Local zoning · La Verne

La Verne — Historic Preservation

Q: How does La Verne define a "historic resource"?

La Verne's zoning definitions include " historic, historical, cultural, or archeological resource " with criteria such as architectural interest, integrity, age, association with significant persons/events and contribution to a historic neighborhood — the definition is in § 18.08.015 and is the standard used in local reviews .

Q: Do heritage trees on a historic property get special protection?

Yes. Chapter 18.78 identifies heritage trees and heritage groves (designation by council resolution) and requires permits for removal, reports and replacement schedules for significant trees. Expect an arborist report and specific replacement/mitigation requirements (§ 18.78.010–020; § 18.78.060–140) .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

La Verne does not have a separate, stand‑alone "historic preservation" chapter in the uploaded zoning excerpts; historic‑resource protection is implemented across multiple parts of Title 18 (Zoning): design/precise plan review, parking, nonconforming‑use rules, tree protection, specific plans and overlays. Key operative provisions require project reviewers to consider and protect historic, archaeological and cultural resources during design review (§ 18.16.100) and to treat heritage trees and vegetation associated with historic properties as protected resources (§ 18.78.010–020) .

How La Verne’s ordinance treats historic resources (by rule / topic)

Decision‑relevant rules are spread through Title 18; below are the operative code citations and plain‑English interpretations you will need when working on an existing or proposed property that may be historic.

Precise plan / design review: the development review body must evaluate "protection and enhancement of historic, archaeological and cultural resources" as part of the findings to approve a precise plan (§ 18.16.100) . That is the principal discretionary trigger that requires reviewers to incorporate preservation outcomes into design decisions. See the city's design review guidance for the administrative process that implements those findings.
Definitions: the code defines historic, historical, cultural, or archeological resource with criteria such as architectural interest, age, association with significant persons/events, and neighborhood contribution; this definition is the baseline used for landmark/district decisions (§ 18.08.015) .
Trees and landscape on historic properties: heritage trees and heritage groves may be designated and are protected by Chapter 18.78; a tree associated with a historic building can be treated as a heritage tree and removal is controlled by permit and replacement rules (§ 18.78.010–020; § 18.78.060–140) .
Parking and historic properties: the parking chapter allows special handling for historic properties — the code text recognizes that a designated local landmark adapted or returned to its original use may qualify for a parking reduction (the parking chapter text containing the "Historic Buildings" clause appears in the Parking chapter; see Chapter 18.76). The parking chapter also exempts developments located in districts "designated as architecturally or historically significant" from some parking standards (§ 18.76.*; § 18.122.030.E.1.b) . (Exact subsection heading/number for the 20% reduction text appears in the retrieved chapter text but the snippet in the materials does not show a discrete § number for that subparagraph; verify with the jurisdiction when preparing an application.)
Nonconforming / landmarks: a damaged nonconforming property may be required to meet current code if damage exceeds 50% — except a designated cultural landmark may be restored regardless of the % damaged (nonconforming restoration exception) (§ 18.10.060: nonconforming uses; restoration exception text) .
Specific plans and master plans: in zones that require a master plan or specific plan (for example P‑R, C‑P‑D, O, Inst), the master plan content must identify historic, cultural, or environmental resources on the site and propose protections; specific plans are explicitly intended to "conserve the historic and scenic qualities of the city" (§ 18.64.070; § 18.56.040) .
Hillside Overlay and natural/historic resources: the H‑D‑O‑Z (Hillside Development Overlay Zone) specifically requires protection and preservation of native species and significant vegetation, including those associated with historic properties; tree preservation and replacement ratios are spelled out in Chapter 18.78 and applied in hillside review (§ 18.68.; § 18.78.) .
ADUs and historic properties: the code incorporates state ADU law provisions (Chapter 18.120 references ADU rules and state standards); the state lets cities apply objective standards that can prevent adverse impacts on properties that are listed as historic resources, but local rules must be objective (§ 18.120 and state ADU law references) .

District‑by‑district breakdown (where the code ties preservation to the district)

Below are the La Verne districts and the specific ways the zoning code ties preservation or historic evaluation to decisions in those districts. I cite the exact § that contains the requirement or the policy statement that makes preservation part of decision making.

