Local zoning · Calabasas

Calabasas — Historic Preservation

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

Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

Calabasas’ historic preservation program is codified in the land use and development code as a standalone chapter commonly referenced as the Historic Preservation Ordinance. It applies citywide and creates a local register, designation procedures for historic landmarks, historic landscapes, and historic districts, and a mandatory review process (certificate of appropriateness) for most alterations, demolitions and new construction that affect designated or eligible historical resources. See the ordinance title and purpose at § 17.36.010 and § 17.36.020 for authority and intent.

How the Calabasas code controls historic buildings (at a glance)

The Chapter applies to all historical resources in Calabasas: § 17.36.030.
Designation (local register) is by nomination, HPC recommendation, and City Council resolution; designated resources are recorded with Los Angeles County: § 17.36.080 and § 17.36.060.
A certificate of appropriateness is required for alteration, addition, demolition, relocation or infill that affects historical resources: § 17.36.090 (general) and § 17.36.120 (demolition).
The code requires archaeological studies when projects may affect subsurface or above-ground archaeological resources: § 17.36.070.
Incentives (Mills Act, fee reductions, parking and setback relief, State Historic Building Code use) are provided for approved preservation projects: § 17.36.150, § 17.36.170, § 17.36.180.

Note: this page focuses only on the historic-preservation rules in Title 17 (land use / zoning) — building-code (Title 24) and general permitting procedures live elsewhere.

District-by-district implications for historic preservation

The historic preservation chapter is an overlay-style regulatory program that operates across Calabasas’ underlying zoning districts. The code treats historic regulation as an overlay that can restrict demolition/alteration even where the base zone otherwise allows work. Below are the most decision-relevant districts in Calabasas, each with the local purpose, typical permitted uses (as implemented by the zoning tables), and the key dimensional/development standards that are relevant to preservation review. When preservation review triggers, these underlying district standards remain applicable unless the preservation chapter authorizes specific relief (for example setback reductions or parking variances as incentives). See the zoning districts list at § 17.10.020 and the land-use table and development standards in Article II and Article III.

Important first internal links: the city treats parking rules, setback and development standards, design review, overlays, ADUs and State building-code considerations as cross-cutting — consult the linked pages when preparing an application (links used on first mention below).

"parking" → /us/california/calabasas/parking
"setbacks/development standards" → /us/california/calabasas/development-standards
"design review" → /us/california/calabasas/design-review
"overlay" → /us/california/calabasas/overlay-districts
"ADUs" → /us/california/calabasas/adu
"California Building Standards Code" → /us/california/building-codes

RS (Residential, Single-Family)

Purpose: Low-density single-family residential. § 17.10.020 (RS designation).
Typical permitted uses: Single-family dwellings, accessory uses (including ADUs per local ADU rules), home occupations; see Table 2‑2 land use.
Key dimensional standards (typical / applicable when preserving historic homes): Front setback: 20 ft. (where shown in the development tables), Side setbacks: 10 ft. (varies by numeric suffix), Height limit: 35 ft. maximum. See the RS column in the general development standards and setback tables; measurement rules are in § 17.20.180 and related standards in Article III.
Where it applies: Residences outside multifamily, open-space or special purpose districts; historic landmark houses in RS still require certificate of appropriateness for covered work. § 17.36.030 and § 17.36.090.

RR (Residential, Rural)

Purpose: Very low-density rural residential; preserves open character. § 17.10.020.
Typical permitted uses: Single-family, agricultural-type accessory uses, equestrian uses (see Table 2‑2).
Key dimensional standards: Higher minimum lot area, setbacks typically greater than RS, and landscaping/pervious surface targets higher (e.g., 70% per Table 3‑10); setbacks and lot-size suffix rules found in Article III. Preservation projects in RR still follow the certificate of appropriateness rules and archaeological study triggers in § 17.36.070.

