Local zoning · Delano

Delano — Historic Preservation

Q: What ADU rules apply when my house is in a historic district in Delano?

The ADU rules in § 20.11.200 apply; they set size, setback, and conversion rules and specifically waive the extra ADU parking requirement when the ADU is located inside an “architecturally and historically significant historic district.” Verify whether Delano has an adopted list of such districts.

Q: If my property is in a scenic area and it's also historic, which rules control?

Both scenic‑resources rules ( § 20.10.280 ) and design review ( § 20.2.80 ) apply; scenic area development standards (setbacks, screening, undergrounding utilities if required) can add findings or conditions to preserve visual character in addition to compatibility required by design review.

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Delano’s zoning title does not contain a standalone historic‑preservation chapter; instead historic resources are handled implicitly through the City’s design review, site‑level development standards, and a few targeted exemptions (notably for accessory dwelling unit parking). Relevant controls are implemented inside the Zoning/Planning Title (Title 20) rather than as a separate “historic” chapter. Key implementation points in the Code are § 20.2.80 (design review), § 20.2.65 (site plan review), the ADU rules in § 20.11.200, and scenic/landscape rules such as § 20.10.280 and § 20.10.390.

Note: this page stays within planning/zoning rules (not building code/Title 24 compliance); see the California Building Standards Code for building‑code historic exceptions. [/us/california/building-codes]

How Delano treats historic resources (plain language synthesis)

Design review is the primary procedural vehicle the City uses to ensure that work on or near historically significant buildings and in “designated historic districts” respects neighborhood character. Projects undergoing building permits must receive design review where the Code requires it, and the design criteria explicitly call out compatibility with “designated historic districts.” See § 20.2.80.
The City’s ADU rules include explicit carve‑outs for properties within an “architecturally and historically significant historic district” (for example, a waiver of the one‑space ADU parking requirement). Those ADU provisions are in § 20.11.200.
Scenic resources and landscaping chapters create additional review criteria that can affect alterations to visually important historic settings; § 20.10.280 (Scenic resources) and § 20.10.390 (landscape rules and exemptions) are the relevant hooks. Registered historical sites already appear among the exemptions in the landscape rules.
There is no explicit local “landmark” designation process, local historic register, or historic preservation commission described in the retrieved ordinance material. Not found in retrieved materials — see Information Gaps below.

Practical guidance: expect design review (ministerial or discretionary depending on project and reviewer) and the potential for Planning Commission or Community Development Director conditions where projects affect character. Where ADUs are involved, the Code already implements the State ADU carve‑outs for historic districts and provides procedural rules in § 20.11.200.

(Links used inline: first mention of design review links to the city design‑review menu [/us/california/delano/design-review]; first mention of parking links to the Delano parking page [/us/california/delano/parking]; first mention of ADUs links to Delano ADU page [/us/california/delano/adu]; first mention of development standards / setbacks links to Delano Development Standards [/us/california/delano/development-standards]; first mention of overlay/historic overlay context links to Delano Overlay Districts [/us/california/delano/overlay-districts]; first mention of Delano Zoning links to the zoning overview [/us/california/delano/zoning].)

District‑by‑district (how zoning districts interact with historic preservation in Delano)

Below are the principal districts from the Delano zoning title with the Code‑expressed purposes/uses and the way the City's historic‑resource controls apply in each. Where the Code ties a review or exemption to a district, the controlling § is cited.

R-A (Agricultural / Rural)

Purpose / typical uses: low density residential and agricultural uses (see Table 2.A for general consistency with General Plan).
How historic rules apply: Projects in R-A that require building permits are subject to design review and site plan review when those processes apply; design criteria require compatibility with “designated historic districts” when adopted guidelines exist. See § 20.2.80 and § 20.2.65.

