Local zoning · Millbrae
Millbrae — Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation under the Millbrae local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.
Last reviewed: July 2, 2026
Overview
This page summarises what the City of Millbrae’s planning and zoning ordinance actually says (and does not say) about historic preservation, landmarking, and how historic status interacts with zoning review. The local zoning code references historic properties primarily as constraints on certain state-driven housing provisions and as factors triggering design review and permit controls; there is no standalone “historic preservation” chapter in the retrieved zoning text. Key code citations below show where historic status is recognized and where applicants must account for it in zoning and design-review processes (§ 10.05.3540; § 10.05.2500; § 10.05.2510).
Note: this page stays strictly to what appears in the Millbrae zoning/planning ordinance materials supplied. Where the code does not set out a process (designation criteria, a local historic commission, local landmark nomination procedures, etc.), that absence is reported explicitly in the Information Gaps section below. Verify parcel-specific questions with the City of Millbrae.
How the code treats historic resources — short summary of the legal touchpoints
- The zoning text disqualifies certain state-enabled housing actions (two‑unit/SB9 development) if the property is within a historic district or listed as a city landmark or on the State Historic Resources Inventory (§ 10.05.3540) .
- Exterior changes or new construction that affect appearance are subject to design review procedures; design review approvals are prerequisites to building permits (§ 10.05.2500; § 10.05.2510) .
- Historic properties therefore function as constraints in multiple permit tracks, but the code excerpts retrieved do not contain a local designation procedure, a local historic resources inventory, or locally adopted historic design guidelines. Not found in retrieved materials.
District-by-district breakdown (how historic preservation appears across zoning districts)
Note: historic-preservation-specific rules are not separately codified per district in the retrieved materials. The sections below list the district purpose/uses/standards from the zoning code (where applicable) and note how historic-status constraints interact with each district (for example by triggering design review or by prohibiting certain SB9/two-unit projects). Bolded district names and controlling section numbers are provided.
R-1 (Single-family Residential) — § 10.05.0600 / § 10.05.0620
- Purpose: stabilize and protect detached single‑family residential character (see § 10.05.0600) .
- Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwellings and state‑regulated residential care facilities; accessory uses include ADUs (see § 10.05.0610) . (Link to ADUs: Millbrae ADUs.)
- Key dimensional standards: lot width 50' (interior), 60' (corner); lot area 5,000 sq ft; lot coverage 50%; FAR 55% (see § 10.05.0620) .
- Historic interaction: Any exterior change to a parcel that is a landmark or in a historic district will be processed through the same design review / zoning permit machinery described in the code (see § 10.05.2500 and § 10.05.2510) and may disqualify the parcel from certain two‑unit/SB9 ministerial actions (§ 10.05.3540) .
R-3 (Multifamily Residential) — § 10.05.0800 / § 10.05.0820
- Purpose: enable and enhance apartment living at higher densities (§ 10.05.0800) .
- Typical permitted uses: single‑family to multiple‑family dwellings, care facilities; accessory uses include ADUs and short‑term rentals (§ 10.05.0810) .
- Key dimensional standards: setbacks, lot coverage, height as specified in § 10.05.0820; see that section for precise numeric standards (applies to multifamily parcels) .
- Historic interaction: design review and conditional‑use/permit processes apply when exterior alterations or changes of use trigger public review; SB9/two‑unit prohibitions for historic properties also apply (§ 10.05.3540) .
C (Commercial) — § 10.05.1020
- Purpose: neighborhood and general commercial uses (see § 10.05.1020) .
- Typical permitted uses and development rules: lot minimums, lot coverage (up to 100% allowed in some circumstances), maximum height 40 ft (exceptions possible) and specific setback rules in § 10.05.1020 .
- Historic interaction: commercial properties identified as city landmarks or within an historic district would still be processed under the standard zoning review and any design review rules in this chapter (e.g., sign review and design review rules) — see design review rules § 10.05.2500 and sign‑specific design-review references in Chapter 10.10. .
