Local zoning · McFarland
McFarland — Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation under the McFarland local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This page explains what the City of McFarland’s zoning and planning ordinance (Title 17) actually says—and does not say—about historic preservation. In short: Title 17 contains no dedicated historic district, landmark designation program, or historic overlay; preservation-sensitive issues are handled indirectly through citywide design, signage, and discretionary review tools. Where you see references to “significant architectural features,” that language appears in the sign regulations and can matter when proposing changes on older buildings.
The most important takeaway: McFarland’s Title 17 has no local historic district or landmark designation process; preservation-related decisions are addressed through general design compatibility, signage controls, and case-by-case discretionary tools such as modifications or variances (§ 17.134.020; § 17.142.040; § 17.148.120).
How Title 17 touches “historic” issues
- Citywide design compatibility: New development must present architectural design “compatible with the surrounding neighborhood,” a general tool staff may use to steward character on older corridors (§ 17.134.020.J). See the city’s broader development standards.
- Signage and older building fabric: The sign code requires hiding raceways/conduits; a waiver may be granted if concealing them would “damage significant architectural features or materials,” expressly flagging building fabric sensitivity (§ 17.142.040.D.4). See also signage.
- Murals: Murals require application review and Planning Commission approval, are limited to side/rear walls, and cannot be illuminated—considerations that can matter for historic-looking facades (§ 17.142.040.C.1–3).
- Discretionary relief: The Planning Commission, acting as the “modification committee,” may grant limited adjustments (e.g., up to 25% reduction of setbacks) that sometimes aid preservation-sensitive projects (§ 17.148.120; § 17.148.130). If sought with other entitlements, some permits are decided by the City Council (§ 17.160.040). See variances and exceptions.
- Nonconforming situations: Older buildings with legacy conditions are governed by the nonconforming chapter and may be restricted from enlargement unless Title 17 allows it (§ 17.137.010). See nonconforming uses.
District-by-District (Historic Preservation Context)
Historic Overlay Districts
Not found in retrieved materials. Title 17 does not include a “Historic Overlay,” “Historic Preservation Overlay,” or similar tool in McFarland’s zoning map or overlay menu (§ 17.04 et seq.; cross-checked against sign and procedures chapters). See overlay districts.Landmark or Historic Resource Designation Procedures
Not found in retrieved materials. No chapter in Title 17 establishes a local register, designation criteria, or a Historic Preservation Commission with certificate-of-appropriateness review. Verify with the jurisdiction.Citywide Sign Regulations (apply in all base districts)
Purpose: Manage visual change on buildings—including older ones—through objective sign and mural standards. Key points: murals require commission approval; raceways/conduits must be concealed unless concealment would damage significant architectural features (§ 17.142.040.C–D). Where it applies: Citywide, by district.Citywide Design/Development Standards (apply in all base districts)
Purpose: Ensure new work is compatible with surroundings. Key point: architectural compatibility is required (§ 17.134.020.J). Where it applies: Citywide, for projects subject to development standards. See zoning and development standards.
Decision-Relevant Standards (at a glance)
| Topic | Where it Applies | Core Requirement | Why it matters for older buildings | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murals | Citywide | Application to Community Development; Planning Commission decision; side/rear walls only; no illumination | Avoids impact on primary street façades and night lighting on historic-looking elevations | § 17.142.040.C.1–3 |
| Sign raceways and conduits | Citywide | Must be hidden; waiver allowed if concealment would damage significant architectural features/materials | Explicit protection of architectural fabric when mounting signs | § 17.142.040.D.4 |
| Architectural compatibility | Citywide | Proposed building design must be compatible with neighborhood | Basis to align alterations/additions with established character | § 17.134.020.J |
| Modifications (setbacks/yards) | Citywide (case-by-case) | Planning Commission may grant ≤25% reductions to secure appropriate improvement, prevent hardship, or promote uniformity | Tool to preserve façades or avoid clipping original elements | § 17.148.120–.130 |
| Discretionary permit decisions | Citywide | Some permits (e.g., certain CUPs/variances when paired with zone changes/maps) decided by City Council after PC recommendation | Clarifies who may act on complex preservation-sensitive packages | § 17.160.040 |
| Nonconforming provisions | Citywide | Nonconforming structures/uses shouldn’t be enlarged except as Title 17 allows | Many older buildings rely on nonconforming status; affects scope of work | § 17.137.010 |
Note: If your project also includes signs, murals, or façade-mounted equipment, expect design review to focus on compatibility and the sign code’s architectural feature protections. For broad context, see the zoning & planning overview and land use.