R-1 (Single‑Family Residential)

Purpose / uses: single‑family homes; ADUs/JADUs permitted per § 20.11.200 (ADU standards are allowed across residential districts). Typical dimensional rules (front/rear/side setbacks, lot coverage, height) are in the residential development table (Table 4.A).
Historic controls: Exterior renovations or additions that trigger a building permit in R-1 must follow design review criteria; ADUs within an “architecturally and historically significant historic district” receive the ADU parking waiver per § 20.11.200.

R-2 / R-3 (Multifamily Residential)

Purpose / uses: duplexes, small‑ to medium‑scale multifamily; ADUs and conversions governed by § 20.11.200 (including conversion limits for multifamily). Dimensional standards in Table 4.A apply (lot coverage, setbacks, height).
Historic controls: Conversions and additions in multifamily settings are subject to site plan review and may require Planning Commission review; the ADU conversion quota for existing multifamily is set out in § 20.11.200.

CRC (Commercial / Redevelopment)

Purpose / uses: downtown/commercial redevelopment uses; specific uses listed in Table 6.A and other commercial use tables.
Historic controls: Commercial rehabilitation, new infill, and façade work are subject to design review with explicit direction that designs respect “designated historic districts” where guidelines exist (§ 20.2.80). Adaptive reuse projects will go through site plan review and potentially conditional use review.

NC / GC (Neighborhood Commercial / General Commercial)

Purpose / uses: neighborhood‑serving businesses and larger commercial uses respectively.
Historic controls: Same as CRC — exterior work and new construction subject to design review; ADU rules are residential‑focused but commercial buildings used for cultural/ museum uses are allowed in PA and other districts.

PA (Parks / Public)

Purpose / uses: parks, cultural venues, museums and community facilities (explicitly allows museums and cultural venues). Historic museums or cultural reuse projects in PA are permitted as part of the district’s purpose; see Table 3.D and § 20.3.22.
Historic controls: Projects that alter the appearance of park/cultural facilities still fall under design/site standards and scenic area criteria where applied.

I (Industrial / Employment)

Purpose / uses: industrial and employment uses (Table 6.A). Large conversions of old industrial stock into cultural or historic uses (e.g., an air museum) are listed uses in appropriate districts.
Historic controls: Adaptive reuse of industrial buildings will typically require site plan review and design review to ensure compatibility with adjacent uses and scenic/landscape policies.

Note: the official zoning map and exact district boundaries are maintained by the Community Development Department and are part of the Official Zoning Map (see the mapping rules and the Official Zoning Map reference in § 20.2.??). Verify parcel‑level district assignments with the Community Development Department.

Decision‑relevant quick table (what triggers review or special treatment)

Trigger / Topic	What happens / effect on project	Code reference
Design review required for building permits (residential & commercial)	Design review approval required before building permit; Community Development Director or Planning Commission approves/conditions; criteria call out compatibility with designated historic districts and adopted architectural criteria.	§ 20.2.80
Site plan review for permitted uses	Site Plan Review required for development proposals identified as permitted uses; findings required; decision by Director or Planning Commission.	§ 20.2.65
ADU parking waiver in historic districts	One ADU parking space requirement may be waived if ADU is inside an “architecturally and historically significant historic district.” ADU development standards (setbacks, size, conversion rules) in same section.	§ 20.11.200 (ADU rules)
Scenic / visual resources protections	Special scenic district rules may be applied that require compatibility with view corridors, setbacks, and screening—these can affect work near historic settings.	§ 20.10.280
Landscape exemptions / registered historical sites	Certain landscape regulations exempt “registered historical sites,” which signals the Code recognizes registered historic resources in specific chapters.	§ 20.10.390 (exemptions list)

Checklist — what an applicant should prepare if the project touches a historic resource or a putative historic district

