Local zoning · Davis

Davis — Historic Preservation

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

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes how historic preservation is regulated in the City of Davis zoning/planning ordinance (Article 40.23, “Historical Resources Management”) and how those rules interact with downtown rules and overlay districts. It covers designation, review permits (certificate of appropriateness; demolition certificate), the Historical Resources Management Commission’s role, and how downtown adjacency rules and conservation overlays affect projects. For the citywide context see the Davis zoning & planning overview.(/us/california/davis) All legal requirements cited below come from the Davis Municipal Code: Article 40.23 (Historic Resources Management) and related Downtown articles. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑specific application. § citations in the text point to the controlling ordinance sections.

What the ordinance requires (short list)

Designation: resources are added to the Davis Register of Historical Resources as landmarks, merit resources, or historic districts by City Council after recommendation by the Historical Resources Management Commission; initiation and evidence requirements are in § 40.23.070.
Certificates: no exterior alteration to a designated resource may be made without a certificate of appropriateness approved by the Commission (or City Council on appeal) — see § 40.23.080 and the standards in § 40.23.090.
Demolition/relocation: demolition, removal or relocation of Davis Register resources (including district contributors) requires a demolition certificate; procedures and findings are in § 40.23.120 and § 40.23.130.
Ordinary maintenance: routine exterior maintenance that does not change design, materials, or appearance is allowed without a COA; see § 40.23.110 (minor improvement permits may be available).
Commission powers: the Historical Resources Management Commission reviews COAs, demolition certificates, recommends designation, maintains the inventory, performs advisory review around resources and within conservation overlays, and develops standards the Council must adopt (§ 40.23.050).

First mention links: the ordinance interacts with Davis development standards (setbacks, massing), design review, overlay districts, parking, ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code (CHBC / historic building provisions).

District-by-district breakdown (what to expect on different mapped areas)

Note: the historic preservation rules in Article 40.23 are procedural and review standards rather than a separate land‑use zone with its own permitted‑use lists. The ordinance repeatedly confirms that designation does not revoke or replace the underlying zoning — designated properties “shall continue to be subject to all zoning ordinances” (see § 40.23.020(b)) — so permitted uses come from the applicable base zone.

Historic District (designated Davis Register historic district)

Purpose: to recognize and manage a concentration of contributing resources that collectively have historic significance; designation must include contributors/non‑contributors, boundaries, and period of significance, and a district plan that establishes review standards for that district (§ 40.23.060(f)).
Typical permitted uses: uses allowed by the parcel’s underlying standard zone (designation does not change underlying permitted uses) — see § 40.23.020(b).
Key dimensional/design standards: there are no universal numeric zoning changes embedded in Article 40.23; instead the district plan sets the local standards and the Commission must adopt/ recommend standards for certificates of appropriateness (§ 40.23.060(f)(2); § 40.23.050(e)). If the district is inside Downtown, downtown adjacency standards (Table 40.14.080.C) apply to abutting sites — see Downtown rules below.
Where it applies: on properties explicitly mapped and adopted by ordinance into the Davis Register; designation is by City Council after Commission recommendation (§ 40.23.070).

Conservation Overlay Zoning District

Purpose: conservation overlays “support planning policy stipulating that new development and renovation of existing buildings should respect the traditional scale and character” of the area; these overlays are designated under the same chapter but are not automatically on the Davis Register (individual buildings within can still be designated). Definition and basic approach are in § 40.23.030.
Typical permitted uses: underlying zoning controls permitted uses; the overlay adds review standards and advisory review by the Commission for projects within it (§ 40.23.020(b); advisory role in § 40.23.050(j)).
Key dimensional/ design standards: the overlay relies on a district plan and design guidelines prepared with Commission input; numeric setbacks or height rules are not set citywide by Article 40.23—those come from the zone or the overlay plan (Not found in retrieved materials: a citywide numeric table of “conservation overlay” dimensional standards). Verify parcel‑specific overlay maps.

Downtown Zones (adjacency & exemptions)

Purpose / interaction: Downtown rules in Articles 40.13 and 40.14 include special massing, façade and adjacency requirements; designated historic resources are exempt from some downtown facade/massing standards (see § 40.14.080(a)) while properties abutting designated historic resources must meet the Historic Resource Adjacency Standards in Table 40.14.080.C (§ 40.14.080(c)).
Typical permitted uses: downtown use permissions remain set by the Downtown Specific Plan / Article 40.13; if a project abuts a designated historic resource, additional massing/facade standards apply even if the historic building itself is exempt.
Key numeric standards (examples from Downtown adjacency tables): the Downtown tables include explicit facade and setback numbers that apply to lots abutting a designated historic resource (examples in Table 40.14.080.C: front facade zone 0' min.; 10' max., interior building site front 5' min.; 10' max., rear 5'–15' depending on context). These numeric rules live in Article 40.14 (Table 40.14.080 and related tables). See and apply the specific Table 40.14.080.C for a given downtown lot.

