Campbell — Historic Preservation

Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

Campbell regulates historic preservation in Chapter 21.33 of the Zoning Code (Title 21) and by applying an H historic overlay/combining district (Chapter 21.14) to properties or areas designated as historic. The rules set out how properties become listed, who reviews work, and two permit “tiers” for exterior work (Tier 1 — routine alterations consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards; Tier 2 — relocations, demolitions, or work inconsistent with the Standards). See Campbell’s zoning & planning overview for how this chapter fits into local planning. § 21.33.010—.020; § 21.14.020.

Note: this page covers only the Campbell zoning/planning ordinance historic-preservation rules (Title 21). It does not substitute for building code (see California Building Standards Code) or permit/tenant law.

First mentions of related topics (internal links): Campbell Zoning & Planning Overview, Campbell Zoning, Campbell Development Standards, Campbell Design Review, Campbell Parking, Campbell Overlay Districts, Campbell ADUs, and California Building Standards Code.

How the ordinance works (quick map)

• The historic-preservation rules sit in Chapter 21.33 (Historic Preservation). They apply to any property listed on the City’s Historic Resource Inventory (structures of merit, landmarks, and historic-district properties). § 21.33.020.
• When the City designates a landmark or historic district, the City Council adopts an ordinance that also combines the base zone with the H overlay. § 21.33.060.C.3; § 21.14.020.C.
• Review authorities are split among the Historic Preservation Board, the Planning Commission, and the City Council according to Table A in § 21.33.030 (e.g., designation goes to City Council after HPB/PC recommendation). § 21.33.030.

District-by-district breakdown (how historic rules interact with local districts)

The H overlay is a combining district that carries historic rules on top of whatever base zoning applies. The ordinance generally says the H overlay does not change allowed uses (uses remain those of the base district) but does make all development within the overlay subject to Chapter 21.33. Where possible below, I list the base-district standards that are most decision-relevant when an H overlay applies.

Important: the H overlay prefix is expressed on the map as a suffix to the base district (e.g., R-1-6-H, TO-MU-CB, GC-O). § 21.14.010.B; § 21.14.020.

R-1 (Single‑Family Residential; examples: R-1-6, R-1-8)

• Purpose: single-family neighborhood preservation and compatible infill. See residential standards in Article 2. § 21.08.050.
• Typical permitted uses: single-family homes, accessory structures, and accessory dwelling units (subject to ADU rules). The H overlay does not change allowed uses (the base-district uses remain). § 21.14.020.D.
• Key dimensional standards (general): Maximum FAR 0.45, Maximum lot coverage 40%, Front setback 20 ft, Side setbacks 5 ft, Rear 5 ft, Maximum height 35 ft (see Table 2‑4). These standards are applied to properties even when the H overlay is combined; the City may grant zoning exceptions for historic resources in limited circumstances (§ 21.33.150.B). § 21.08.050; § 21.33.150.B.
• Where it applies: older Campbell neighborhoods; note suffixes like R-1-6-H indicate the overlay. § 21.14.010.B.

LMDR / MDR / MHDR / HDR (Low‑Medium → High‑Density Residential)

• Purpose: multi‑family or mixed‑density housing permitted per Chapter 21.07 (MFDDS) and Article 2 form‑based exceptions. Historic resources are expressly excepted from MFDDS when listed on the Historic Resource Inventory—Chapter 21.07 excludes historic resources from those ministerial standards. § 21.07.020; § 21.07.040(c).
• Typical permitted uses: multi‑unit residential uses allowed by the underlying map symbol; historic overlay does not change uses. § 21.14.020.D.
• Key dimensional standards: many multi‑family zones are governed by the Multi‑Family Development and Design Standards (MFDDS) and may have FAR minimums/exceptions; note properties included on the Historic Resource Inventory may be treated differently (e.g., not subject to certain MFDDS provisions). § 21.07.020; Table 2‑10.

GC (General Commercial) and commercial mixed‑use districts (e.g., CB‑MU, TO‑MU)

• Purpose: commercial or mixed‑use development; downtown and corridor character rules apply in Central Business and Transit‑Oriented areas. See Downtown design standards and Central Business Mixed‑Use rules. § 21.11 (Downtown design), Table 2‑10.
• Typical permitted uses: commercial uses as listed in the Land Use Tables; properties on the Historic Resource Inventory may have additional restrictions for certain uses (e.g., bed & breakfasts limited to listed historic structures). Table 2‑11 notes some uses are restricted to historic-resource properties. § 21.10 and Table 2‑11.
• Key dimensional standards (commercial): Max FAR 1.0, Front setback GC 10 ft, Maximum height: GC 75 ft (Table 2‑7). When a property on the Historic Resource Inventory is involved, the City Council may grant exceptions to F.A.R. via a Zoning Exception per § 21.33.150.B. § 21.10.050; § 21.33.150.B.

(Use tables above as a quick reference — CHECK the exact base-zone map symbol on the City zoning map to confirm which base rules apply to any particular historic H parcel.) § 21.04.030.

Key decision rules & permits (one‑page table)

Practical guidance / synthesis

• Start by checking whether the property is on the City’s Historic Resource Inventory or the Eligible Resource List. If it is listed as a Historic Resource, Chapter 21.33 applies; if it’s only on the Eligible Resource List, it is not regulated until City Council designation. § 21.33.020; § 21.33.050.E.
• For most exterior work on landmarks and historic‑district properties, expect a Tier 1 Historic Resource Alteration Permit and a Historic Preservation Board hearing; the project must meet findings tied to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. If the Director finds a proposed change would be a “significant alteration” or inconsistent with the Standards, the project upgrades to Tier 2 (more documentation, CEQA fees, and stricter findings). § 21.33.070—.090.
• The H overlay does not change what uses are allowed on a parcel (uses remain those of the base zone), but it does subject projects to the Chapter 21.33 review and can require additional submittals (architectural questionnaire, DPR 523, historic evaluation report, structural reports when needed). § 21.14.020.D; § 21.33.070.A.
• Historic properties may qualify for incentives (Mills Act tax-contract program, fee waivers, zoning exceptions) but these are discretionary and at Council’s prerogative. § 21.33.150.