Confirm zoning district and whether property lies inside any identified overlay or special plan area (Official Zoning Map) — Verify with Community Development.
Determine whether the project requires design review; prepare design drawings and narrative addressing compatibility with surrounding character and any adopted architectural criteria (§ 20.2.80).
If a development proposal is a permitted use, prepare a site plan review package per § 20.2.65 (site plans, circulation, landscape, elevations).
For ADUs: follow § 20.11.200 requirements (size, setbacks, parking rules) and note the parking waiver if inside an architecturally/historically significant historic district. Link to ADU guidance when preparing application. [/us/california/delano/adu]
Provide landscape documentation unless project is exempt; note that “registered historical sites” appear in the landscape exemptions (§ 20.10.390).
Expect conditions (e.g., façade treatment, materials, buffers) where design review or site plan review raises compatibility issues; plan for appeals procedures if needed.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
No local landmark/official historic register text located	Without a local designation procedure in the retrieved materials, “historic district” status may be informal or governed elsewhere; this creates uncertainty about who determines district boundaries or landmark status.	Confirm with Community Development whether a local historic register or designation ordinance exists (outside Title 20) or whether historic designations are managed at county/state level. Not found in retrieved materials.
“Designated historic districts” referenced, but no district map in Title 20	The Code references “designated historic districts” in design review language but does not provide the designation criteria or map in the retrieved Title 20 content.	Ask Community Development for any adopted historic‑district maps, design guidelines, or separate ordinances; verify whether design review standards differ in those areas. Not found in retrieved materials.
ADU parking waiver phrase (“architecturally and historically significant historic district”)	State law and the ADU section reference this standard; local interpretation (what qualifies) could vary.	Confirm whether Delano has adopted a local list of “architecturally and historically significant” districts or whether State registers (California/National) are used. See § 20.11.200.
Overlap with scenic or landscape overlays	Scenic resource rules can add extra restrictions for aesthetic protection that affect historic places.	If property lies in a scenic overlay or subject to landscape rules, expect additional findings or conditions; verify overlay boundaries and applicable standards (§ 20.10.280, § 20.10.390).
State vs. local treatment of historic buildings (building code exceptions)	Historic building repairs may use the California Historical Building Code (Title 24 Part 8), which affects allowable deviations from standard building requirements.	Coordinate early with Building Division; CHBC use requires qualification and concurrence with building officials. See California Building Standards Code link. [/us/california/building-codes] Not found locally in Title 20.

Plain‑English Summary

Delano handles preservation issues mostly through its regular planning review tools — design review and site plan review — rather than a standalone local historic code. If your project affects an older building or a putative historic district expect design review, possible conditions to protect visual character, and ADU rules that explicitly waive some ADU parking requirements when a property lies inside an “architecturally and historically significant historic district.” Always verify whether a local designation (map or register) exists by checking with Community Development.

Information Gaps

No local Delano ordinance text in the retrieved materials that establishes a local historic‑landmark or local historic‑district designation process (criteria, nomination, map, hearing body). Not found in retrieved materials.
No published local list / map of “architecturally and historically significant historic districts” inside the Title 20 text retrieved. Not found in retrieved materials.
No separate Delano historic‑preservation commission or historic resources chapter located in the provided files. Not found in retrieved materials.

Source References

Delano Zoning and Planning (Title 20) — Design Review: § 20.2.80 (design criteria, references to designated historic districts).
Delano Zoning and Planning (Title 20) — Site Plan Review: § 20.2.65 (applicability and findings).
Delano Zoning and Planning (Title 20) — Accessory Dwelling Units: § 20.11.200 (ADU development standards; parking waiver for ADUs in “architecturally and historically significant historic district”).
Delano Zoning and Planning (Title 20) — Scenic resources: § 20.10.280 (view corridor and visual compatibility standards).
Delano Zoning and Planning (Title 20) — Landscape requirements & exemptions (Registered historical sites): § 20.10.390.
Official Zoning Map / district rules / mapping rules — Official Zoning Map reference (see Title 20 mapping rules).
California Building Standards Code (CHBC / Title 24) — historic‑building provisions and exceptions (useful for building code compliance for historic resources). [/us/california/building-codes]

