Historic homes in Azusa

No alteration, demolition, reconstruction, or replacement of structures may be permitted to historic landmarks and properties within historic districts, without first obtaining a certificate of appropriateness from the commission.

Any alteration or demolition to be conducted at potential historic landmarks and/or potential historic districts shall be reviewed by the commission prior to commencing any such work to assist the property owner in maintaining the significance of the resource and to address issues of appropriateness and designation, excluding any alterations contained in the exceptions below.

The department shall review the following exceptions to the certificate of appropriateness requirement for noncontributors in historic districts, and review by the commission is not required: (1) The remodeling of and the single story additions to existing structures;

The commission shall have the authority to extend the review to explore alternative solutions for making appropriate improvements for no longer than 60 days and to explore demolition alternatives for no longer than 180 days, unless the owner agrees to a longer period.

Structures that are historic landmarks or included in historic districts that have been severely damaged as a result of an earthquake, fire or other natural disaster, and which require immediate demolition because the building presents an imminent threat to public safety, shall be exempt from the provisions of this article.