Historic Preservation

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 City's Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission which has responsibility over Historic Resources. The Commission has six citizen members and has the responsibility of implementing the duties as described in Section 2.62 of the Redlands Municipal Code. The Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission meets twice a month in the City Council Chamber which is located at 35 Cajon Street. The staff person responsible for providing support to the Commission and who can respond to questions on Historic and Scenic Preservation Issues is located in Civic Center, Suite 20.

The Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission has responsibility for the following:

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. A Historic 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.

Designation of Resources

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, historical value which is fifty (50) years old or older may be designated as a Historic Resource. A structure with exceptional aesthetic, architectural, or historical value may be designated as a Landmark Resource.

Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)

A COA is an application upon which the Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission makes a decision to alter, demolish, move, or subdivide a building/property which has been designated Landmark or Historic Resource by the City Council.

This means that any modification to the outside of the structure must be approved through this application.

Demolition of Designated Resources

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 all structures over fifty (50) years old

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 City staff.

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 the Environmental Review Committee (ERC) would review the proposal and recommend that either an Environmental Impact Report or Negative Declaration be prepared.

Facts about Historic Preservation in Redlands

Some projects do not require review from the Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission, however it is best to coordinate with staff before proceeding forward. The following is a list of projects which do not typically require review from the Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission:

• Alterations to the inside of any structure, including designated structures.

• Landscaping unless specifically designated.

• Outside alterations to structures which are less then fifty (50) years old.

• Outside alterations to structures over fifty (50) years which are not designated.

• Painting of a building

This is a brief introduction to Historic Presentation and does not contain all the details involved with every issue. For this reason it is very important to coordinate with staff on any potential project.

Our staff is dedicated to serving the public and we are here to help. Please feel free to contact any staff member with questions or concerns.