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

Chapter 10 of Title 9, the Modesto Landmark Preservation ordinance (Ord. , effective 3-7-19), creates the Modesto Landmark Preservation Commission and its designation process. 05, the Commission conducts a continuing survey of properties, accepts citizen nominations, and researches sites it believes are significant, then recommends designation to the City Council where it finds historic, architectural, cultural, archaeological or engineering significance, weighing factors like compatible setting, economic feasibility of preservation, intact original character and compatible use. Eligibility is determined at a public Commission hearing followed by a resolution of recommendation; the City Council then holds its own public hearing before designating a site by resolution, at which point the City Clerk records the legal description with the Stanislaus County Recorder.

07 requires the Chief Building Official to refer any permit application proposing to alter, renovate or demolish it to the Community & Economic Development Director, and no building permit may issue until the Landmark Preservation Commission gives written approval or the Director determines the resource is not subject to review. The Commission must act within 45 days of a complete application (extendable 15 days for professional study) or the application is deemed approved. 07(h). 07(j). 10.