RC (Rural Community)

Purpose: Rural community nodes where low-density residential and small-scale local services are allowed. § 17.10.020.
Typical permitted uses: Mix of rural residential and limited commercial community services (see Table 2‑2).
Key dimensional standards: Setbacks and lot coverage vary; check the RC column in the development standards tables for front/side/rear setbacks and FAR. Historic review remains mandatory for designated resources.

CT (Commercial Old Town)

Purpose: CT (Old Town) preserves mixed commercial/visitors character; this is the district most likely to contain local historic districts or contributing commercial landmarks. § 17.10.020 and Table 2‑1.
Typical permitted uses: Retail, restaurants, offices, services — see Table 2‑2. Historic commercial façades and signage are regulated through the certificate of appropriateness process.
Key dimensional standards: CT-specific FAR and setbacks are set in the commercial development tables; signage and streetscape changes affecting historic resources trigger review per the historic chapter and the city’s signage rules. See § 17.36.090 (certificate of appropriateness) and sign rules in the development code.

CMU (Commercial Mixed Use) and PD (Planned Development)

Purpose: CMU implements mixed-use; PD customizes standards for unique sites where master planning is required. § 17.10.020 and the -DP overlay rules.
Typical permitted uses: Mixed residential/commercial for CMU; PD allows a range depending on the approved development plan. Historic resources within these zones are subject to the same designation and certificate processes; a conservation plan can be used to group review of multiple resources (§ 17.36.110).

HM (Hillside/Mountainous), OS (Open Space), CH (Calabasas Highlands), Old Topanga Overlay

Purpose: Areas with environmental, scenic and slope limitations; overlays like -CH (Calabasas Highlands) and -OT (Old Topanga) add additional constraints that interact with historic rules. The development code’s overlay rules are in Article II and Chapter 17.18 for overlays.
Typical permitted uses & standards: Lower densities, special setbacks, and hillside/ridgeline protections. Historic landscapes or rural historic buildings in these overlays will require archaeological and landscape-specific reviews per § 17.36.070 and may have separate development-plan review.

Decision‑relevant standards and requirements (quick table)

Rule / decision question	What the code requires	Code reference
Does proposed work need historic review?	If the property is a designated landmark, contributing to a local historic district, or the CHPO determines it is a potential historic resource, a certificate of appropriateness or waiver is required for alterations, demolition, relocation or infill.	§ 17.36.090
Demolition of historic resource	No demolition permit for a historical resource until a certificate of appropriateness has been issued; special findings and mitigation apply.	§ 17.36.120
Designation process	Nomination → Historic Preservation Commission recommendation → City Council resolution; property owner notice and recording required; owner objection limits and Council override standards apply.	§ 17.36.080; § 17.36.060
Archaeological study triggers	Phase I required in resource sensitivity areas; Phase II and III required if potential deposits are identified; reports must meet Secretary of the Interior professional standards.	§ 17.36.070
Economic hardship relief	Owner can apply for a certificate of economic hardship with financial/rehab evidence; temporary wait periods apply before demolition.	§ 17.36.100
Incentives (parking/setback relief)	State Historic Building Code acceptance; parking variances and setback reductions may be granted for preservation projects (e.g., waive a two-car garage requirement in limited cases).	§ 17.36.170; § 17.36.180
Conservation plans (multiple properties)	Consolidated review and standards to expedite multi-resource projects; requires findings that work will not detract from character.	§ 17.36.110

How preservation interacts with other development rules (practical guidance)

