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Sacramento County, CA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing body
Sacramento Commission of History and Science
Commission size
15 members
Designation power
Historic and scientific sites/landmarks
Legal effect
Advisory recognition, no restrictions
Established
1973 (SCC 113)

Summary

The Sacramento Commission of History and Science can designate sites and landmarks of historic and scientific importance across the county, but that designation is advisory recognition only and carries no automatic demolition or alteration restrictions.

City-specific rules exist: Sacramento, Folsom, and Elk Grove have their own historic-cultural monuments rules that differ from Sacramento County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Designate sites and landmarks of historic and scientific importance throughout the incorporated and the unincorporated areas of the County of Sacramento;

c. Analyze an annual work plan for the Commission, as prepared by Division Staff, and provide recommendations thereon to the Board and to the Council, whose joint approval thereof shall be required;

d. Provide an annual review to the Board and to the Council of the status of local history and science museums, projects, and/or programs;

e. Provide an annual review to the Board and to the Council of collections and archives managed by the Division;

f. Authorize the removal of items from collections and archives when proposed by the Division Manager, and if in conformance with the Division's collection policies as approved by the Board and the Council;

g. Provide an annual review to the Board and to the Council of history and science education throughout the County of Sacramento;

h. Submit an annual report to the Board and to the Council which shall include a summary of the status of the Commission work plan for the prior year, Commission votes, attendance of Commission Members, and standing Committee actions; and

i. Evaluate, upon request, applications for science and history grants and awards, funded from County's Transient Occupancy Fund pursuant to County's Cultural Awards Program, in accordance with the following guidelines:

1. County refers all applicants to Commission;

2.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4941150; v18 updated 2026-05-19).

Full Breakdown

Cultural-monument authority in unincorporated Sacramento County sits with the 15-member Sacramento Commission of History and Science, created under County Code Chapter 2.23. Section 2.23.080 lists the Commission's powers, including the authority to designate sites and landmarks of historic and scientific importance throughout both the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county. The chapter also gives the Commission review authority over the County's History and Science Division budget and annual work plan, with recommendations forwarded jointly to the Board of Supervisors and the Sacramento City Council for approval. Nothing in Chapter 2.23 attaches a permit requirement, demolition review, or alteration standard to a designated site: designation functions as formal recognition, not a zoning overlay or protective ordinance.

Violations & Fines

Chapter 2.23 sets no penalty or violation provision tied to designation. It creates no permit, demolition-review, or alteration requirement for a designated site or landmark: enforcement of any kind is not part of this chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Sacramento County historic designation restrict what I can do to my property?
No. Under County Code § 2.23.080(b), Commission designation is advisory recognition of historic or scientific importance; the chapter attaches no independent permit, demolition-review, or alteration requirement.
Who designates cultural monuments in unincorporated Sacramento County?
The 15-member Sacramento Commission of History and Science, created under County Code Chapter 2.23, holds the designation power, with recommendations going to the Board of Supervisors and Sacramento City Council.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sacramento County

All Sacramento County rules

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