Clearlake — Historic Preservation

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

Clearlake’s zoning regulations do not establish a stand‑alone historic preservation ordinance, landmark register, or “Historic (H)” overlay. Instead, preservation concerns are handled through a mix of overlay and citywide tools: the SC — Scenic Corridor overlay’s viewshed rules (which include historic resources), the Design Review process, and citywide Heritage Tree protections. Height and frontage standards in lake‑facing parts of the DC and GC districts also protect community character and iconic views.

Key takeaway: Clearlake has no formal landmark or historic district program in its zoning code; preservation is addressed mainly through the Scenic Corridor overlay, design review, heritage tree rules, and lake‑view height limits. Not found in retrieved materials for a designated “historic district” or “landmark” procedure.

Before you dive in, see the big picture in the city’s zoning & planning overview and base district rules in Clearlake Zoning.

How Clearlake’s code addresses “historic” resources

• The SC — Scenic Corridor (Combining Zone) identifies “scenic resources,” which can include a “historic building and/or location” consistent with the California Office of Historic Preservation. Development in the SC must complete a viewshed analysis and incorporate measures to reduce visual impacts. § 18-13.010, § 18-13.030, § 18-13.040
• The Design Review process applies to appearance changes citywide and requires consistency with the City’s Design Review Manual—often the practical forum for addressing context and character near older buildings. § 18-33.010, § 18-33.060, § 18-33.070, § 18-33.080
• Heritage Trees can be designated by the Council (or by owner application), and are protected citywide—relevant where historic landscape features contribute to the setting of older structures. § 18-40.010, § 18-40.020, § 18-40.060
• Lake‑facing height caps in DC and GC protect the city’s signature lake views and waterfront character—important context for older storefronts and facades. Table 19; § 18-8.020; § 18-9.020

District-by-District

SC — Scenic Corridor (Combining Zone)

• Purpose: Preserve scenic quality along State Route 53; applies to any parcel with any portion within 300 ft of the right‑of‑way—then the entire parcel is subject to SC standards. § 18-13.010
• Typical permitted uses: All uses permitted in the underlying base zone continue to apply; SC adds visuals-focused standards. § 18-13.020
• Key standards:
  • Viewshed analysis required where development could affect scenic resources; “scenic resources” explicitly may include a historic building/location recognized by the California OHP. § 18-13.040(b)
  • Visual impact avoidance measures (e.g., limit grading, screen with vegetation, use non‑reflective/darker materials, shielded lighting). § 18-13.040(c)
  • Infrastructure and grading limits to avoid adverse scenic impacts. § 18-13.030
• Where it applies: Parcels along SR‑53 corridor; verify boundaries via Clearlake Overlay Districts.

DC — Downtown Commercial Mixed‑Use

• Purpose: Low‑impact commercial with limited residential; encourages adaptive re‑use of existing buildings and pedestrian orientation downtown. (District narrative)
• Typical permitted uses: Downtown‑scaled commercial, administrative, and some residential on upper floors; see base‑district use tables in Clearlake Zoning. (District narrative)
• Key dimensional standards that support character:
  • Maximum building height generally 35 ft; taller up to 65 ft only if all performance standards are met and the site is not on the lake side of Lakeshore Drive. § 18-8.020(c)
  • Table 19 also lists DC with 35 ft max and a stricter 25 ft cap on the lake side of Lakeshore Drive. Table 19 (Height)
  • Downtown access/driveways are tightly managed to prioritize the pedestrian environment; new driveway approaches in DC require an administrative use permit. § 18-8.020(e)
• Where it applies: Clearlake’s downtown mixed‑use core; confirm site zoning on the official map in the zoning & planning overview.

GC — General Commercial

• Purpose: Broad range of commercial uses for residents and visitors; form and siting calibrated to corridors like SR‑53. § 18-9.010
• Typical permitted uses: General retail, restaurant, entertainment, office, and institutional (as allowed by code). See district narrative and use tables in Clearlake Zoning.
• Key dimensional standards related to scenic character:
  • Maximum building height 35 ft, up to 50 ft with a conditional use permit—except on the lake side of Lakeshore Drive, where GC says the building shall not exceed 35 ft. § 18-9.020(c)
  • Table 19 lists GC max 45 ft and a stricter 25 ft on the lake side of Lakeshore Drive. Table 19 (Height)
• Where it applies: Citywide commercial corridors; verify zoning district on the map in the zoning & planning overview.

Citywide tools that influence preservation outcomes

• Design Review: Appearance changes and new development may be subject to Clearlake Design Review. Projects must be consistent with the City’s Design Review Manual; conditions may be imposed to ensure compatibility with surrounding context. § 18-33.010, § 18-33.060 to § 18-33.080
• Heritage Trees and native tree protection: Tree removal permits are required for specified native oaks; the Council can designate “Heritage Trees” by resolution after notice. Protecting heritage trees can be crucial to the character of older blocks. § 18-40.010, § 18-40.020, § 18-40.060
• Nonconforming structures: Many older buildings are “nonconforming” to today’s development standards. After damage exceeding 60% of appraised value (above foundation), they generally cannot be reconstructed “as‑was”; lesser damage may be restored within defined timeframes. § 18-25.020(a) See also Clearlake Nonconforming Uses.
• Signs and storefronts: Signs must comply with city sign regulations—often reviewed alongside design to preserve corridor character; see Clearlake Signage. Table 17 cites sign conformance within yards by reference to sign regulations. (Table 17 reference)
• Parking: Downtown emphasizes walkability; on‑site parking for residential in DC is not guaranteed, and new driveway approaches need discretionary review—factors that influence how adaptive re‑use is executed. § 18-8.020(e); see Clearlake Parking