Practical guidance
- Use the sign code’s “significant architectural features” clause strategically when designing signage on older façades; staff can waive visible raceways where concealment would harm original materials (§ 17.142.040.D.4).
- If a small dimensional shift would preserve an existing façade or parapet, consider a modification (≤25% setback/yard relief) via the Planning Commission (§ 17.148.120–.130).
- For projects that could implicate state-recognized historic resources through ADU additions, local standards must be objective and aimed at preventing adverse impacts under state law; coordinate early even though Title 17 has no local historic overlay. See state guidance cited below for ADUs.
- If your building is “legal nonconforming,” confirm what you can alter or expand before designing significant exterior changes (§ 17.137.010).
Checklist
- Confirm whether your site is within any local overlay or has any local landmark status. Not found in retrieved materials; verify with the jurisdiction and overlay districts.
- If proposing a sign or mural on an older façade, plan for the mural application and Planning Commission review; design to avoid damage to architectural features (§ 17.142.040.C–D).
- Show how your design is compatible with neighborhood character (§ 17.134.020.J).
- If preservation objectives require small dimensional relief (e.g., to retain an historic wall line), evaluate a modification request (≤25%) or a variance pathway, as applicable (§ 17.148.120–.130).
- Determine if the structure is nonconforming; align your scope with Chapter 17.137 limits (§ 17.137.010).
- Coordinate with staff on process sequencing; complex packages may elevate to City Council depending on entitlements (§ 17.160.040).
- For ADUs on potential historic resources, ensure any local standards are objective and targeted to avoid adverse impacts under state law guidance. See the ADU handbook reference below and ADUs.
Risks & Ambiguities
| Issue | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| No explicit historic district/landmark program in Title 17 | Without a local register or certificate-of-appropriateness, reviews rely on general standards | Confirm with Community Development whether any separate municipal code chapter, resolution, or inventory applies. Not found in retrieved materials. |
| Sign work on older façades | Improper conduit routing can damage fabric; the code allows waivers to prevent damage | Pre-application review for sign/mural plans; document why concealment would harm architectural features (§ 17.142.040.D.4). |
| Using modifications to save fabric | Relief is limited; overreliance may not cover all constraints | Whether a ≤25% modification suffices; if not, explore variance criteria and decision-maker (§ 17.148.120; § 17.160.040). |
| Nonconforming buildings | Additions/alterations may be constrained | Status letter on nonconformity and allowed scope under Chapter 17.137 (§ 17.137.010). |
| ADUs near historic resources | State law allows objective standards to prevent adverse impacts; local code is silent | Whether staff applies any objective historic-resource standards when reviewing ADUs; coordinate early with planners and consult state guidance. |
Plain-English Summary
McFarland doesn’t have a formal historic preservation program in its zoning code. Instead, projects on older buildings navigate citywide design-compatibility rules, the sign/mural review process (which protects “significant architectural features” during sign installation), and standard discretionary tools like modifications or variances. If you need to retain historic fabric, plan early with staff and use these tools strategically.
Source References
- Title 17 – Zoning: general purpose and definitions (§ 17.04) — context for the ordinance.
- Citywide development standards: architectural compatibility (§ 17.134.020.J).
- Sign code: murals and prints process; raceway/conduit concealment and waiver to avoid damaging architectural features (§ 17.142.040.C–D).
