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Historic Preservation Review Process

Getting a Certificate of Appropriateness

A preservation review and approval is regularly required when doing work to a structure that is declared a historic landmark, or is within a historic preservation district. Typical types of work include, but not limited to, are:

If this work is done on the exterior of the structure, or in an important publicly-accessible interiors (i.e., lobbies, auditoriums, train station), then a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the City Preservation Office is required. Preservation approval is required even if the work does not require a building permit. Also, except in special circumstances, the building permit application process cannot proceed until the COA is issued.

Checking an Address

The Development Services Department has developed an online search tool that allows citizens, property owners, and applicants to check an address online. This system shows whether an address is a historic landmark or within a preservation district, along with other relevant information.

Process Steps

1. Pre-application Consultation

It is recommended that applicants consult with the Preservation staff early in the application process. This prevents an application from going through multiple revisions later on. Applicants need to bring the following:

• Property Address or parcel number
• Photos of the property
• Photos of adjacent properties
• Site/floor plans, exterior elevations (optional)

2. Application Submission

Staff at the Permit Counter review the application and start the appropriate paperwork. The following forms are required:

• Universal Development Application
• Preservation Supplement, which includes:
  • Drawings: Site Plan, Floor Plan and Exterior Elevations drawn to scale
  • 8.5" x 11" Drawing Reductions
  • Color photographs
  • Fee
  • Design Concept Narrative
  • Material and Color Board
• Environmental Questionnaire
• Letter of Agency

3. Application Review

Historic Preservation staff review the application for compliance with the City Code. For minor work, like re-roofs and HVAC placement, this may be handled over-the-counter as part of a Building Permit application.

4. Public Hearing

Some projects require a public hearing with the Preservation Director to allow for public input. Some may even require a hearing with the Preservation Commission. (This is dictated by City Code Chapter 17.134.)

5. Certificate of Appropriateness; Apply for Building Permit

When the project is deemed in compliance, the Preservation Director will issue a Certificate of Appropriateness. If everything else for the project is ready (electrical, plumbing, fire, etc.), then the applicant may proceed with the building permit process.

Typical Timelines

Scope of Work	Level of Review	Estimated Time
Reroof Minor Repair New mechanical	Staff Review - over the counter	1 day
Stair replacement New signs New rear deck	Staff Review	4 weeks
Addition Window replacements New accessory structure	Preservation Director Hearing	6 weeks
New construction on vacant lot Major Alteration / Rehabilitation Demolitions	Preservation Commission	2-3 months

Questions?

Still not sure? Contact the Planning Help Desk.

Email

planning@cityofsacramento.org

Phone

(916) 808-5656

1. Call the Help Desk.
2. Select the option for Planning.
3. Provide the address or parcel number.

Historic Preservation Application Submittal Checklist