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San Bernardino, CA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

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

Key Facts

Age threshold
50 years or older
Reviewing body
Arts and Historical Preservation Commission
Final hearing body
Planning Commission (within 45 days)
Appeal deadline
15 days, written appeal
Exemption
Dangerous buildings under Ch. 15.28
Penalty
Misdemeanor under §§ 1.12.010, 1.12.020

Summary

San Bernardino bars demolition of any building or structure 50 years or older without a valid demolition permit under its Historic Building Demolition Ordinance. Resources flagged in the city's historic survey must undergo an evaluation report and review by the Arts and Historical Preservation Commission before demolition can proceed.

No building or structure 50 years old or older shall be demolished unless a valid demolition permit has been issued in accordance with this chapter.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-2: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026).

Full Breakdown

030). 010). 045). 055, such as association with a significant historic event, a notable architectural style, identification with an influential person or contribution to the city's heritage. Reports must be prepared by a qualified historic preservation consultant. 060). 040). 070).

Violations & Fines

Violating any provision of Chapter 15.37, including demolishing a covered historic resource without the required permit or review, is a misdemeanor punishable under §§ 1.12.010 and 1.12.020, in addition to any other civil or administrative remedy the city pursues under § 15.37.080.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I demolish a 60-year-old house in San Bernardino without review?
No. Under § 15.37.030, any building or structure 50 years old or older cannot be demolished without a valid demolition permit issued under Chapter 15.37, which can require a historic resource evaluation report and commission review before approval.
What triggers a historic resource evaluation report in San Bernardino?
A report is mandatory under § 15.37.045(A) for any resource listed on a modified State DPR 523 form or located in an area eligible for Historic District designation in the city's 1991 Historic Resources Reconnaissance Survey. Other surveyed resources may require one at the Director's discretion.
Who decides if a building is historically significant in San Bernardino?
The Planning Commission makes the final determination of historical significance using the ten criteria in § 15.37.055, after receiving a recommendation from the Arts and Historical Preservation Commission and an environmental determination under § 15.37.060.
What is the penalty for illegally demolishing a historic building?
Violating Chapter 15.37 is a misdemeanor punishable under §§ 1.12.010 and 1.12.020 of the Municipal Code, and the city can also pursue civil or administrative remedies in addition to criminal penalties under § 15.37.080.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Bernardino

Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All San Bernardino rules

California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino to another location·View the California historic preservation overview

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Historic-Cultural Monuments in Nearby Cities

How other cities in San Bernardino County handle historic-cultural monuments.

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