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

San Jacinto does not use the label cultural monument. Chapter 17.510 of the Development Code creates a San Jacinto Register of Historic Resources, kept in the City Clerk's office, that records the name, location, pertinent historic data and date of entry for each structure, or natural or man-made feature, designated a Historic Resource (§ 17.510.030).

Under § 17.510.040, the Commission can approve a designation for a historic or cultural resource on its own initiative or at the request of a person or government agency, but only upon the written consent of the property owner. It holds public hearings under Chapter 17.710 and then approves or disapproves the request by resolution, stating its reasons. The decision is final unless appealed to the Council within 15 days. If appealed, the City Clerk schedules a public hearing and the Council decides by resolution under Chapter 17.715. Once a designation is approved, notice goes to the City Clerk and into the building permit address file so that future building or demolition permit requests are checked against it.

Eligibility under § 17.510.050 turns on criteria such as character, interest or value as part of the heritage of the City, location as a site of a historical event, identification with people who contributed to the culture and development of the City, and exemplification of an architectural style or way of life important to the City.

After designation, § 17.510.060 controls changes. Alterations must follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Properties and the State Historical Building Code. The Director reviews minor alterations, expansion of less than 10% of floor area that is not readily visible from the street, and accessory structures under 500 square feet. The Commission reviews alterations readily visible from the public street and larger expansions. Enlargement of more than 50% of floor area or more than 500 square feet, and any demolition or relocation, goes to the Commission with site plan and design review under Chapter 17.630. For structures flagged in Figure RM-4 of the General Plan, § 17.510.070 requires a study by a qualified archaeologist or historian.