- Modifications and procedures: authority and process (§ 17.148.120–.130).
- Discretionary permit decisions by City Council (§ 17.160.040).
- Nonconforming uses: purpose and limits (§ 17.137.010).
- State guidance on ADUs and historic resources (objective standards; allowed in historic districts) — California ADU Handbook (2025).
Sources
Retrieved passages
- McFarland Zoning Code (Chapter 17.146) Medium relevance
- McFarland Zoning Code (§ 65915) Medium relevance
- McFarland Zoning Code (Chapter 17.146) Medium relevance
- McFarland Zoning Code (Section 6409) Medium relevance
- McFarland Zoning Code (§ 34.09) Medium relevance
- CBC § G106 (SECTION G106) Medium relevance
- CGBSC § A5.104 (SECTION A5.104) Medium relevance
- McFarland Zoning Code Medium relevance
- McFarland Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
- McFarland Zoning Code (chapter for) Medium relevance
- McFarland Zoning Code (chapter or) Medium relevance
- McFarland Zoning Code (Section 17.36.140.) Medium relevance
- McFarland Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
- CGBSC § A5.103 (SECTION A5.103) Medium relevance
Cited sections
- Title 17 – Zoning: general purpose and definitions (§ 17.04) — context for the ordinance. (Title 17)
- Citywide development standards: architectural compatibility (§ 17.134.020.J). (§ 17.134.020.J)
- Sign code: murals and prints process; raceway/conduit concealment and waiver to avoid damaging architectural features (§ 17.142.040.C–D). (§ 17.142.040.C)
- Modifications and procedures: authority and process (§ 17.148.120–.130). (§ 17.148.120)
- Discretionary permit decisions by City Council (§ 17.160.040). (§ 17.160.040)
- Nonconforming uses: purpose and limits (§ 17.137.010). (§ 17.137.010)
- State guidance on ADUs and historic resources (objective standards; allowed in historic districts) — California ADU Handbook (2025).
- McFarland_ZoningCode.md
- 2025 California ADU handbook.md
Frequently asked questions
Does McFarland have a local historic district or landmark designation process?
Not found in retrieved materials. Title 17 contains no historic overlay, register, or certificate-of-appropriateness process; preservation issues default to citywide standards and discretionary tools (§ 17.134.020; § 17.142.040; § 17.148.120). Verify with the jurisdiction.
If I add a sign to an older façade, do I have to hide the electrical raceways?
Yes. Raceways and conduits must be concealed; the Community Development Director may waive concealment only if it would damage significant architectural features or materials (§ 17.142.040.D.4).
Can the City let me keep an original wall line if I’m slightly into a setback?
Possibly. The Planning Commission can approve a modification of certain dimensional standards up to 25% to secure an “appropriate improvement” or promote uniformity; this tool can help preservation-sensitive designs (§ 17.148.120–.130).
Who decides preservation-sensitive mural applications?
Murals are reviewed by Community Development and decided by the Planning Commission, must be on side/rear walls, and cannot be illuminated (§ 17.142.040.C.1–3).
My older building is “nonconforming.” Can I expand it?
Title 17 restricts enlargement of nonconforming structures unless specifically allowed; check the nonconforming chapter and discuss options like a modification or variance early (§ 17.137.010; § 17.148.120).
Does McFarland require “design review” for historic properties?
There’s no dedicated historic review in Title 17. However, projects are still subject to citywide design compatibility and any applicable discretionary reviews; for complex packages, certain permits are decided by the City Council after Planning Commission recommendation (§ 17.134.020.J; § 17.160.040).
Are ADUs allowed on historically significant lots in McFarland?
State guidance says ADUs are allowed within historic districts and on historic lots, and local agencies may impose objective standards to avoid adverse impacts to registered historic resources; Title 17 contains no separate historic overlay (see California ADU Handbook). Coordinate early with Planning staff.
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