Local zoning · Buena Park

Buena Park — Historic Preservation

Historic Preservation under the Buena Park local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

Buena Park’s adopted zoning ordinance (Title 19, Zoning) does not contain a standalone historic-preservation chapter or a local landmark register in the retrieved materials. The Zoning Code does, however, treat properties that are historic or within historic districts as special cases in a few places: notably by excluding such properties from SB‑9 two‑unit/urban‑lot‑split ministerial paths and by requiring architectural compatibility and interdepartmental review for exterior changes. See the code excerpts and controlling § citations below for what the ordinance actually requires and where to verify unresolved items. § 19.348.100 and § 19.348.090 are the most-direct code hooks affecting historic properties.

What the ordinance says (topic-by-topic, ordinance citations)

  • Properties that are designated or treated as historic are expressly excluded from certain ministerial/minimally discretionary housing processes:

    • Two‑unit projects (SB‑9 / two‑unit developments): the lot must not be a historic property or within a historic district. See § 19.348.100.
    • Urban lot splits (SB‑9): the lot to be split must not be a historic property or within a historic district. See § 19.308.060 and the SB‑9 implementation sections § 19.348.090 / § 19.348.100.

  • Projects altering existing buildings are subject to review pathways that emphasize compatibility with the surrounding character:

    • Interdepartmental Review requires that exterior architectural design be “in reasonable harmony with the architectural character of the area” and that projects meet the Title’s standards; this is the standard process for many minor exterior changes and is used to evaluate compatibility on a site‑by‑site basis. See § 19.128.100.
    • Zoning Compliance Review must be completed before many building/sign/solar permits and enforces compatibility and adopted standards. See § 19.128.090.

  • The Code defines the city’s zoning districts and overlay tools (where preservation overlays would appear if adopted). The ordinance identifies the residential, mixed‑use, commercial, industrial, specific‑plan and overlay categories: RS‑6, RS‑8, RS‑10, RS‑16, RM‑10, RM‑20, GMU, CBPMU, EMU, COMU, CO, CS, CG, CR, CM, MR, AR, PD, and overlay zones such as A (Agricultural) and P (Parking) as well as the Housing Incentive Overlays (HIO) (e.g., MUO45, MUO60, MUO100, HOO, RCFO, HMCO). Those zone descriptions and overlay authority are in § 19.104.040 and § 19.104.050. Use the Zoning Map to see where each applies.

  • State and building‑code accommodations for historic structures (not a local register, but relevant) are referenced in the statewide codes included among the materials (California Historical Building Code and Existing Building Code) that provide alternative code treatments for qualified historic buildings. Local permitting will still need to coordinate with the building official and the state code exemptions where applicable. See the California Historical/Existing Building Code excerpts in the materials.

  • Where the ordinance ties land‑use relief to findings (e.g., Variance, Adjustment) the decision criteria require that changes not be contrary to the general plan or result in detrimental effects to public health, safety, or neighboring property. Those general criteria can be relevant when an applicant proposes changes to a resource that may be considered historic. See § 19.132.010–.020 (variance criteria) and related procedural sections.

District-by-district implications for historic properties

Below are the principal zones in Buena Park and the practical preservation‑relevant points tied to each. The short zone descriptions come from the Code; the preservation implications are the ordinance’s existing controls (compatibility review, SB‑9 exclusions, review triggers). All zone descriptions are authorized in § 19.104.040 and § 19.104.050 (overlays).

RS (Single‑Family) — RS‑6, RS‑8, RS‑10, RS‑16

  • Purpose: preserve single‑family neighborhoods and lot character. Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwellings and accessory uses; public/open‑space uses allowed where noted. See § 19.104.040.
  • Preservation‑relevant rules: SB‑9 two‑unit development and urban‑lot‑split pathways are allowed only on non‑historic lots; therefore any property that is historic or within a historic district is ineligible for those streamlined ministerial paths. See § 19.348.100 and § 19.308.060.
  • Typical dimensional standards (underlying RS standards govern setbacks, lot area, lot width, coverage) — see Division 3 development tables for RS minimums (Table 19.308.050 and related sections). Verify site specifics with the zoning map.

