Historic Preservation
Historic preservation is an approach to preserving significant structures, sites, and objects which represent a physical connection with people and events from our past. Historic preservation utilizes various land use planning strategies, governmental programs, and financial incentives to identify and rehabilitate historic resources. The preservation of historic structures and sites helps to create an unique environment and sense of place in San Jose . This cultural richness strengthens the local economy by promoting tourism and encouraging investment
Download "What is Historic Preservation" pamphlet here.
The San Jose 2020 General Plan contains goals and policies which encourage historic preservation. These goals and policies encourage the protection and preservation of historic resources within the City. The primary General Plan goal is to preserve historically and archaeologically significant structures, sites, districts, and artifacts in order to promote a greater sense of historic awareness and community identity, and to enhance the quality of urban living.
Adopted in 1975, the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 13.48 of the Municipal Code) authorizes the City to:
- Establish an Historic Landmarks Commission,
- Maintain an Historic Resources Inventory,
- Preserve historic properties using a Landmark Designation process.
- Require Historic Preservation Permits, and provide financial incentives through Mills Act Historical Property Contracts.
The Historic Landmarks Commission is a seven-member advisory body appointed by the City Council. The Commission reviews additions and deletions to the Historic Resources Inventory. The Commission also makes recommendations to the City Council on proposed City Landmarks, and to the Director of Planning on Historic Preservation Permits and other proposals which may affect historic structures, sites, or objects. The Historic Landmarks Commission is staffed by the Planning Division which holds regular public meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at City Hall. For more information contact Sally Zarnowitz at (408) 535-7834 or Carmen Stanley at (408) 535-7856.
Select to view meeting agendas.
The City's Historic Resources Inventory identifies known and potential historic properties. It is also a resource for designating future City landmarks. The Inventory also provides a basic level of protection to potential historic resources such as single family homes. Select to visit Historic Resources Inventory page
An Historic Preservation (HP) Permit is an approval of a request for any exterior work performed either on a designated City Landmark, or in a City Historic District. An HP Permit protects San Jose's historic treasures by maintaining their integrity and character. HP Permits are required addition to other permits that maybe be required by the Municipal Code. Exterior changes include alteration, reconstruction, construction, rehabilitation, restoration, remodeling or similar activity which alter the visual or structural quality of the Landmark's exterior. An HP Permit is also required to construct any new structure, or to demolish, remove or relocate existing Landmark structure. Proposed exterior changes to other properties listed on the Inventory are reviewed through the development process.
If your property is either a designated City Landmark, or is located within a City Historic District, an Historic Preservation Permit Application is required. In addition to any other development permit that may be required for your project, you must have an Historic Preservation Permit approved before obtaining a building permit to perform any exterior work.
An Historic Preservation Permit generally takes 60-90 days to process. After filing, your Historic Preservation Permit application will be forwarded to the Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) for review. An Historic Preservation Permit could require additional processing time if your project also requires a development permit, such as a Conditional Use Permit, or more extensive, Environmental Review, such as an Historic Report or a traffic analysis.
The Director of Planning may approve, conditionally approve, or deny an application for an Historic Preservation Permit after holding a noticed public hearing. The Director considers the recommendations of the Historic Landmarks Commission. The Director's Hearing provides both the applicant and interested community members an opportunity to participate in the process. Director's Hearings are held every Wednesday of the month, except the first Wednesday, at City Hall. The Director's decision may be appealed to the City Council.
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