, and retains historic integrity.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4983441; v20 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
010). 020). 050: association with important historic events, association with significant historic figures, distinctive or exemplary architectural characteristics or a notable designer's work, or the potential to yield important archaeological information, each requiring the resource to retain historic integrity. 030(B)). 040). 020). 030(D)(3)).
Violations & Fines
Demolishing or majorly altering a designated, pending, or potential historic resource without the required Historic Preservation Commission or director approval violates Chapter 15.20; Chapter 15.22 backs this up by barring the city from issuing a demolition permit until a demolition clearance confirming Chapter 15.20 compliance has been approved, except for buildings a building official finds unsafe or an imminent public-safety threat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Glendale's equivalent of a 'cultural monument' designation?
Can I demolish a house once it's on the Glendale Register?
How does the city decide whether to list a property?
Is there a financial benefit to owning a listed property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Glendale
California rules heatmap·Compare Glendale to another location·View the California historic preservation overview
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Historic-Cultural Monuments in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle historic-cultural monuments.