Encinitas Municipal Code § 7.1 Introduction and Purpose

In communities across the United States, people are becoming aware of the value in preserving their cultural and historic heritage. This interest in our past can be attributed in part as a response to the modern-day, mass-produced housing and look-alike shopping centers and supermarkets. Many buildings from the past exhibit fine craftsmanship and superior materials so often lacking in contemporary development. Historic preservation efforts can also be seen as an extension of the environmental movement: the realization that precious resources - both natural and man-made - are limited and need conserving.

A community's historic buildings are the tangible links with its past and reflect its unique character. Through these links the community's sense of identity is strengthened. Familiar landmarks establish a sense of permanence and anchor the community as a place in time. Historic preservation activities can also foster civic pride and community spirit.

The Encinitas General Plan contains policy statements that call for the identification of the City's historic and architectural resources, and proposes that implementation programs be designed to preserve them. Resource Management Element Policy 7.3 states that "the City will pursue development of an historic resources program to assist in the identification of those buildings, structures, and places within the City that have historic significance."

The Land Use Element of the General Plan defines a cultural overlay zone which applies wherever significant historic resources are identified. The citywide zoning code requires projects affecting known historic resources to study potential negative impacts and provide mitigation to the extent feasible.

Through these policies, the City recognizes the importance of protecting the community's link with the past. The North 101 Corridor Specific Plan addresses this by identifying the historic resources in the specific plan area as well as by developing alternatives for preservation of historic resources. The "Architectural and Historic Resources Inventory", conducted in conjunction with the specific plan process, identifies individual resources of varying degrees of significance.

The purpose of this Historic Preservation section is to generate interest in and awareness of the North Highway 101 Corridor area's varied historic resources, and to focus appropriate attention on how to protect them. The specific plan identifies and proposes potential preservation activities and programs for this area's historic resources.