RM (Multifamily) — RM‑10, RM‑20

  • Purpose: preserve and allow medium‑density residential/multifamily uses. Typical permitted uses: apartments, condos, group quarters. See § 19.104.040.
  • Preservation‑relevant rules: changes to facades or fences in RM zones are often subject to Interdepartmental Review and Architectural Design Guidelines; interdepartmental criteria require exterior design be “in reasonable harmony” with the area. See § 19.128.100.

Mixed‑Use Zones — GMU, CBPMU, EMU, COMU

  • Purpose and typical uses: encourage vertical/horizontal mixes of residential, commercial and entertainment uses in pedestrian settings; museums and public or privately‑owned historical sites are explicitly permitted uses under certain mixed‑use tables. See § 19.704.020 and Table 19.712.010 references for permitted uses.
  • Preservation‑relevant rules: adaptive‑reuse or redevelopment proposals in mixed‑use zones will be reviewed under design standards and site plan/process rules; exterior alterations that affect historical features should expect discretionary review for compatibility under interdepartmental review and site plan procedures. See § 19.128.100 and mixed‑use development standards.

Commercial / Office / Industrial — CO, CS, CG, CR, CM, MR

  • Typical permitted uses: professional offices, shopping centers, general commercial, regional commercial and commercial manufacturing uses; museums and public historical sites may be permitted per use tables. See § 19.104.040 and use tables.
  • Preservation‑relevant rules: alterations to historic commercial buildings are handled via the standard permit and Zoning Compliance Review routes; design screening requirements for mechanicals and exterior equipment also apply where visibility would affect character. See § 19.128.090 and screening rules § 19.740.020.

Special / Planned — PD, AR, Specific Plans (ECSP, ACSP, BOMUSP)

  • Purpose: site‑specific standards and master plans; specific plans govern land use for mapped areas and can include their own preservation rules if the specific plan adopts them. See § 19.104.040 and references to specific plans. If a property is within a Specific Plan area, follow the specific‑plan text.

Overlay Zones — A (Agricultural), P (Parking), Housing Incentive Overlays (MUO/HOO/RCFO/HMCO)

  • Overlays can change development rules on mapped sites and are where a local preservation overlay would typically be created; the Code establishes overlay authority in § 19.104.050. The current retrieved materials do not show a local Historic Preservation Overlay or a local Landmark designation procedure. Verify with the Planning Division and the Zoning Map.

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant standards & citations

Topic Rule / practical effect Code Reference
SB‑9 two‑unit projects — historic exclusion A lot seeking a two‑unit project must not be historic or in a historic district (SB‑9 ministerial path excluded for historic properties). § 19.348.100
Urban lot splits (SB‑9) — historic exclusion Lot to be split must not be historic or within a historic district. § 19.308.060 / § 19.348.090
Interdepartmental Review (compatibility) Exterior alterations and many minor works must meet compatibility standards and be “in reasonable harmony with the architectural character of the area.” § 19.128.100
Zoning Compliance Review (pre‑permit check) Required before many permits (buildings, signs, solar, fences); enforces Title 19 standards. § 19.128.090
Establishment of zones & overlays Lists zone names (RS‑, RM‑, GMU, etc.) and overlay authority (where preservation overlays would be mapped). § 19.104.040 / § 19.104.050
State historic building code references State codes provide alternate treatments for qualified historic buildings — consult the Building Official for implementation. California Historical Building Code excerpts in materials

How this intersects with common topics (links to related pages)

  • For general zone mapping and plan overview, see the city’s Buena Park zoning & planning overview and the main Buena Park Zoning page. (/us/california/buena-park and /us/california/buena-park/zoning)
  • Exterior changes and compatibility reviews normally route through the city’s Buena Park Design Review and Zoning Compliance Review processes; expect Interdepartmental Review under § 19.128.100. (/us/california/buena-park/design-review)
  • If your project touches parking or parking reductions around a historic resource, see the city parking rules for how required spaces are applied. (/us/california/buena-park/parking)
  • For dimensional standards (setbacks, lot coverage) consult Buena Park Development Standards and the tables in Divisions 3 and 7. (/us/california/buena-park/development-standards)
  • If the property might contain or host an accessory unit, note that ADUs are permitted in historic districts under State ADU law but local objective standards that prevent adverse impacts on historic resources can apply; see both the City's ADU page and State ADU guidance. (/us/california/buena-park/adu and /us/california/california-adu-laws)
  • Overlays (where a preservation overlay would be mapped) are authorized under § 19.104.050; see Buena Park Overlay Districts for mapped overlays. (/us/california/buena-park/overlay-districts)
  • Where building‑code relief is needed for historic work, the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) contains provisions for historic structures; consult the Building Official and Title 24 guidance. (/us/california/building-codes)

(Each of the internal links above is the first natural place the topic is mentioned in this page.)