P-R (Planned Residential zones)

Purpose / where it applies: P‑R zones are for planned residential developments; specific plan and precise plan processes that apply to P‑R developments require review for preservation of natural and built resources and limit grading and design to protect historic and scenic qualities (§ 18.36.010; specific plan requirements at § 18.64.070) .
Typical permitted uses: residential (single family / multifamily as specified by the P‑R subtype) — follow the specific plan and the base zone.
Key standards that affect historic projects: precise plan is required for most P‑R projects; reviewers must apply the findings in § 18.16.100 (which include protection/enhancement of historic resources) when approving designs in P‑R zones .

C‑P‑D (Commercial‑Professional / Planned)

Purpose / where it applies: C‑P‑D zones use master and precise plans; master plan minimums must show "historic, cultural, or environmental resources on the site" as part of the submittal (§ 18.44.*; § 18.56.040) .
Typical uses: mixed commercial, office, institutional uses with potential multifamily components; parking is governed by Chapter 18.76.
Key standards: design/precise plan review is required and must address historic resource preservation under the precise plan findings (§ 18.16.100) — parking reductions for historic buildings or in an historic district are implemented in the parking chapter and can be applied to projects in C‑P‑D where applicable (§ 18.16.100; Chapter 18.76) .

O (Official / Public)

Purpose / where it applies: O zones (public uses, schools, parks) require master plans for larger sites; the master plan must show historic and cultural resources on the site and include preservation measures where appropriate (§ 18.56.040) .
Typical uses: public buildings, parks, campus‑like institutional uses.
Key standards: precise plans and master plans are tools to identify historic resources early in design and to protect them in site layout and circulation decisions (§ 18.56.030–040) .

Inst (Institutional)

Purpose / where it applies: Inst zones require master plans and precise plans; master plans must list historic resources and protect them as part of site design; institutional master plan changes must show they do not adversely affect cultural or historic resources (§ 18.60.040; § 18.60.110) .
Typical uses: schools, hospitals, colleges and other institutional campuses.
Key standards: master plan and precise plan review; offsite impacts and preservation of cultural resources are explicit criteria (§ 18.60.040; § 18.16.100) .

H‑D‑O‑Z (Hillside Development Overlay Zone)

Purpose / where it applies: the hillside overlay emphasizes preservation of natural landforms, native vegetation and heritage trees (lists native species and protects them) — this overlays preservation requirements on any underlying zone in the hillsides (§ 18.68.*; cross‑reference to Chapter 18.78 for trees) .
Typical uses: hillside residential and limited development.
Key standards: tree preservation plan, 4:1 replacement ratios for protected species, and requirement to preserve heritage trees where feasible (§ 18.68.140; § 18.78.140) .

Most decision‑relevant standards (quick reference table)

Topic	What the code lets you do / requires	Code Reference
Design review must consider historic resources	Precise plan findings require "protection and enhancement of historic, archaeological and cultural resources" before approval (§ 18.16.100)	§ 18.16.100
Definition of historic resource	Local definition sets criteria (architectural interest/integrity, age, association, contribution) used to designate landmarks/districts	§ 18.08.015
Heritage trees / protection	Heritage trees/groves may be designated and require permits for removal; tree report and replacement schedule apply	§ 18.78.010–020; § 18.78.060–140
Parking relief for historic properties	Parking chapter recognizes historic properties and allows special reductions or exemptions for properties designated locally as landmarks; parking chapter text contains the applicable language (see Chapter 18.76)	Chapter 18.76 text (parking chapter) — see retrieved code (parking reduction clause in Chapter 18.76; verify exact sub‑§ for the 20% reduction)
Nonconforming restoration (landmarks)	Designated cultural landmarks may be restored even if damage exceeds the ordinary 50% rule for substantial damage	§ 18.10.060 (restoration exception)
Specific plan / master plan content	Master/specific plans must identify historic/cultural resources and include preservation measures	§ 18.64.070; § 18.56.040
SB9 / Two‑unit eligibility exclusions	Parcels inside a historic district or listed on state historic inventory are excluded from certain ministerial two‑unit approvals	§ 18.122.020

