Executive — California Register of Historical Resources

Whereas, the preservation and wise use of California’s cultural and historic resources are of importance to the people of this state; and

Whereas, these cultural and historic resources, hereinafter referred to as “heritage resources,” include artifacts, sites, building, structures, districts, and objects with historical, architectural, archaeological, and cultural significance; and

Whereas, these heritage resources provide not only continuity with our past, but foster community pride, stimulate economic activity, improve housing, enhance the quality of life and, along with California’s unique natural resources, draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to California every year; and

Whereas, due to their location, age, and the construction materials used, many of our important historic buildings and historic sites may be at risk from deterioration, destruction, and natural disasters; and

Whereas, an assessment of the extent of our heritage resources is needed in order to ensure their recognition and adequate protection in the future; and

Whereas, the preservation and wise use of historic resources must include consideration of cost-effectiveness and fostering private sector incentives, and state agencies must consider these and other public interests in their decision-making processes;

Now, therefore, I, Pete Wilson, Governor of the State of California, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and the statutes of the State of California, do hereby issue this order to become effective immediately, and do hereby direct all agencies of the Executive Branch of state government as follows:

Section 1. In furtherance of the purposes and policies of the State’s environmental protection laws, including but not limited to the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., the State Historic Building Code, Health and Safety Code Section 18950 et seq., and the historic resources preservation laws, Public Resources Code Section 5020 et seq., all state agencies shall recognize and, to the extent prudent and feasible within existing budget and personnel resources, preserve and maintain the significant heritage resources of the State. In accordance with these statutes, each state agency is directed:

to administer the cultural and historic properties under its control in a spirit of stewardship and trusteeship for future generations; and
to initiate measures necessary to direct its policies, plans, and programs in such a way that state-owned sites, structures, and objects of historical, architectural, or archaeological significance are preserved, restored, and maintained for the inspiration and benefit of the people; and
to ensure that the protection of significant heritage resources are given full consideration in all of its land use and capital outlay decisions; and
in consultation with the California State Office of Historic Preservation, to institute procedures to ensure that state plans and programs contribute to the preservation and enhancement of significant non-state owned heritage resources.

Section 2. Each state agency shall designate from among its current staff a key official (Agency Preservation Officer) whose responsibility will be to ensure that the State’s policies regarding

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the protection of cultural and historic resources within the jurisdiction of such state agency are carried out.

Section 3. Under the direction of its Agency Preservation Officer, in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer, and in consultation as appropriate with the State Historical Building Safety Board, each agency shall, by January 1994, develop and institute feasible and prudent policies and a management plan to preserve and maintain its significant heritage resources.

(a) Inventories pursuant to Section 5024 are to be completed or updated by January 1995, or as soon thereafter as feasible as specified in a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Historic Preservation Officer. Inventory preparation shall take into account the kind, quantity, location of, and development risk to properties within the ownership and control of the agency. (b) Heritage resources management plans and policies shall be reviewed periodically and revised as appropriate in consultation with the State Office of Historic Preservation.

(c) For purposes of developing management plans and policies under this order, resources which meet the following criteria shall be considered significant heritage resources:

(1) listed in or potentially eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places; or

(2) registered or eligible for registration as a state historical landmark or point of historical interest; or

(3) registered or eligible for listing in a California Register of Historical Resources in accordance with procedures and criteria developed by the State Historical Resources Commission.

Section 4. The State Historic Preservation Officer and the State Office of Historic Preservation shall provide leadership to and shall coordinate the efforts of State agencies in implementing their stewardship obligations with regard to historic resources, including, but not limited to, the requirements of Public Resources Code Sections 5020, et seq.

Section 5. Each state agency shall report to the State Office of Historic Preservation annually its progress in completing inventories, management plans, and policies pursuant to this order.

Section 6. The Resources Agency and the Office of Planning and Research shall provide guidance concerning the application of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the state’s CEQA regulations in order to provide for the consistent protection and preservation of the heritage resources of California.

The provisions of Section 21080(b)(3) and (4) of the Public Resources Code shall not be construed or applied to exempt from review projects to alter significant historic resources except to the extent that the condition of the historic structures or resources poses an emergency as defined by Section 21060.3 of the Public Resources Code. The historic value of structures is to be preserved and enhanced, unless the state or local agency finds the structure presents an imminent threat of harm to the public or of damage to adjacent property.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 8[th] day of April 1992.

Pete Wilson, Governor of California Attest: March Fong Eu, Secretary of State

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