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

040, defines a "local landmark" as a heritage resource that "materially benefits the historical character of a neighborhood or area" or represents "an established and familiar visual feature of the community," and has been designated by the city council. A "local landmark district" is a heritage resources district with a higher collective integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association, also designated by the city council. 050 lets the council designate a heritage resource or district if it meets the National Register of Historic Places criteria or reflects the city's cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, architectural or natural history, among other listed criteria.

090 requires a landmark alteration permit before construction, demolition, relocation or material exterior change to a designated landmark or landmark district, reviewed by the commission. 100 requires advance notice before demolishing an inventoried structure. 120 allows the commission to approve work despite the chapter's restrictions if the applicant proves at a public hearing that denial would cause "immediate undue and substantial hardship," with written findings required. 140 places an affirmative duty on the owner, occupant or other person in charge of a landmark to keep all exterior portions, and any interior portions subject to designation control, in good repair, enforced by the director of community development. 070 within fifteen days.