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy (historic‑property context)

  • Confirm whether the property is legally recognized as a historic property, a contributing resource, or in a local/state/national historic district. If there is no local designation on the zoning map or in the materials, verify with Planning. (Not found in retrieved materials — verify with the jurisdiction.)
  • If pursuing an SB‑9 two‑unit project or urban lot split, confirm eligibility — SB‑9 routes are not available for lots that are historic or within a historic district (§ 19.348.100, § 19.308.060).
  • For exterior changes (fenestration, roof, new mechanicals), submit materials for Interdepartmental Review or Zoning Compliance Review as required — include elevation drawings showing compatibility. See § 19.128.100 and § 19.128.090.
  • Identify applicable zone (RS‑, RM‑, GMU, etc.) and follow the underlying development standards and site‑specific rules (see § 19.104.040 and the tables in Division 3).
  • If claiming state historic‑building code relief, coordinate early with the Building Official and reference the California Historical/Existing Building Code provisions.
  • Prepare for fees, potential appeals, and the need to record deed restrictions or easements where required (SB‑9 approvals require recording before ministerial approvals take effect). See § 19.348.100 (approval/recordation).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
No local historic‑overlay chapter found in retrieved files Without a mapped local historic overlay or landmark procedure, there may be no local formal designation process or standards to rely on. Confirm with the Planning Division whether a separate historic preservation ordinance, register, or overlay map exists beyond the Title 19 files retrieved. (Verify with the jurisdiction.)
“Historic” not defined locally in Title 19 excerpts Local meaning of “historic” (local register vs. state/national eligibility) is critical to determine which rules apply (e.g., SB‑9 exclusion). Ask the planner whether “historic” for SB‑9 exclusions refers only to local designations or also to properties listed/eligible on state/federal registers. (Verify with the jurisdiction.)
Confusion between design review vs. landmark protections Design review focuses on compatibility; landmark protections (if any) would add regulatory controls. Confirm which review body holds authority over historic determinations and whether special standards apply to demolition, relocation, or alterations. See § 19.128.100.
SB‑9 exclusions (two‑unit/urban lot split) can block ministerial approvals Property owners relying on ministerial SB‑9 paths can be stopped if a site is historic or in a district. Verify historic status before investing in SB‑9 applications; consult § 19.348.100 and § 19.308.060.
Building code vs. zoning code relief The California Historical/Existing Building Code may allow alternate means for historic buildings, but zoning rules (setbacks, uses) remain local. Coordinate early with Building Official (Title 24) and Planning staff to align building‑code exceptions with local zoning requirements. (/us/california/building-codes)

Plain‑English summary

Buena Park’s zoning code does not appear to include a dedicated local historic‑preservation ordinance in the retrieved materials; however, the Code treats historic properties specially by excluding them from SB‑9 two‑unit and urban‑lot‑split ministerial paths and by requiring compatibility review for exterior changes. If you own or are changing a building you think may be historic, verify the property’s designation status with the Planning Division before pursuing SB‑9 or ministerial permits; plan on design review and coordination with the Building Official for any historic‑resource work.

Source References

  • § 19.348.100. Two‑Unit Developments (SB‑9) — contains the explicit Not Historic requirement for two‑unit projects.
  • § 19.348.090 and § 19.308.060 — SB‑9 implementation and urban lot split limitations (includes Not Historic language).
  • § 19.128.100. Interdepartmental Review — architectural compatibility and review criteria for minor exterior work.
  • § 19.128.090. Zoning Compliance Review — pre‑permit compliance review rules.
  • § 19.104.040. Establishment of Zones and § 19.104.050. Establishment of Overlay Zones — lists zone names and overlay authority.
  • California Historic / Existing Building Code excerpts in the materials — state code alternate treatments for qualified historic buildings.

