Advocacy - Legal Tools

Local Historic Preservation Laws

Preservation advocates should first determine if the local jurisdiction has a historic preservation ordinance and, if so, whether it authorizes the city or county to deny or merely delay demolition. To determine the applicability of CEQA, it will be important to know if the ordinance provides for discretionary review of projects involving historic resources. Local preservation commissions are typically granted some authority over demolition or major alteration of designated properties, and also new construction in designated historic areas. Although every local government in California has the authority to adopt a local ordinance applicable to historic properties, many jurisdictions currently lack historic preservation programs.

Links

California Office of Historic Preservation - Local Ordinances

"Drafting Effective Historic Preservation Ordinances: A Manual for California's Local Governments"