Checklist

An applicant proposing work on or near a potential historic resource in La Verne should assemble the following before filing:

Current site plan identifying any known historic or cultural resources on the parcel and within 300 feet (§ 18.56.040)
Photographic survey of existing building façades, character‑defining features, and landscape (trees, groves) (§ 18.16.090; tree report rules in § 18.78.130)
Completed precise plan application materials for any exterior alterations (because precise plan findings require historic preservation consideration) (§ 18.16.050–100)
If removing protected/heritage trees, a certified arborist report and replacement plan per Chapter 18.78 (§ 18.78.060–140)
If seeking parking relief tied to historic designation, documentation of local landmark designation or clear evidence that property is listed on historic inventory; deed‑recorded preservation agreement as required by parking clause (see Chapter 18.76)
Record title/deed instrument (if the project will require a recorded preservation covenant for parking or other incentives) (parking chapter language)
Consult the city's development review / planning staff early (development review committee / community development director have authority over precise plans) (§ 18.16.030–070)

Where the code references state law (for ADUs, SB9/streamlined approvals), include the state checklist items required under those programs; see the La Verne ADU chapter and state links when applicable (§ 18.120; state ADU handbook) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Exact local landmark/district map or register	Many code incentives/exceptions depend on whether a property is a "designated local landmark" or in an "architecturally or historically significant district" (parking relief, exclusions from SB9)	Verify whether the parcel is on La Verne's local landmark list or a mapped historic district; confirm with Community Development (municipal register not attached to retrieved files) (§ 18.122.020; Chapter 18.76)
Precise section number for the 20% parking reduction	Retrieved document contains the Historic Buildings clause in Chapter 18.76 but the snippet did not show a discrete § number for the subparagraph that lists the 20% reduction	Confirm the exact code subsection number for the "Historic Buildings" parking reduction in Chapter 18.76 with the city clerk or community development; citation present in the code extract but not tied to a labeled subsection in the preview
Landmark designation process (criteria & hearings)	The ordinance defines "historic resource" but the local procedure for designating a landmark (application, notice, hearing, findings) is not consolidated in the retrieved snippets	Ask the planning department for the local landmark designation procedure or landmark ordinance (if adopted separately) — not found in retrieved materials. Verify whether designation is by council resolution or other mechanism (§ 18.08.015 defines resource)
Interplay with ADU and streamlined housing rules	State ADU/SB9 exemptions interact with local historic protections (e.g., parcels in historic districts may be excluded from some ministerial processes) — failure to check will delay approvals	Confirm whether a proposed ADU or SB9 project is excluded due to local landmark/district status and whether any objective standards apply; cross‑check § 18.122 and § 18.120 and state ADU law
Tree protection vs. emergency removal	Tree removal for health/safety vs. development removal has different procedures and bonds; on historic properties heritage trees may be protected	Obtain tree designation status from city records and follow Chapter 18.78 permit process; ask whether a heritage tree resolution exists for the site (§ 18.78.010–020; § 18.78.060)

Plain‑English Summary

La Verne handles preservation by folding it into design review, specific/master plans, the parking chapter, and tree‑protection rules: designs must protect historic and cultural resources to get precise‑plan approval, heritage trees are protected by permit, certain historic landmarks can get parking relief, and designated landmarks get special restoration protection if damaged; confirm local landmark/district status with planning staff before you file (§ 18.16.100; § 18.78.*; Chapter 18.76; § 18.10.060) .

Source References

Precise plan findings (must protect historic/cultural resources): § 18.16.100
Development review authority and procedures (precise plans required / exemptions): §§ 18.16.030–070, 18.16.110–140
Parking and loading chapter; historic building language in parking chapter (see Chapter 18.76 text in uploaded code) and off‑street parking determination: Chapter 18.76; § 18.76.010 & § 18.76.160 (and parking chapter clause regarding historic buildings in the chapter text)
Two‑unit / SB9 exclusions for historic districts: § 18.122.020 / § 18.122.030
Tree preservation / heritage trees: Chapter 18.78 — § 18.78.010–020, § 18.78.060–140 (tree report, replacement, appeals)
Master plan requirements to indicate historic resources: § 18.56.040 (Official zone master plan minimums) and § 18.64.070 (specific plan contents)
Definition of historic resource: § 18.08.015 (definitions)
ADUs and state law interaction (referenced in local code): Chapter 18.120 and state ADU guidance (see ADU handbook excerpt in uploaded materials)
Nonconforming restoration / landmark exception: § 18.10.060 (nonconforming uses: restoration exception for designated cultural landmark)

