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

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter
RMC Chapter 18.23
Register keeper
Planning commission, by resolution
Two register tiers
Candidate and qualified properties
Tied to
Mills Act tax-incentive contracts
Automatic qualification
Properties already on state/national registers
Adopted
Ordinance No. 2410, 2008

Summary

Redding runs historic preservation through the "Local Register of Qualified and Candidate Historic Properties" set up under Municipal Code Section 18.23.030, tied to the Mills Act tax-incentive program rather than a standalone landmark law. The planning commission adds properties to the register and certifies candidates as "qualified" so owners can apply for a Mills Act contract.

18.23.030 - Local register of qualified and candidate historic properties. The "Local Register of Qualified and Candidate Historic Properties" (local register) shall be established by resolution of the planning commission. The local register shall consist of a list of "candidate properties" and a second list of properties that have been certified as "qualified historic properties" under the provisions of this chapter, regardless of ownership or property tax status. The planning commission may amend the local register from time to time to: (1) delete properties that have been demolished or modified such that they are no longer appropriate for the candidate or qualified lists; and/or (2) add additional properties that may be identified as appropriate either the candidate or qualified lists.

Full Breakdown

23, Historic/Architectural Preservation, adopted by Ordinance No. ) rather than creating an independent city landmark law. 030 directs the planning commission to establish the Local Register "by resolution," made up of two lists: "candidate properties" and properties formally "certified as 'qualified historic properties'" regardless of ownership or tax status. The planning commission may amend the register at any time, deleting properties that have been demolished or altered so heavily they no longer belong on either list, and adding newly identified candidates. Moving from candidate to qualified status, per subsection A, requires the property owner to request it and submit "more detailed investigations" documenting the building's historical, architectural, or other significance.

040 and needs a public hearing before the planning commission, except for public property already listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historical Resources, California Historical Landmarks, or State Points of Historical Interest, which qualifies automatically without a hearing. 060 to sign the contract, though a property in a former redevelopment area used commercially needs sign-off from the Redding Redevelopment Agency first. 11.

Violations & Fines

Chapter 18.23 does not create a separate fine schedule for altering an unlisted building; enforcement runs through Title 18's general enforcement chapter, 18.25, which gives the development services director authority over any use of property regulated by the zoning code. Inside an active Mills Act contract, the planning commission can drop a property from the qualified list under Section 18.23.030 if it is demolished or modified so heavily it no longer fits the register, ending the owner's property-tax benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Redding have a historic landmark ordinance?
Not a standalone landmark law. Redding runs preservation through Municipal Code Chapter 18.23, which sets up a "Local Register of Qualified and Candidate Historic Properties" under Section 18.23.030 mainly to administer the state Mills Act tax-incentive program for qualified historic buildings.
How does a building get on Redding's historic register?
A property becomes a "candidate" and, per Section 18.23.040, can move to "qualified" status after the owner requests certification and the planning commission holds a public hearing, unless the building is already listed on a state or national historic register, which qualifies it automatically without a hearing.
What benefit comes with being a qualified historic property?
A qualified historic property's owner can apply under Section 18.23.050 for a Mills Act contract with the city, administered by the city manager under Section 18.23.060, which restricts the property's assessed value in exchange for maintaining it to city-approved standards.

Sources & Official References

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