If your property is designated or potentially eligible, you cannot obtain a building, demolition or removal permit until the certificate of appropriateness or an agreed waiver is issued: § 17.36.090(2) and § 17.36.120(A)(2). Plan accordingly — the CHPO conducts initial staff review and has 30 days to determine whether a waiver is possible.
The CHPO can issue waivers for clearly minor work (roofing, foundation, some fences, small accessory additions under 500 sq ft) if consistent with the preservation guidelines; otherwise full HPC review will be required. See § 17.36.140 (waivers/minor alterations).
For ADUs: ADUs are permitted in residential zones, but if the parcel is in a local historic district or the primary residence is designated, the historic review rules apply; local ADU standards may also reference proximity to transit and parking exemptions. Consult the ADU chapter and the code’s ADU table in the development code alongside § 17.36. (See linked ADU guidance.)
For projects affecting archaeological deposits or historic landscapes, expect required Phase I/II/III studies and confidentiality requirements for site records; those studies normally form part of a certificate of appropriateness application. § 17.36.070 and § 17.36.090.
Design-review and ministerial design-review exemptions: ministerial design review is not available for parcels in a historic district or on a state/local historic inventory — see local design review chapter and ministerial design-review limitations. See § 17.84.050 (ministerial design review exclusions).

Relevant cross-check links: check local guidance on design review prior to submittal; verify parking questions at Calabasas Parking; confirm how the underlying development standards apply to your property; and consult the overlay districts rules if your site is in Old Topanga or Calabasas Highlands.

Checklist

Confirm whether the property is on the Calabasas Local Register or otherwise determined eligible (CHPO review). § 17.36.060, § 17.36.080.
If designated or potentially eligible, prepare for a certificate of appropriateness (plans, materials, colors, context analysis, archaeological studies if required). § 17.36.090 (application contents).
For demolition: assemble mitigation documentation (photographic and measured documentation, replacement‑structure plan) before demolition will be approved. § 17.36.120 and § 17.36.050(F).
If asserting economic hardship, compile the required financial data and rehabilitation report. § 17.36.100.
Talk to the City Historic Preservation Officer (CHPO) early — the CHPO performs initial reviews and can issue waivers for minor work. § 17.36.090(B).
Check underlying zoning development standards (setbacks, height, lot coverage) and overlay restrictions; request any potential preservation incentives (parking/setback relief, Mills Act). § 17.10.020, § 17.36.150, § 17.36.170.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Is my building “designated” or just “potential”?	Designated resources trigger mandatory COA rules and recording requirements; potential resources may trigger interim permit holds. Verify before filing permits.	Check Calabasas local register and request CHPO determination; see § 17.36.060 and § 17.36.080.
How much detail for COA submittal?	Applications require elevations, materials, colors, archaeological studies if sensitivity exists — incomplete packets delay review.	Confirm required exhibits with CHPO and follow § 17.36.090(C) application contents.
Will demolition be allowed if owner objects to designation?	Owner objection limits designation, but Council may override with four‑fifths vote and findings — property rights and timing are at stake.	Verify owner‑notice history and possible Council action under § 17.36.080(G–H).
ADU + historic property interaction	ADUs are generally allowed by state law, but local historic protection can impose objective standards or require COA if a designated resource is affected.	Confirm ADU-specific exemptions and CHPO requirements; consult ADU chapter and § 17.36.090.
Archaeological confidentiality vs. public records	Sensitive site locations are protected, but studies must be prepared to professional standards and remain confidential per city policy.	Ask CHPO about access rules and how reports are stored under § 17.36.070(E).

Plain‑English summary

If your Calabasas property is listed or eligible as a historic resource, expect an extra layer of review: you will likely need a certificate of appropriateness before demolition, relocation, significant exterior work, or infill. The city provides both design guidance (including Secretary of the Interior standards) and incentives (Mills Act, possible parking/setback relief), but you must supply plans, material samples and archaeological reports when required by the CHPO. Key procedural and substantive rules live in the Historic Preservation chapter of Title 17 (see the specific § citations below).