Sources

Retrieved passages

La Verne Zoning Code (§ 6) High relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (section is) High relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
CBC § 59.1 (Section 59.1) Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (Chapter 18.52.) Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 18.10.140.) Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 18.44.035.) Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
CBC § 18.122.010 (Chapter 18.122.) Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 18.60.110.) Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (title contrary) Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (Title 24) Medium relevance
CBC § 8 (Chapter 8-2) Medium relevance
CBC § 8 (SECTION 8-301) Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (Title 18.) Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
La Verne Zoning Code (§ 18.16.030.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official La Verne code library

Frequently asked questions

What triggers historic‑resource review on a La Verne development application?

If a project requires a precise plan or is within a specific/master plan process, the reviewer must consider "protection and enhancement of historic, archaeological and cultural resources" as a required finding — that is § 18.16.100, so any project subject to precise/plan review triggers historic‑resource consideration .

How does La Verne define a "historic resource"?

La Verne's zoning definitions include "historic, historical, cultural, or archeological resource" with criteria such as architectural interest, integrity, age, association with significant persons/events and contribution to a historic neighborhood — the definition is in § 18.08.015 and is the standard used in local reviews .

Can a designated landmark be rebuilt after severe damage?

Yes — the nonconforming use/structure rules allow restoration even where damage would normally require conformance, and the code explicitly says a "designated cultural landmark" may be restored irrespective of the typical 50% threshold; see the nonconforming provisions in § 18.10.060 (restoration exception) .

Are there parking benefits for historic buildings in La Verne?

The parking chapter contains a provision recognizing historic properties and contemplates parking relief for properties designated as local landmarks (including a deed‑recorded preservation agreement). That language appears in Chapter 18.76 — verify the precise subsection and process with planning staff when preparing an application (parking chapter text shown in the code extract) .

Do heritage trees on a historic property get special protection?

Yes. Chapter 18.78 identifies heritage trees and heritage groves (designation by council resolution) and requires permits for removal, reports and replacement schedules for significant trees. Expect an arborist report and specific replacement/mitigation requirements (§ 18.78.010–020; § 18.78.060–140) .

Can I build an ADU on a property in a La Verne historic district?

State ADU law allows ADUs in historic districts, and La Verne's ADU chapter incorporates state law while permitting objective local standards that avoid adverse impacts on properties listed as historic resources. Confirm whether the parcel sits in a locally designated historic district because some ministerial streamlined processes (e.g., SB9/two‑unit rules) exclude parcels located in historic districts (§ 18.122.020; Chapter 18.120 & state ADU references) .

What documentation should I expect to provide when renovating a historic building?

At minimum: a precise plan or design review package showing existing historic features and proposed treatment; photographs; an explanation of how work preserves character‑defining features; a tree report if protected vegetation is involved; and any recorded preservation covenant required for incentives such as parking reductions (§ 18.16.090; § 18.78.060; Chapter 18.76) .

Does La Verne maintain a public map of local historic districts / landmarks?

Not in the retrieved files. The zoning excerpts reference "district designated as architecturally or historically significant" (used for parking and SB9 exemptions) but the La Verne local landmark register or district map was not included in the uploaded materials — verify status and boundaries with Community Development / City Clerk (not found in retrieved materials) .

Who makes preservation‑related decisions in La Verne?

The community development director, the development review committee and (on appeal/discretionary actions) the planning commission and city council are the principal decision makers for precise plans, conditional use permits, variances and landmark‑related approvals (§ 18.16.030–070; § 18.108.060–080) .

When do I need a preservation covenant or recorded agreement?

The parking chapter's incentive for historic buildings conditions the relief on a "binding agreement to be recorded with the deed that ensures preservation" — such deeded instruments are required when the code ties incentives to long‑term preservation commitments (see the parking clause in Chapter 18.76) .

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