Historic Preservation

Post April 3, 2019

The City of Redlands has a long and rich history, and its citizenry has always been concerned with preservation of its history by maintaining its architectural and scenic resources.

In 1986, the City adopted an ordinance that created the Historic & Scenic Preservation Commission which has responsibility over historic resources. The Commission has seven citizen members, all with special expertise and experience in history, architectural history, planning, historic preservation, and related professional fields. The Historic & Scenic Preservation Commission meets on the first Thursday of each month in the City Council Chamber located at 35 Cajon Street. Planning Division staff are responsible for providing support to the Commission, and can respond to questions regarding historic and scenic preservation.

Overview

The Historic & Scenic Preservation Commission is authorized by City Council to preserve, protect, and promote the City’s historic and scenic resources. The Commission may make recommendations, decisions, and determinations concerning the designation, preservation, protection, enhancement and perpetuation of these historical, scenic and cultural resources which contribute to the culture and aesthetic values of the city (Redlands Municipal Code Chapter 2.62).

The City of Redlands is proud to be a “Certified Local Government” (CLG) in cooperation with the National Park Service as well as the State Office of Historic Preservation in the interest of historic preservation goals.

About Historic Preservation

Some projects do not require review from the Historic & Scenic Preservation Commission, but instead may be approved by staff. However, it is best to communicate with staff and coordinate your project before proceeding forward. The following is a list of projects which do not typically require review from the Historic & Scenic Preservation Commission:

Alterations to the inside of any structure, including designated structures.
Landscaping unless specifically designated.
Outside alterations to structures which are less than fifty (50) years old.
Outside alterations to structures over fifty (50) years old which are not officially designated as historic properties and not located in a historic district. However, it is best to consult with staff as to the sensitivity of older structures that may be eligible.
Re-Painting of a building in the same colors

It is best to discuss your project with Planning staff and confirm if your project qualifies for an exemption from review, prior to proceeding with your project or any structure/property modifications. We encourage all property owners and other interested persons to speak with Planning Division staff early in the process, when the project is still an idea (and not a final plan) so that staff can help ensure your project goes smoothly and avoids any delays. If you have any questions, please call Planning Division staff at (909) 798-7555 option 2, or visit the Planning Division public counter at the One Stop Permit Center.

Informational Brochures

The following brochures are available to provide a general overview of the various aspects of our historic preservation program.

Documents and Resources

List of Designated Historic Resources
Historic Design Manual
Historic Context Statement
Historic Architectural Design Guidelines - proposed (not yet adopted)
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties

Permits & Application Forms

The Historic & Scenic Preservation Commission has responsibility for the following functions.

I. Formation of Historic Districts

The Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission has the primary responsibility of making a recommendation to the City Council on the formation of a Historic District or Scenic District. A Historic/Scenic District is a geographical area that has a significant architectural enclave of historic buildings or scenic vistas. Applications for the formation of a District can be made by the City or from an individual.

Further information regarding the process and steps required to form a Historic or Scenic District, please refer to Sections 2.62.160, 2.62.170, and 2.62.180 of the Redlands Municipal Code (click here for link). If you are interested in possibly creating a new historic district, please contact Planning Division staff at (909) 798-7555 option 2 to discuss your idea.

II. Designation of Historic Resources

Application for Historic Designation

DPR Form 523A

DPR Form 523B

DPR Form 523L

The Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission has the primary responsibility of making a recommendation to the City Council on the designation of an individual structure as a Historic Resource. A structure with aesthetic, architectural, or historical value which is 50 years old or more may be designated as a Historic Resource. A structure with exceptional aesthetic, architectural, or historical value can be designated as a Landmark Resource. If you are interested in possibly designating a new historic resource or property, please contact Planning Division staff at (909) 798-7555 option 2.

III. Certificate of Appropriateness

Application for Certificate of Appropriateness

A Certificate of Appropriateness is an application upon which the Historic & Scenic Preservation Commission makes a decision to alter, demolish, move, or subdivide a building/property which has been designated Landmark or Historic Resource or within the boundaries of a Historic District designated by the City Council. This means that any modification to the outside of the structure (subsequent to formal designation) must be approved through this COA application. Non-designated structures within a designated Historic District or Scenic District are also subject to review.

Click here for a summary of major and minor projects subject to COA review.
(Note: this list is advisory only, and Planning staff will make a formal determination after further review of the applicant’s complete description of the project and/or project plans.)