Also consult the city webpages referenced in this page for procedural details:

  • Buena Park zoning & planning overview (/us/california/buena-park)
  • Buena Park Zoning (/us/california/buena-park/zoning)
  • Buena Park Development Standards (/us/california/buena-park/development-standards)
  • Buena Park Design Review (/us/california/buena-park/design-review)
  • Buena Park Parking (/us/california/buena-park/parking)
  • Buena Park Overlay Districts (/us/california/buena-park/overlay-districts)
  • Buena Park ADUs (/us/california/buena-park/adu)
  • California Building Standards Code (/us/california/building-codes)

(If you want, I can request the City’s Historic Preservation or Planning Division materials or the official Zoning Map to confirm whether a separate local historic register/overlay exists beyond the Title 19 excerpts retrieved. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑specific historic status.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Buena Park Zoning Code (section applies) Medium relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (Title at) Medium relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (title individually) Medium relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 65915) Medium relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (Title and) Medium relevance
  • California Fire Code Medium relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 19.320.030.) Medium relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 19.420.050.) Medium relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (section of) Medium relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 19.1004.040.) Medium relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (section for) Medium relevance
  • CRC § 150 Medium relevance
  • CBC § 19.348.100 (Section 65852.21) Medium relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (Section 106) Medium relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 19.720.070.) Medium relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 19.720.030.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Can I build an ADU on a historic property in Buena Park?

Yes—state ADU law allows ADUs on lots that are within historic districts or where the primary residence is historic; however, the City may apply objective standards to avoid adverse impacts on historic resources and local zoning compliance review will still apply. See State ADU guidance and the City’s ADU rules; the city’s zoning code requires compatibility reviews for exterior work (Zoning Compliance / Interdepartmental Review) and local objective standards may apply. § 19.128.090, State ADU law guidance in materials.

What does “not historic” mean for SB‑9 two‑unit projects in Buena Park?

The ordinance language says the lot must not be a historic property or within a historic district to use the SB‑9 ministerial two‑unit path. The retrieved materials do not define “historic” locally in Title 19, so you must verify whether the City treats “historic” as local designation, state/federal listing, or eligibility. See § 19.348.100 and verify with Planning.

What review is required for changing the exterior of a potentially historic building?

Exterior changes are subject to Zoning Compliance Review or Interdepartmental Review; the Interdepartmental Review criteria require the exterior design to be in “reasonable harmony” with the area and to meet adopted standards. For significant or discretionary changes, applicant should expect design‑review or conditional‑use/site‑plan processes. See § 19.128.090 and § 19.128.100.

Does Buena Park have a Historic Preservation Overlay or local landmark list in the zoning code?

Not found in the retrieved Title 19 materials. The Code authorizes overlays generally in § 19.104.050, but no specific local historic‑preservation overlay or landmark‑designation procedure appeared in the files obtained. Verify with the Planning Division and the official Zoning Map.

If my house is on the National Register, how does Buena Park treat it?

State and federal designations qualify a property for consideration under the California Historical/Existing Building Code for alternate building‑code treatments; zoning review (setbacks, uses, SB‑9 eligibility) remains a local matter. Coordinate with the Building Official and Planning—state codes allow some relief for qualified historic buildings but SB‑9 exclusions still apply locally per § 19.348.100.

What happens if a proposed SB‑9 project would affect a building that might be historic?

SB‑9 ministerial processing is not available if the lot is historic or within a historic district (§ 19.348.100). If the historic status is uncertain, the City will need a determination before proceeding; verify designation early to avoid wasted effort.

Do rooftop solar and other mechanicals trigger historic review?

Solar and mechanical equipment require Zoning Compliance Review and are subject to architectural compatibility standards (including roof/overhang/material considerations); interdepartmental review and the code’s solar/solar‑equipment review rules apply. See § 19.128.090 and the solar‑specific references in the code.

Where can I confirm whether my parcel is in a mapped historic district?

The Title 19 excerpts do not include a local historic district map. Check the City’s official Zoning Map and contact the Planning Division for parcel‑specific historical designation verification (Verify with the jurisdiction). The Code’s overlay authority is in § 19.104.050.

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