City of Santa Clara
MenuFrequently Asked Questions
What is Historic Preservation?
What is the Historical and Landmarks Commission or "HLC"?
How is Historic Preservation implemented in Santa Clara?
How do I know if my property is listed as an Historic Resource?
A national policy on historic preservation was established by Congress in 1966 called the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Within this nationwide policy, historic properties may include any district, building, structure, site, or object that are 50 years in age or older. In Santa Clara, if your home is 50 years old or older, the city considers your home a potential historic resource and looks at factors like its architecture, neighborhood, local significance, and other aspects of the property that determine where your property fits in our city's history. While we have many important historic properties, not all homes that are over 50 years old are considered a 'historic resource.’
What is Historic Preservation?
Historic preservation is an approach to conserving structures, sites, and objects which represent a physical connection to the people and events from our city's rich history. Santa Clara historic preservation uses various land use planning strategies, governmental programs, and financial incentives to protect historic resources. Historic Preservation also insures that our history and architectural heritage are preserved for future Santa Clarans to enjoy.
What is the Historical and Landmarks Commission or "HLC"?
The Historical and Landmarks Commission (HLC) is a seven-member advisory body appointed by the City Council. The HLC reviews additions to and removals from the Historic Resources Inventory as well as projects within 200 feet of known historic resources. The Commission also makes recommendations to the City Council on proposed City Landmarks and to the Director of Community Development on projects which may affect historic structures and sites. HLC typically meets monthly on the first Thursday at 6 p.m.
The HLC reviews building projects for exterior changes including alteration, reconstruction, construction, rehabilitation, restoration, remodeling, or any similar activity that alters the look of a property or its structural quality. HLC also reviews any new structure that affect known historic resources. See the summary of historic preservation regulations and process (pdf) for more information.
How is Historic Preservation implemented in Santa Clara?
Santa Clara's 2010-2035 General Plan contains goals and policies which encourage historic preservation. Some of the ways that City of Santa Clara implements and supports historic preservation include:
- Maintaining a Historic Resources Inventory
- Establishing a Historical and Landmarks Commission
- Preserving historic properties using a local designation process
- Requiring the Historical and Landmarks Commission to review building projects that affect historic resources
- Requiring the Historical and Landmarks Commission to review potential historic property contracts, called Mills Act Contracts
Chapter 18.130 (pdf) is the Historic Preservation Ordinance contained within the City's Zoning Code, that implements the General Plan's goals and policies.
How do I know if my property is listed as a Historic Resource?
The list of the City's known historic resources is found in the Santa Clara 2010-2035 General Plan Appendix 8.9 Historic Preservation and Resource Inventory. This list known as "The Architecturally or Historically Significant Properties List" identifies known historic properties (historic resources) in the City. There is also an interactive map that can be used to locate Historic Resource Inventory properties.
- List of Historic Resources and Historic Homes (pdf)
- City of Santa Clara Historic Resources Inventory Map
My home is 50 years old or older and not on the Historic Resource Inventory list - What does this mean?
The City's Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) is a list of known historic resources. There are homes and buildings that may be added to the list as the city and its residents continue to research our heritage. The City evaluates properties 50 years and older as projects are submitted.
If your home is on the Historically Significant List, it has been identified as an important historic resource in the City. A significant properties alteration (SPA) permit is required for alterations to HRI properties. Refer to the summary of historic preservation regulations and process (pdf) for on what kind of review may be necessary when proposing improvements.