Changes to the exterior of a building need to be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, and in some cases also requires a building permit. If you are interested in making modifications to a historic resource or a property eligible for historic designation, please contact Planning Division staff at (909) 798-7555, option 2, and discuss your idea. We would be happy to discuss your idea early during the design phase (before you finalize or submit your plans) so that your project can proceed smoothly.

IV. Demolition of Structures Over 50 Years Old

Application for Demolition Permit

Any structure designated as a Historic or Landmark Resource by the City must have a Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition approved by the Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission. This involves a public hearing and the Statement of Findings as defined by the Redlands Municipal Code. Demolition of any structure over fifty (50) years old needs to have approval from the Historic and Scenic Commission regardless of whether it is designated or not. If you are unsure of the age of the structure, please check with Planning Division staff at (909) 798-7555 option 2, or visit the Planning Division public counter at the One Stop Permit Center.

V. Mills Act Applications

Mills Act Application

The Mills Act is an incentive program in California for the restoration and preservation of designated historic buildings by private property owners. A Mills Act Contract grants a reduction in local property taxes in exchange for an agreement to actively participate in the restoration, rehabilitation, repairing and preserving of their historic property. The Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission reviews and provides guidance on 10-Year Rehabilitation Plans that are part of a requested Mills Act Contract, and make a recommendation on the application to the City Council. Please contact Planning staff to discuss how a Mills Act Contract might be beneficial to your property, or for further information about obtaining a Mills Act Contract. You may also visit the Mills Act Contract webpage (click here) for further information. If you have any questions about the Mills Act program or might be interested in applying, please call the Planning Division at (909) 798-7555, option 2.

VI. Environmental Review

Some projects, especially demolitions, may require environmental review depending on the structure and the type of changes being proposed. This would mean that if a significant impact to historic resources were identified, either an Initial Study would be prepared to identify the impact and determine if the impact could be mitigated.

The Santa Fe Depot today (now within the Santa Fe Depot National Historic District)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: I own a home or property that is designated as a Local Historic Resource by the City. Can I make modifications to the exterior (such as a re-roof, changing the windows, a room addition, or other exterior changes)?

Answer: You may need approval of a “Certificate of Appropriateness” permit by the Historic & Scenic Preservation Commission before you do any work to the structure or make any changes. Please contact the Planning Division counter at (909) 798-7551, option 3.

Question: I own a home or property that is more than 50 years old, and it might be eligible for historic designation by the City. Can I make modifications to the exterior of the structure (such as a re-roof, changing the windows, a room addition or new porch, or other exterior changes)?

Answer: You may need approval of a “Certificate of Appropriateness” permit by the Historic & Scenic Preservation Commission before you do any work to the structure or make any changes. Please contact the Planning Division counter at (909) 798-7551, option 3.

Question: Where can I get help with designing the changes to my historic building?

Answer: Click on the “Resources & Documents” button at the top of this page, and go to the link named “Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.” This is a very detailed and technical document, and staff can assist you with identifying appropriate materials and other treatments that may be used on historic structures. For large projects, it may be necessary for the applicant to hire a qualified historical architect (which is a licensed architect who has specialized training and experience working with historic buildings). To discuss your idea for a project further, please contact the Planning Division counter at (909) 798-7551, option 3.

Question: I want to demolish one or more structures that are 50 years old or more. Do I need approval by the City to do demolition work?

Answer: Yes, you will need a Demolition Permit approved by the City before you perform any work to demolish or otherwise remove the structure(s). You may also need approval by the Historic & Scenic Preservation Commission (if required by the Redlands Municipal Code Chapter 15.44) before you do anything to cause the structure to be removed. Please contact the Planning Division counter at (909) 798-7551, option 3.

Question: I am thinking about having my historic residence or other property designated as a Local Historic Resource. How do I go about doing that?

Answer: Please contact Planning staff to discuss your idea. The Redlands Municipal Code Chapter 2.24 (click here) has specific requirements and procedures for designating a property as an official historic resource. For an explanation of the requirements and procedures, please contact the Planning Division counter at (909) 798-7551, option 3.

Question: How do I find a list of properties in Redlands that are currently designated as Historic Resources?

Answer: Click on the “Resources & Documents” button at the top of this page, and go to the link named “List of Designated Historic Resources.”