Links to related review processes you’ll likely touch during a project: Campbell Design Review (Site & Architectural Review and the Historic Preservation Advisor role), Campbell Development Standards (for setbacks/FAR), Campbell Parking rules (when changes create new parking impacts), Campbell Overlay Districts (how H is applied), and Campbell ADUs (ADUs are allowed on historic properties but local objective standards to avoid adverse impacts may apply). § 21.54.050.D; § 21.08.050; § 21.26; § 21.14.020; Chapter 21.23.

Checklist (what an applicant must supply / satisfy for exterior work on a designated historic resource)

• Confirm whether the parcel is on the City Historic Resource Inventory or only the Eligible Resource list (Chapter 21.33). § 21.33.020.
• Pre‑application consultation with Community Development or Historic Preservation Board recommended (HPB may provide non‑technical advice). § 21.33.050.D.
• Completed application packet per § 21.33.070.A: clear Statement of Work, historic evaluation report / DPR 523 forms (as required), photos, and any structural/engineering reports requested by the Director. § 21.33.070.A.
• Determine whether proposed work is Tier 1 (conforms to Secretary Standards) or Tier 2 (does not conform / demolition / relocation). Tier 2 requires CEQA documentation and fees. § 21.33.080—.090.
• If applicable, prepare DPR 523 forms and an Historic Evaluation Report prepared by qualified historian/architect. § 21.33.060.A.1—2.
• Be prepared for public hearing(s): Historic Preservation Board, Planning Commission, and/or City Council depending on the action (see Table A). § 21.33.030 Table A.

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain‑English Summary

If your Campbell property is on the City’s Historic Resource Inventory, exterior changes are subject to Chapter 21.33 review: small changes that follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards are handled as Tier 1 with historical‑board input; demolitions, moves, or changes that harm character are Tier 2 and require CEQA and stronger findings. The H overlay does not change allowed uses but layers historic review on top of the base zone’s development standards (setbacks, FAR, parking). § 21.33.070—.090; § 21.14.020.

Source References

• Campbell Municipal Code, Title 21 — Chapter 21.33 (Historic Preservation), including: § 21.33.010—21.33.160 (purpose, applicability, reviewing authority, definitions, application submittal requirements, Tier 1 & Tier 2 review, designation/rescission, incentives).
• Campbell Municipal Code, Title 21 — Chapter 21.14 (Overlay/Combining Districts), § 21.14.020 (H — Historic Preservation overlay/combining zoning district).
• Campbell Municipal Code, Title 21 — Residential development standards (Table 2‑4 and § 21.08.050).
• Campbell Municipal Code, Title 21 — Commercial/Office/Industrial development standards (Table 2‑7 and Table 2‑10).
• Historic Preservation Board / review bodies: Chapter 21.54 (boards/commissions) and Table A in § 21.33.030.

Internal menu pages referenced in the text (first mention each; use for navigation on site): Campbell Zoning & Planning Overview (/us/california/campbell), Campbell Zoning (/us/california/campbell/zoning), Campbell Development Standards (/us/california/campbell/development-standards), Campbell Design Review (/us/california/campbell/design-review), Campbell Parking (/us/california/campbell/parking), Campbell Overlay Districts (/us/california/campbell/overlay-districts), Campbell ADUs (/us/california/campbell/adu), California Building Standards Code (/us/california/building-codes).

If you need parcel‑specific confirmation (e.g., whether a parcel is currently listed or the zoning suffix applied to the property), verify with the Community Development Department and the official zoning map on file with the City as required by § 21.04.030.

Retrieved passages

• Campbell Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance show source text
• Campbell Zoning Code (section 21.33.080) High relevance show source text
• CBC § 3 (section 21.33.070.B) High relevance show source text
• Campbell Zoning Code (Section 21.33.030) High relevance show source text
• Campbell Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance show source text
• Campbell Zoning Code (section 21.33.060) High relevance show source text
• Campbell Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance show source text
• Campbell Zoning Code (chapter 21.62) High relevance show source text
• Campbell Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance show source text
• CBC § 21.33.060 (section 21.33.060) Medium relevance show source text
• Campbell Zoning Code (Chapter 21.25) Medium relevance show source text
• Campbell Zoning Code (Chapter 21.42) Medium relevance show source text
• Campbell Zoning Code (Chapter 21.07) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Campbell Municipal Code, Title 21 — Chapter 21.33 (Historic Preservation), including: **§ 21.33.010—21.33.160** (purpose, applicability, reviewing authority, definitions, application submittal requirements, Tier 1 & Tier 2 review, designation/rescission, incentives). (Title 21)
• Campbell Municipal Code, Title 21 — Chapter 21.14 (Overlay/Combining Districts), **§ 21.14.020** (H — Historic Preservation overlay/combining zoning district). (Title 21)
• Campbell Municipal Code, Title 21 — Residential development standards (Table 2‑4 and § 21.08.050). (Title 21)
• Campbell Municipal Code, Title 21 — Commercial/Office/Industrial development standards (Table 2‑7 and Table 2‑10). (Title 21)
• Historic Preservation Board / review bodies: Chapter 21.54 (boards/commissions) and Table A in § 21.33.030. (Chapter 21.54)
• Campbell_ZoningCode.md
• 2025 California ADU handbook.md

• Official Campbell code library