Historic homes in Fullerton: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Fullerton Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Fullerton's code says

Fullerton code What Fullerton's code adds
Changing a historic home	Administrative review and approval by the Community and Economic Development Department. Applies: Applies to minor alterations or improvements, enlargement under 10%, or accessory structures under 500 square feet, not readily visible from the public street. § 15.48.070 · code text The projects listed below which the Director of Community and Economic Development determines are consistent with the design criteria of the Secretary of the Interior’s “Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Properties” and the State Historic Building Code are subject to administrative review and approval by the Community and Economic Development Department: Review and approval by the Director of Community and Economic Development as a site plan. Applies: New detached building of 500+ sq ft, or enlargement over 10% but under 50% and up to 500 sq ft; not readily visible from street. § 15.48.070 · code text The projects listed below are subject to review and approval by the Director of Community and Economic Development as a site plan in accordance with §§ 15.47.025 and 15.47.040 of this title: Review and approval by the Landmarks Commission as a site plan. Applies: Applies to alterations or additions readily visible from the public street. § 15.48.070 · code text Any alterations or additions to a landmark building or structure wherein such modifications are readily visible from the public street; Review by the Landmarks Commission is required. Applies: Applies to altering, adding to, reconstructing, rehabilitating or restoring a designated significant property. § 15.48.080 · code text A proposal to alter, add, reconstruct, rehabilitate or restore a designated “significant property” shall be subject to a review by the Landmarks Commission.
Demolishing an older or historic home	Review and approval by the Landmarks Commission as a site plan. Applies: Applies to demolition of a landmark building or structure. § 15.48.070 · code text The demolition of a landmark building or structure wherein all or part of it will be removed from a site either by relocation or destruction. Approval of the Landmarks Commission is required. Applies: Applies to demolishing or relocating a designated significant property. § 15.48.080 · code text A proposal to demolish or relocate a designated “significant property” shall be subject to the approval of the Landmarks Commission.
Work that needs no review	Routine maintenance of existing improvements is exempt, including repainting or duplicating damaged exterior features, when the original design is retained. Applies: Applies to designated historical landmarks and properties within designated Landmark Districts. § 15.48.070 · code text Routine maintenance of existing improvements (e.g., repainting of a structure, duplicating damaged or deteriorated exterior architectural features) is exempt from these review procedures as long as the original design is retained. Routine maintenance and minor alterations or additions out of public view may be approved administratively. Applies: Applies to designated significant properties, such as re-roofing, replacing damaged exterior features, and a rear accessory structure. § 15.48.080 · code text Routine maintenance of existing improvements and minor alterations or additions that are out of public view (e.g., the re-roofing of a structure, the replacement of damaged or deteriorated exterior architectural features; the construction of an accessory structure at the rear of the property) may be administratively approved by the Director of Community and Economic Development.

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What rules apply to a historic home in Fullerton?

Fullerton's code: Administrative review and approval by the Community and Economic Development Department. (Applies to minor alterations or improvements, enlargement under 10%, or accessory structures under 500 square feet, not readily visible from the public street.) (§ 15.48.070); Review and approval by the Director of Community and Economic Development as a site plan. (New detached building of 500+ sq ft, or enlargement over 10% but under 50% and up to 500 sq ft; not readily visible from street.) (§ 15.48.070).

Historic homes in Fullerton

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