PF (Public Facilities) — § 10.05.1300 / § 10.05.1310
- Purpose and uses: government offices, community centers and public utilities; conditional uses include utility services and wireless facilities (§ 10.05.1300–1310) .
- Development standards: tied to conditional use permits so standards are generally individualized (§ 10.05.1320) .
- Historic interaction: public facility projects on or adjacent to historic properties will go through conditional‑use and design‑review tracks; public projects remain subject to the city’s noticing rules for public hearings (see § 10.05.2900) .
Downtown & El Camino Real Specific Plan (DTECRSP) — § 10.05.1100 – 1120
- Purpose: implement transit‑oriented, mixed‑use development with specific plan standards; development standards are contained in the specific plan and incorporated by reference (§ 10.05.1100–1120) .
- Historic interaction: the specific‑plan parcels are subject to design review and the specific plan’s design guidelines; where parcels are landmarks or within historic districts, design review will control exterior changes and may impose special conditions (§ 10.05.2500, MSASP cross‑references) .
Millbrae Station Area Planned Development (MSAPD / MSASP) — § 10.05.1700 – 1715 / § 10.05.1720
- Purpose: implement the Millbrae Station Area Specific Plan; site development plans and design review are required for new structures and exterior alterations (§ 10.05.1710–1715; § 10.05.1720) .
- Typical permitted uses: those set by the MSASP; conditional uses require conditional use permits per the ordinance (§ 10.05.1710) .
- Historic interaction: MSAPD projects must include the location of “structures designated for retention or removal” in site development plan submittals; if a property is a local landmark or in a historic district, that designation is a material constraint in MSAPD review and may affect entitlement or disqualify ministerial housing routes (§ 10.05.1715; § 10.05.3540) .
Key code excerpts (decision‑relevant table)
| Topic | Rule / trigger | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| SB9 / two‑unit disqualification for historic properties | Two‑unit residential development is prohibited on parcels located within an historic district or listed as a city landmark or on the State Historic Resources Inventory | § 10.05.3540 |
| Design review required for exterior alterations | Design review process, findings, and required application materials for projects that change exterior appearance | § 10.05.2500 |
| Zoning permits required before building permits | Zoning permits required for erection/alteration/moving structures or change of use | § 10.05.2510 |
| Site development plans in MSAPD | MSAPD site development plan contents must show structures designated for retention/removal; triggers environmental review | § 10.05.1715 / § 10.05.1720 |
| Public hearing noticing rules | Mailing/publishing/posting notice requirements for hearings | § 10.05.2900 |
Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy if the project may affect a historic property)
- Confirm whether the parcel is (a) in a locally designated historic district, (b) designated as a city landmark/historic property, or (c) listed on the State Historic Resources Inventory — code explicitly references these statuses as limiting certain projects (§ 10.05.3540) .
- If exterior alterations or new construction are proposed, prepare a design review submittal that includes site plans, elevations, color/material samples, landscaping, and any retention/removal plans called for in an MSAPD site development plan (§ 10.05.2500; § 10.05.1715) . (See also Millbrae Design Review.)
- Obtain required zoning permit(s) before applying for a building permit; include sufficient plans and fees as required by § 10.05.2510 .
- If in the MSAPD or DTECRSP areas, check specific‑plan development standards and required site‑level analysis (MSASP or DTECRSP references) (§ 10.05.1710–1715; § 10.05.1120) .
- Follow hearing notice and appeal rules if application triggers planning‑commission or city‑council hearings (§ 10.05.2900; appeals process references) .
- Check parking and landscaping implications when design changes affect use or intensity (see Millbrae Parking and Millbrae Landscaping and Screening).