Source References

Calabasas Historic Preservation Ordinance (Title 17, Chapter 17.36): § 17.36.010–§ 17.36.250 (Historic Preservation Ordinance; purpose; applicability; designation; COA; demolition; economic hardship; conservation plans; Mills Act; State Historic Building Code).
Designation procedures, owner objection and Council override language: § 17.36.080 (designation process).
Certificate of Appropriateness application contents and staff review: § 17.36.090 (COA requirements).
Archaeological studies and confidentiality: § 17.36.070.
Demolition mitigation and findings: § 17.36.120 and designation criteria § 17.36.050.
Mills Act eligibility and incentives: § 17.36.150 and related incentives language.
Zoning districts and development standards (RS, RR, RC, CT, CMU, PD, HM, overlays): § 17.10.020 and development standards tables (Article II & III).
ADU rules and ministerial design-review exclusions where sites are in historic districts: ADU chapter and ministerial design-review rules § 17.84.050 and ADU tables.
Guidelines and Secretary of the Interior standard reference: § 17.36.250.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Calabasas Zoning Code (Chapter 17.78.) High relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (Section 17.36.050) High relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (Section 17.36.090) High relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (Section 17.36.090) High relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (section is) High relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (Chapter 17.36) High relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (Section 5020.1) Medium relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code Medium relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (Chapter 17.20) Medium relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (Section 66411.7) Medium relevance
CBC § 17.20.180 (Chapter 17.26) Medium relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (Chapter 17.26) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Calabasas code library

Frequently asked questions

What is a certificate of appropriateness and when is it required in Calabasas?

A certificate of appropriateness (COA) is the administrative approval the Historic Preservation Chapter requires for most work that affects a designated historic landmark, contributing structure in a historic district, noncontributing structures in a district when exterior changes are proposed, infill within a district, and work on historic landscapes. The rules and application contents are in § 17.36.090; the CHPO performs an initial review and may issue waivers for limited, minor work.

How does Calabasas designate a building or area as historic?

Any person or group can nominate a resource; the Historic Preservation Commission reviews and recommends, and the City Council makes the designation by resolution. Designation is recorded with the County and becomes part of the Calabasas Local Register. See § 17.36.080 and § 17.36.060.

Can the owner block a historic designation in Calabasas?

Yes — a property owner’s objection prevents local landmark designation unless the Council overrides the objection by a four‑fifths vote and makes specific findings weighing public benefit and owner burden. The nomination rules and owner objection language are in § 17.36.080(G–H).

What happens if I want to demolish a designated historic building?

You cannot get a demolition permit for a designated historical resource until a COA has been issued for demolition; the code requires findings, mitigation (documentation, replacement structure plans, etc.), and sometimes an economic hardship process. See § 17.36.120 and § 17.36.050(F).

Are archaeological studies required for projects in Calabasas?

If a property is within the General Plan’s historic resources sensitivity area or work could affect archaeological deposits or historic structures, a Phase I archaeological assessment is required, and Phase II/III follow when evidence exists. Requirements and confidentiality rules are in § 17.36.070.

Can preservation rules change setbacks or parking requirements?

Yes — as incentives, the Historic Preservation Chapter allows parking variances and setback reductions for approved preservation projects where appropriate (for example to preserve character‑defining features); the code also notes State Historic Building Code applicability. See the incentives and SHBC references in § 17.36.170 and § 17.36.180.

Do ADU rules allow building an ADU on a historic property in Calabasas?

ADUs are permitted in residential zones, including on parcels where the primary residence is subject to historic protection, but COA and any archaeological or design-review requirements still apply if the property is designated or eligible. Local ADU development standards and historic review triggers are summarized in the ADU chapter and in § 17.36.090. Verify design‑specific requirements with CHPO.

If my structure is historic, can I use the State Historic Building Code to simplify compliance?

Yes — the Calabasas code explicitly recognizes the California State Historic Building Code as an appropriate tool for historic rehabilitation and instructs staff to use it when evaluating building permits for historical resources. See § 17.36.180.

Who should I contact first if I own a potentially historic property?

Contact the City Historic Preservation Officer (CHPO) for an initial determination and to confirm whether a COA, archaeological study, or conservation plan will be required — the CHPO handles initial staff review under § 17.36.090(B).

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