Los Angeles, CA Historic Preservation: HPOZ Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Certificate of Appropriateness
- Required for any exterior change to an HPOZ Contributing Structure
- Issuing authority
- Historic Preservation Board for the applicable HPOZ
- Non-HPOZ landmarks
- Written clearance from Dept of Cultural Affairs (Secretary of Interior Standards)
- Permitted sign size
- One non-illuminated or non-neon wall or projecting sign, max 6 sq ft, wood material
- ZA authority
- Can restrict hours of operation and impose conditions to protect historic character
Summary
Buildings designated as contributing structures in a Los Angeles Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) require a Certificate of Appropriateness before any exterior changes can be made, and must obtain Zoning Administrator approval for commercial uses or reduced parking.
12. Historic Buildings. A Zoning Administrator may, upon application, permit commercial uses in a building and/or permit reduced parking otherwise required in this Chapter, for a building that is designated on the National Register of Historic Places, including Contributing Buildings in National Register Historic Districts, the California Register of Historical Resources, the City of Los Angeles List of Historic-Cultural Monuments, or a Contributing Structure located in an Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) that has been established pursuant to Div. 13B.8. (Historic Preservation) of Chapter 1A of this Code.
If the commercial use and/or reduction in parking involves any changes to the exterior physical appearance of the building, then the applicant must submit the following with an application for permission. If the building is a Contributing Structure in an HPOZ, an approved Certificate of Appropriateness must be submitted with the application for permission. If the building is a nationally, State or locally designated historically significant building outside of an HPOZ, written clearance from the General Manager of the Department of Cultural Affairs, or the General Manager's designee, that the project complies with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation must be submitted with the application for permission.
Full Breakdown
The Zoning Administrator may permit commercial uses and/or reduced parking in historic buildings and HPOZ contributing structures under § 12.24 X.12. If the proposed change involves any exterior physical alterations to a Contributing Structure in an HPOZ, an approved Certificate of Appropriateness from the applicable Historic Preservation Board must accompany the application. For non-HPOZ landmark buildings, written clearance from the Department of Cultural Affairs that the project meets the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation is required. The ZA must find that the commercial use is compatible with the surrounding area or HPOZ and is reasonably necessary for the continued preservation of the historically significant building. The ZA has authority to impose conditions on hours of operation and sign limits (non-illuminated wall sign not exceeding 6 sq ft).
Violations & Fines
Alterations to HPOZ contributing structures without a Certificate of Appropriateness or ZA approval constitute a violation of LAMC § 12.24 X.12 and HPOZ provisions, subject to enforcement by the Department of Building and Safety and potential restoration orders from the Cultural Heritage Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Certificate of Appropriateness and when do I need one?
Can I put a business sign on my HPOZ building?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California historic preservation overview
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HPOZ Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle hpoz rules.