Risks & Ambiguities
| Issue | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| No local landmarking procedure located in retrieved zoning text | Without a local designation procedure, you cannot determine how properties become city landmarks from this code alone | Verify whether Millbrae has a separate historic preservation ordinance or administrative procedures outside Title 10; ask City of Millbrae planning staff. Not found in retrieved materials. |
| No local historic resources inventory text | You cannot confirm which parcels are listed locally vs. on the State inventory from these excerpts | Request the City’s historic resources inventory (if any) or check the State Historic Resources Inventory; verify with the jurisdiction. Not found in retrieved materials. |
| Design guidelines for historic properties not located here | Absent local historic design guidelines, design review decisions will rely on general design review criteria — potential inconsistency for historic fabric | Ask whether the city uses separate historic‑property guidelines or consultant reports during design review. Verify with planning. Not found in retrieved materials. |
| How to appeal a design‑review condition affecting a historic property | Appeals and review rights exist in the zoning chapter but specific interplay with historic determinations is not described | Verify appeal mechanics and timelines with planning staff; see general appeals rules in zoning (e.g., planning commission → city council) (§ 10.05.2760, § 10.05.1725) |
| Interaction with state historic law and CEQA | CEQA may require historic‑resource analysis; code references CEQA in site development plan reviews but does not supplant state law | Prepare CEQA analysis as required by § 10.05.1715 and consult historic‑resource provisions of CEQA. Verify with environmental planner. |
Plain-English Summary
Millbrae’s zoning code recognizes historic properties as a constraint: if a parcel is a city landmark, in a locally designated historic district, or on the State Historic Resources Inventory, it is treated specially — for example, ministerial two‑unit (SB9) routes are disallowed on such parcels (§ 10.05.3540) and exterior changes are subject to the standard design‑review and zoning‑permit processes before a building permit is issued (§ 10.05.2500; § 10.05.2510) . The zoning code excerpts provided do not, however, include a full local historic‑designation procedure or explicit historic design standards — ask planning staff or look for a separate historic preservation ordinance or resource inventory. Not found in retrieved materials.
Source References
- Millbrae zoning ordinance — prohibition of two‑unit residential development on historic parcels: § 10.05.3540 (Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/MI4538)
- Design review procedures and findings (application materials, requirement before building permit): § 10.05.2500; zoning permits § 10.05.2510 (Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/MI4538)
- MSAPD / MSASP site development plan requirements (structures for retention/removal): § 10.05.1715; planning commission action § 10.05.1720
- R‑1 district purpose and standards: § 10.05.0600 / § 10.05.0620
- R‑3 district purpose and standards: § 10.05.0800 / § 10.05.0820
- C district development standards: § 10.05.1020
- PF district purpose/uses: § 10.05.1300–1320
- Downtown & El Camino Real Specific Plan references: § 10.05.1100–1120
- Public hearing noticing: § 10.05.2900
(All code snippets above were retrieved from the Millbrae municipal code export downloaded from https://ecode360.com/MI4538 and are cited to the controlling § numbers listed.)
Sources
Retrieved passages
- Millbrae Zoning Code (§ 8606) Medium relevance
- Millbrae Zoning Code (chapter in) Medium relevance
- Millbrae Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
- Millbrae Zoning Code (§ 10.05.1715.) Medium relevance
- Millbrae Zoning Code (§ 10.05.1715) Medium relevance
- Millbrae Zoning Code (§ 7906) Medium relevance
- Millbrae Zoning Code (Chapter 10) Medium relevance
- Millbrae Zoning Code (§ 10.05.3540) Medium relevance
- Millbrae Zoning Code (§ 10.05.1510.) Medium relevance
- CBC § 10 (Chapter 10.05) Medium relevance
- Millbrae Zoning Code (§ 8102) Medium relevance
Cited sections
- Millbrae zoning ordinance — prohibition of two‑unit residential development on historic parcels: **§ 10.05.3540** (Downloaded from ) (§ 10.05.3540)
- MSAPD / MSASP site development plan requirements (structures for retention/removal): **§ 10.05.1715**; planning commission action **§ 10.05.1720** (§ 10.05.1715)
- R‑1 district purpose and standards: **§ 10.05.0600** / **§ 10.05.0620** (§ 10.05.0600)
- R‑3 district purpose and standards: **§ 10.05.0800** / **§ 10.05.0820** (§ 10.05.0800)
- C district development standards: **§ 10.05.1020** (§ 10.05.1020)
- PF district purpose/uses: **§ 10.05.1300–1320** (§ 10.05.1300)
- Downtown & El Camino Real Specific Plan references: **§ 10.05.1100–1120** (§ 10.05.1100)
- Public hearing noticing: **§ 10.05.2900** (§ 10.05.2900)
- Millbrae_ZoningCode.md
Frequently asked questions
What does Millbrae’s zoning code say about historic districts and development?
