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Historic homes in La Quinta

La Quinta's own rules on historic homes, with the code text for every value.

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

What La Quinta's code says

La Quinta code What La Quinta's code adds
Changing a historic home
  • City council permit, issued only if work would not detrimentally alter, destroy or adversely affect architectural or landscape improvements
    Applies: Designated historical site
    § 7.08.030 · code text
    The city council shall issue a permit for the proposed work if, and only if, it determines: A. In the case of a designated historical site, that the proposed work would not detrimentally alter, destroy or adversely affect any architectural or landscape improvement;
  • No building or demolition permits for exterior alterations are issued while the designation is pending
    Applies: A landmark designation request is pending final decision
    § 7.06.030 · code text
    A notice of the request for designation as a landmark shall be forwarded to the building and safety department and no building or demolition permits for any alteration to any exterior architectural features of the proposed landmark shall be issued while the matter is pending final decision.
Mills Act tax incentive
  • Eligible and may apply to enter into a Mills Act contract
    Applies: Property designated as a landmark under Title 7
    § 7.09.010 · code text
    An owner of a property that is designated as a landmark pursuant to Title 7 is eligible and may apply to enter into a Mills Act contract with the city.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What rules apply to a historic home in La Quinta?

La Quinta's code: City council permit, issued only if work would not detrimentally alter, destroy or adversely affect architectural or landscape improvements (Designated historical site) (§ 7.08.030); No building or demolition permits for exterior alterations are issued while the designation is pending (A landmark designation request is pending final decision) (§ 7.06.030).

General information, not legal advice.

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La Quinta Municipal Code — full text