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant permits and standards

What you need	Short rule	Code reference
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) required before exterior alterations to a Davis Register resource	No exterior alteration permitted without COA; staff may handle minor projects per guidelines	§ 40.23.080
Standards used to judge COAs	COA decisions judged against Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Commission standards; work must not adversely impact character‑defining features	§ 40.23.090
Demolition/Relocation Certificate	Demolition/removal/relocation of Davis Register resources requires a demolition certificate; relocation may be acceptable if integrity retained	§ 40.23.120; § 40.23.130
Ordinary maintenance	Routine maintenance/repair that does not change exterior design/materials is allowed; minor permits may be issued over the counter	§ 40.23.110
Designation process & stay of work	Designation initiated by Commission, any resident, or owner; a stay of work automatically applies while designation is pending	§ 40.23.070 (a),(c),(e)
Commission authority & advisory review	Commission hears COAs and demolition certificates, recommends standards, and performs advisory review within 300' of landmarks and in conservation overlays (with downtown exceptions)	§ 40.23.050 (f),(g),(i),(j)

Practical guidance / interpretation tips

Start a permit project by confirming designation status. If a parcel appears on the Davis Register, treat any non‑trivial exterior work as requiring a COA until Commission staff confirms otherwise: § 40.23.080 and § 40.23.100 require prior issuance of a COA before permits.
Distinguish maintenance from “alteration.” Ordinary maintenance that does not change design, materials, or appearance is allowed (minor improvement permits may be available). If the work modifies character‑defining materials or design, plan for COA and likely review under the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards (§ 40.23.110; § 40.23.090).
If you’re demolishing or relocating, assemble thorough documentation up front (photographs, DPR forms, design drawings) — demolition certificate applications require detailed submittals and the Commission can require archival documentation as a condition (§ 40.23.120, § 40.23.130).
If your project is near a historic resource, check the Commission’s advisory‑review radius and Downtown exceptions (Commission advises within 300 feet of landmarks/merit resources except when the project is inside downtown zones — § 40.23.050(i)).
Downtown projects: if your site abuts a designated historic resource, the Downtown adjacency tables (Article 40.14, Table 40.14.080.C) will impose additional massing, facade, and setback standards — consult those tables early and coordinate with design‑review staff and the Commission.

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

Confirm whether the parcel is on the Davis Register of Historical Resources (landmark/merit resource/district contributor). Verify with city planning staff. § 40.23.020
If seeking designation: prepare DPR 523 A–L forms, photos, owner/parcel data, and district plan materials as required by § 40.23.070(a–b).
For exterior alterations to a designated resource: submit a Certificate of Appropriateness application; allow up to 60 days for Commission action per § 40.23.100 and meet standards in § 40.23.090.
For demolition/relocation: submit a demolition certificate application with full documentation; be prepared for Commission findings per § 40.23.120–130.
If work is “ordinary maintenance,” check the scope against § 40.23.110 and ask about a minor improvement permit.
If the property is in/adjacent to downtown or conservation overlays, incorporate applicable Downtown Article 40.14 tables (including Historic Resource Adjacency Standards) and consult design‑review staff.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Is a property actually designated?	Designation triggers COA and demolition‑certificate requirements and stay of work; assumptions cost time	Confirm register status with Planning/Commission staff (Not all historic‑looking buildings are designated). § 40.23.020
What counts as “alteration” vs “ordinary maintenance”?	Determines whether over‑the‑counter minor permits suffice or a full COA is required	Compare scope to § 40.23.030 definition of “alteration” and § 40.23.110 ordinary maintenance; when in doubt, ask Commission staff.
Downtown adjacency exceptions	Commission advisory review has a 300‑ft radius but downtown projects may be excepted	Confirm whether your project is inside a downtown zone and whether the downtown exception to advisory review applies § 40.23.050(i); check Article 40.13 mapping.
Numeric dimensional requirements for a historic district	Article 40.23 is procedural — district plans set standards	If you need setbacks/height, request the district plan or the applicable zone tables (Not found in retrieved materials: universal numeric standards for every historic district). § 40.23.060(f)(2)
Code conflicts (zoning vs. historic standards)	Multiple articles may apply; the most restrictive standard generally controls	Confirm applicable standards early (Article 40.14 notes conflicts and superseding rules in downtown § 40.14.080(b–c)).
Use of California Historical Building Code	Historic resources may qualify for CHBC alternatives, which affect building permit review	Verify CHBC applicability with Building Official (CHBC referenced in definitions § 40.23.030) and coordinate with building inspection staff.

Plain-English Summary

If your building is on the Davis Register or in a designated historic or conservation district, you must get historic‑resource approval before making exterior changes or demolishing it: the Historical Resources Management Commission issues Certificates of Appropriateness and Demolition Certificates, and downtown/overlay rules may add extra massing or setback requirements; routine paint or minor repairs that don’t change design are typically allowed without a COA. Verify with the city before starting work.

