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

Significant Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Overlay zone: Landmark (-L) overlay, Sec. D2-31
Review body: Planning Commission and City Council
Demolition hold: 180 days or until CEQA review ends
Permit gate: No permit without Commission Design Review
Appeal window: 10 days after Commission decision
Default penalty: $100-$550 infraction fine, Sec. A1-32

Summary

San Ramon protects historically and architecturally significant properties through the Landmark (-L) overlay zone under Municipal Code Section D2-31. A site, structure, or district can be designated a landmark for its heritage value, and once designated the Planning Commission must approve any exterior alteration, enlargement, or demolition before a building permit can be issued.

A. Purpose. The Landmark (-L) overlay zone is intended to implement the General Plan by: 1. Preventing the demolition, destruction, alteration, misuse, or neglect of historic or architecturally significant buildings that form an important link to San Ramon's past. ... F. Demolition and Design Review procedures. ... 2. Permit issuance. Commission approval shall be required in compliance with this Subsection prior to the issuance by the Chief Building Inspector of a permit for the construction, alteration, enlargement, or demolition of a building or structure located in an -L zone, or of a designated historical site. ... 4. Demolition requirements. If, after review of demolition permit application, the Commission determines that the structure has historical, architectural or cultural interest or value, the Commission may withhold approval for demolition for 180 calendar days from the date of Commission action, or until environmental review is completed, whichever occurs later.

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Full Breakdown

A). 1). 2-4). 2). 4). Commission decisions take effect ten days after the vote unless appealed under Chapter D7-II. 2).

Violations & Fines

There is no landmark-specific fine schedule; enforcement runs through the building permit process, since the Chief Building Inspector may not issue a permit for construction, alteration, enlargement, or demolition on -L zoned or designated property without prior Commission approval. Proceeding without that approval is treated as unpermitted work, an infraction under the City's general penalty section, Section A1-32, fined up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second, and $550 for each additional violation within a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to designate a San Ramon landmark?

Under Section D2-31.D.3.a, an application to rezone property to the Landmark overlay or designate a landmark may be initiated by the Planning Commission, the City Council, or the property owner. The application must include a proposed Landmark Conservation Plan, photographs of the building, a statement of its architectural or historical significance, and the owner's written consent.

Can I tear down a building inside San Ramon's Landmark overlay?

Only after the Planning Commission conducts Design Review under Section D2-31.F. If the Commission finds the structure has historical, architectural, or cultural value, it can delay the demolition permit for up to 180 days, or longer if CEQA review is still pending, while the City explores preservation alternatives.

What happens if the Commission decides against demolition?

The Building Permit for demolition is withheld until the 180-day period or CEQA review concludes, whichever is later. If there is no significant environmental impact and the property still meets zoning requirements, the permit must then be issued under Section D2-31.F.4.b.

Is an existing project exempt from the Landmark overlay?

Yes. Section D2-31.B.2 exempts a project initiated before the -L ordinance's effective date, treating it instead as a nonconforming use under Chapter D7-I, so long as an application and plans were already filed and accepted as complete.

Sources & Official References

[1]San Ramon Municipal Code, Section D2-31 (Landmark Overlay Zone)

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