Moorpark, CA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Deciding body
- historical preservation commission (=planning commission)
- Designation criteria
- 11 possible grounds
- Permit stay
- building permits held pending decision
- Work on landmarks
- requires certificate of appropriateness
Summary
Moorpark designates buildings, sites, trees, or structures as local landmarks by planning commission resolution against 11 historical or architectural criteria.
A building, site, tree or structure may be designated as a landmark if it is found that the proposed landmark meets one or more of the following criteria:
1. It is associated with persons or events significant in local, state or national history.
2. It reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state or local history.
3. It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, style or period of architecture or of a method of construction.
4. It is strongly identified with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture, history or development of the area.
5. It is one of the few remaining examples in the area possessing distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type of specimen.
6. It is a notable work of an architect or master builder whose individual work has significantly influenced the development of the area.
7. It embodies elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship that represents a significant architectural innovation.
8. It has a unique location or singular physical characteristics representing an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood, community or the area.
9. It has unique design or detailing.
10. It is a particularly good example of a period of style.
11. It contributes to the historical or scenic heritage or historical or scenic properties of the area (to include, but not limited to, landscaping, light standards, trees, curbing and signs).
C.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4978490; v10 updated 2026-07-01).
Full Breakdown
The property owner (or the historical preservation commission itself, if demolition is imminent) files a landmark application with the community development department. The commission, Moorpark's planning commission acting in that role, holds a public hearing and designates a landmark by resolution if it meets one or more of 11 criteria, from association with significant history to distinctive architecture. No Title 15 building permit may issue for the proposed landmark while the application is pending, and any later work on a designated landmark needs a separate certificate of appropriateness.
Violations & Fines
Performing work, including demolition, relocation, or exterior alteration, on a designated landmark without first obtaining a certificate of appropriateness is unlawful under Moorpark Municipal Code § 15.36.070(A), in addition to any required building permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a property become a Moorpark landmark?
Can I alter a designated landmark in Moorpark?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Moorpark
California rules heatmap·Compare Moorpark to another location·View the California historic preservation overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Historic-Cultural Monuments in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle historic-cultural monuments.