Source References

Davis Municipal Code, Article 40.23, Historical Resources Management — Purpose and applicability: § 40.23.010; § 40.23.020.
Davis Municipal Code — Historical Resources Management definitions and register criteria: § 40.23.030; § 40.23.060.
Davis Municipal Code — Designation process (initiation, public hearing, stay of work): § 40.23.070.
Davis Municipal Code — Powers and duties of the Historical Resources Management Commission: § 40.23.050.
Davis Municipal Code — Certificates of appropriateness: procedures and standards: § 40.23.080; § 40.23.090; § 40.23.100.
Davis Municipal Code — Demolition certificate: procedures and findings: § 40.23.120; § 40.23.130.
Davis Municipal Code — Ordinary maintenance and minor improvement permits: § 40.23.110.
Downtown adjacency and historic resource exemptions (Article 40.14): § 40.14.080 and Table 40.14.080.C (Historic Resource Adjacency Standards).
For citywide context and related topic pages referenced above: Davis zoning & planning overview (/us/california/davis); Davis Zoning (/us/california/davis/zoning); Davis Development Standards (/us/california/davis/development-standards); Davis Design Review (/us/california/davis/design-review); Davis Overlay Districts (/us/california/davis/overlay-districts); Davis Parking (/us/california/davis/parking); Davis ADUs (/us/california/davis/adu); California Building Standards Code (/us/california/building-codes)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Davis Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Davis Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Davis Zoning Code (Section 106) High relevance
Davis Zoning Code (Chapter 8) High relevance
Davis Zoning Code (Section 106) High relevance
Davis Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
CBC § 40.23.010 (Article 40.23.) High relevance
Davis Zoning Code (Article 40.35) High relevance
Davis Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Davis Zoning Code (Article 40.35) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Davis code library

Frequently asked questions

What triggers Historic Resources review in Davis?

If a property is listed on the Davis Register (landmark, merit resource, or historic district contributor), any exterior alteration, demolition, relocation or similar work triggers historic review: a certificate of appropriateness is required for exterior changes (§ 40.23.080) and a demolition certificate for demolition/relocation (§ 40.23.120–130)

How is a property designated a landmark or placed in a historic district?

Designations are initiated by the Commission, any resident, or the owner and require DPR survey forms, photographs, and a district plan (for districts); the Historical Resources Management Commission holds a public hearing and forwards a recommendation to City Council (§ 40.23.070).

Do landmark or district rules change my underlying zoning (uses, setbacks)?

No—designation does not repeal or waive other zoning provisions; a designated property “shall continue to be subject to all zoning ordinances” (so permitted uses come from the underlying zone) § 40.23.020(b). For dimensional or massing changes, consult the district plan or the underlying zone tables.

Can I do paint, roofing, or landscaping without a COA?

Routine maintenance and repair that does not change exterior design, materials, or appearance is allowed without a COA; Commission staff can issue over‑the‑counter minor improvement permits for qualifying work (§ 40.23.110). If the work changes character‑defining materials, plan for COA review.

If I want to demolish a designated building, what must I prove?

You must apply for a demolition certificate; the Commission/city council will make findings (unsafe conditions, hardship, or that the replacement project is consistent with General Plan/policies) before approving demolition for landmarks, merit resources or district contributors (§ 40.23.130). Documentation and a site management plan are usually required § 40.23.120–130.

Do downtown projects follow the same historic review rules?

Yes, but with special interaction: designated historic resources are exempt from some Downtown facade/massing standards, and properties abutting a designated historic resource must comply with Historic Resource Adjacency Standards in Article 40.14 (Table 40.14.080.C) — consult Downtown Article 40.13/40.14 early. § 40.14.080 and § 40.23.050(i) explain the interplay and downtown exceptions to advisory review.

Who reviews COA and demolition applications and how long will it take?

The Historical Resources Management Commission hears and decides COA and demolition applications; the Commission has delegated authority for some minor projects to staff. For COAs the Commission generally acts within 60 days of a complete application (or 30 days after a public hearing), and failure to act within the deadline is deemed approval § 40.23.100.

Are district plans publicly available and do they set numeric setbacks/height?

District plans (adopted as part of designation) define contributors/non‑contributors and provide standards for compatible new development; Article 40.23 requires a district plan but does not provide a universal numeric table for all districts — numeric dimensions are in district plans or the underlying zone/Article 40.14 for downtown. Request the adopted district plan from Planning (Not found in retrieved materials: citywide list of numeric standards for each named historic district). § 40.23.060(f)(2)

Can a building be moved instead of demolished?

Yes—relocation can be an acceptable alternative if the Commission finds the move will preserve character‑defining features, comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, and if the receiving parcel is appropriately zoned and sized (§ 40.23.120(a)(2)).

Does the California Historical Building Code (CHBC) apply to Davis historic resources?

The CHBC is referenced in the definitions and may provide alternative technical standards for qualified historic structures; applicability and use must be coordinated with the Building Official and Commission (CHBC mentioned in § 40.23.030).

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