Millbrae’s zoning code explicitly bars certain state‑enabled two‑unit/SB9 developments from properties that are within a historic district or are designated/listed as city landmarks or on the State Historic Resources Inventory; see § 10.05.3540 for that restriction. The code also requires design review and zoning permits for exterior alterations and new construction that affect appearance, so historic designation will factor into those permit decisions (§ 10.05.2500; § 10.05.2510) .
Do I need design review if I alter the exterior of a house in Millbrae?
Yes — the ordinance requires design review for projects that change the exterior appearance of structures in zones where design review is the applicable review process; the design‑review application materials and findings are set out in § 10.05.2500 and design‑review approvals must be in place before building permits are issued (§ 10.05.2500; § 10.05.2510) .
Can I use SB9 / two‑unit ministerial approval on a Millbrae property that is historic?
No. The code expressly disqualifies parcels that are in a historic district, city landmarks, or on the State Historic Resources Inventory from the two‑unit/SB9 objective standards route; see § 10.05.3540 for the prohibition .
Where in the code are the City’s landmarking criteria and nomination procedure?
A local landmarking procedure and specific designation criteria were not found in the retrieved zoning materials. The zoning code references city landmarks but does not include the full designation procedure or criteria in the excerpts provided. Verify whether Millbrae maintains a separate historic preservation ordinance or administrative procedure outside Title 10. Not found in retrieved materials.
If my property is in the Millbrae Station Area (MSAPD), how does historic status affect my submittal?
MSAPD site development plans must show structures proposed for retention or removal and are subject to design review; if a parcel is a landmark or in an historic district, that designation is a material constraint during site development and design review submittals (see § 10.05.1715 and § 10.05.1720) .
What materials do I need to include with a design review application in Millbrae?
The design review application must include site plans showing setbacks and building locations, architectural elevations and materials, landscape and irrigation plans, and samples of all proposed colors and materials — the list of required materials and the findings for approval are set out in § 10.05.2500 .
How are public notices and hearings handled for changes that might affect historic resources?
Noticing for public hearings follows the general zoning public‑hearing rules (publication, posting and mailings) described in § 10.05.2900; planning‑commission and city‑council hearings follow the appeal and noticing timelines in the zoning chapter .
If my sign or storefront is on a landmarked building, do different rules apply?
Sign permits are reviewed under Chapter 10.10 (signage) and some signs require planning commission design review; while Chapter 10.10 does not contain special historic signage rules, any exterior alteration will still come through design review and must be consistent with design findings (§ 10.10.150; § 10.05.2500) .
Does Millbrae’s zoning code include a local historic preservation overlay district?
The retrieved zoning excerpts reference several overlay/specific plan districts (MSAPD, DTECRSP) but do not contain a named “Historic Preservation Overlay” nor its standards. Verify with the City’s zoning map and the Millbrae Overlay Districts listing. Not found in retrieved materials.
Will a design review approval for a historic property limit my ability to get a building permit?
Building permits cannot be issued until any required design review approval is final and the zoning permit is completed; the code requires that construction plans be in substantial compliance with the approved design‑review exhibits before building permits are issued (§ 10.05.2500; § 10.05.2510) . ---
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