Sources

Retrieved passages

Delano Zoning Code (Section 20.1.140) Medium relevance
Delano Zoning Code (Chapter 20.10.90) Medium relevance
California Residential Code (Title is) Medium relevance
Delano Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Delano Zoning Code (Section 20.2.180) Medium relevance
Delano Zoning Code (Section 20.2.50.6) Medium relevance
Delano Zoning Code (Chapter 20.13) Medium relevance
Delano Zoning Code (Title 23) Medium relevance
Delano Zoning Code Medium relevance
Delano Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Delano Zoning Code (Section 65868.5.) Medium relevance
Delano Zoning Code Medium relevance
Delano Zoning Code (§ 65915) Medium relevance
Delano Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) Medium relevance
Delano Zoning Code Medium relevance
Delano Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Delano Zoning Code (title report) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Delano code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I need design review in Delano if I work on an older house?

If the work requires a building permit for a residential or commercial project, Delano’s Code requires design review under § 20.2.80; the Community Development Director or Planning Commission will evaluate compatibility, and the criteria explicitly call out consistency with adopted architectural criteria for designated historic districts. Expect to submit elevations and material samples.

What ADU rules apply when my house is in a historic district in Delano?

The ADU rules in § 20.11.200 apply; they set size, setback, and conversion rules and specifically waive the extra ADU parking requirement when the ADU is located inside an “architecturally and historically significant historic district.” Verify whether Delano has an adopted list of such districts.

Is there a Delano local landmark designation process in the zoning code?

Not found in the retrieved Title 20 materials — the ordinance excerpts reviewed do not show a local landmark designation procedure or local historic register; verify with the Community Development Department for any separate historic‑preservation ordinance or adopted maps. Not found in retrieved materials.

Will I be exempt from landscape rules if my site is a registered historic site?

Some landscape chapter exemptions explicitly list “registered historical sites” among enumerated exemptions; see the landscape/landscaping chapter for the exemption list and documentation requirements (§ 20.10.390). You still must confirm specific submittal requirements with staff.

If my property is in a scenic area and it's also historic, which rules control?

Both scenic‑resources rules (§ 20.10.280) and design review (§ 20.2.80) apply; scenic area development standards (setbacks, screening, undergrounding utilities if required) can add findings or conditions to preserve visual character in addition to compatibility required by design review.

Can I use California’s Historical Building Code to renovate a Delano historic building?

The California Historical Building Code (Part 8 of Title 24) provides alternate compliance paths for qualified historic buildings; use of the CHBC is a building‑code decision and should be coordinated with the Building Division early. See the state code reference for historic building exceptions. [/us/california/building-codes]

Where do I confirm whether my property is within a Delano “historic district” used by the City?

The Title 20 text references “designated historic districts,” but the ordinance excerpts provided did not include a local map or designation procedure; contact the Community Development Department and request any adopted historic‑district maps or design guidelines. Not found in retrieved materials.

Will converting a garage to an ADU trigger historic review?

A garage conversion that requires a building permit will generally be reviewed via the City’s building‑permit and design‑review processes; ADU provisions in § 20.11.200 govern conversion specifics and parking rules (including the historic‑district parking waiver).

What findings will the Planning Commission or Director make for design/site review affecting historic buildings?

Findings required for site plan review and variances focus on consistency with the General Plan, compatibility with adjacent uses, and not being detrimental to public welfare; design review requires that projects be architecturally compatible and consistent with adopted guidelines including those for designated historic districts (§ 20.2.65, § 20.2.80).

If my property is listed in the National or California Register, does Delano treat it differently?

State or national register status is specifically recognized in state building‑code provisions and in the ADU/state law context; Delano’s Title 20 recognizes compatibility with “designated historic districts” in design criteria, but explicit local policy for nationally/state‑listed properties was not located in the retrieved zoning chapters — verify with staff. Not found in retrieved materials.

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