San Diego's Historical Resources Board designates individual properties as historical resources under SDMC §123.0202 using six criteria including architecture, association with significant persons, and master-builder works, triggering exterior-alteration review.
SDMC §123.0202 lists six designation criteria for historical resources: (A) special elements of city historical/architectural development, (B) significant persons, (C) distinctive architectural style or specimen, (D) work of a notable master architect or builder, (E) potential to yield archaeological information, (F) listing in a national register district. The Historical Resources Board (HRB) holds noticed hearings before designating; designation can be initiated by owners, the Mills Act, third parties, or city staff. Once designated, the property is recorded against title and any alteration to character-defining features requires a Historical Resources Permit. The famed San Diego list includes thousands of designated resources, the most active landmark program in California.
Demolishing or substantially altering a designated historical resource without HRB clearance is a Land Development Code violation with penalties up to $2,500 per day, restoration orders, and a five-year ban on building permits under SDMC §123.0408.
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See how San Diego's historic-cultural monuments rules stack up against other locations.
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