Key standards and where they apply

Practical guidance

• If your site fronts SR‑53, plan early for an SC viewshed analysis and build your design around the visual mitigation menu (grading limits, vegetative screening, nonreflective materials, and fully shielded lighting). § 18-13.040(c)
• In the DC and GC districts along Lakeshore Drive’s lake side, treat the lower height caps as binding until staff clarifies which standard (district text vs. Table 19) governs on your exact frontage. Table 19; § 18-8.020(c); § 18-9.020(c)
• Expect design review for visible façade work; align materials/colors with surrounding context to support findings of consistency. § 18-33.060, § 18-33.070
• Consider designating significant trees that define an older property’s character as “Heritage Trees” to formalize their protection while you plan improvements. § 18-40.060
• For older, nonconforming buildings, factor in the 60% damage threshold and restoration timelines before committing to “in‑kind” reconstruction strategies. § 18-25.020(a)

Checklist

• Confirm your site’s base zoning and whether the SC overlay applies via Overlay Districts.
• If in SC, scope and complete a viewshed analysis with mitigation measures per § 18-13.040 .
• If along the lake side of Lakeshore Drive in DC or GC, verify the applicable height cap (district text vs. Table 19) with staff.
• Prepare a Design Review submittal that shows context‑sensitive façade treatments; cite consistency with the Design Review Manual. § 18-33.060–.070
• Inventory mature oaks/landscape features; obtain any needed native‑tree removal permit and consider Heritage Tree designation. § 18-40.020, § 18-40.060
• If the structure is nonconforming, plan within the restoration/alteration limits. § 18-25.020; see Nonconforming Uses
• Coordinate parking and access—especially downtown where new driveway approaches are restricted. § 18-8.020(e)
• Ensure signage meets Clearlake Signage standards.
• All work must still satisfy the California Building Standards Code.

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain-English Summary

Clearlake doesn’t run a traditional local landmark program through its zoning. Instead, historic character is protected by scenic‑corridor rules along SR‑53, design review of visible building changes, strict lake‑side height caps downtown and on commercial waterfronts, and protections for heritage trees. If your project touches these areas, plan for viewshed/design review early and confirm the exact height and restoration rules that apply.

Source References

• § 18-13.010; § 18-13.020; § 18-13.030; § 18-13.040 (SC — Scenic Corridor overlay and viewshed analysis)
• § 18-8.020 (DC — Downtown Commercial Mixed‑Use standards, height, access)
• § 18-9.010; § 18-9.020 (GC — General Commercial purpose/height)
• Table 19 (Maximum Height by Zone — DC/GC lake‑side caps)
• § 18-33.010; § 18-33.060; § 18-33.070; § 18-33.080 (Design Review)
• § 18-40.010; § 18-40.020; § 18-40.060 (Native Tree Protection and Heritage Trees)
• § 18-25.020 (Nonconforming structures: restoration/alteration limits)

Retrieved passages

• Clearlake Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• Clearlake Zoning Code (article and) Medium relevance show source text
• Clearlake Zoning Code (Article Standards) Medium relevance show source text
• Clearlake Zoning Code (section is) Medium relevance show source text
• Clearlake Zoning Code (Section 18-19.340.) Medium relevance show source text
• Clearlake Zoning Code (Section 18-19.320.) Medium relevance show source text
• Clearlake Zoning Code (section is) Medium relevance show source text
• Clearlake Zoning Code (Title 24) Medium relevance show source text
• Clearlake Zoning Code (Section 18-28.030) Medium relevance show source text
• Clearlake Zoning Code (Section 18-18.010) Medium relevance show source text
• Clearlake Zoning Code (Section 18-28.030) Medium relevance show source text
• Clearlake Zoning Code (Article 18-28) Medium relevance show source text
• Clearlake Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• CBC § 286 (Section B) Medium relevance show source text
• Clearlake Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• CBC § 286 Medium relevance show source text
• Clearlake Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• Clearlake Zoning Code (chapter will) Medium relevance show source text
• Clearlake Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• § 18-13.010; § 18-13.020; § 18-13.030; § 18-13.040 (SC — Scenic Corridor overlay and viewshed analysis) (§ 18-13.010)
• § 18-8.020 (DC — Downtown Commercial Mixed‑Use standards, height, access) (§ 18-8.020)
• § 18-9.010; § 18-9.020 (GC — General Commercial purpose/height) (§ 18-9.010)
• Table 19 (Maximum Height by Zone — DC/GC lake‑side caps)
• § 18-33.010; § 18-33.060; § 18-33.070; § 18-33.080 (Design Review) (§ 18-33.010)
• § 18-40.010; § 18-40.020; § 18-40.060 (Native Tree Protection and Heritage Trees) (§ 18-40.010)
• § 18-25.020 (Nonconforming structures: restoration/alteration limits) (§ 18-25.020)
• Clearlake_ZoningCode.md