Local zoning · Perris

Perris — Historic Preservation

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

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Perris’ zoning code treats historic preservation as a site- and district-level planning objective rather than a separate “historic preservation ordinance.” Key tools are the Downtown Design Overlay (D), certain zone-specific permitted uses (notably OS), overlay/plan incentives (e.g., Planned Development Overlay and SHO), and operational limits that protect designated historic resources (for example, in the city’s SB 9 rules). For project applicants, the most important regulatory hooks are the design/compatibility requirements, special development standards for historically significant areas, ADU exceptions, and discrete prohibitions on SB 9 lot splits or housing developments on designated historic parcels. See the city's review and processing rules in Chapters 19.54–19.56 for how historic-preservation-related decisions are processed. § 19.40.010 ; § 19.54.010 .

Note: this page covers only what Perris’ municipal zoning/planning ordinance says about historic preservation. It does not attempt to summarize Title 24 or state-level preservation law beyond where the zoning code references them. For building-code questions refer to the California Building Standards Code. California Building Standards Code

How Perris’ code handles historic resources — district-by-district

Below are the Perris districts/chapters that explicitly incorporate historic-preservation objectives or that create rules that materially affect historic properties. For each district I summarize purpose, typical permitted uses or limits that matter for historic resources, key dimensional or procedural standards, and where the district commonly applies.

Downtown Design Overlay (the D overlay)

Purpose: explicit preservation and rehabilitation of “particular nonresidential areas” and “valuable historical features” through tailored development and architectural standards. Permitted uses: land uses permitted in the underlying residential or commercial zones may be allowed so long as the development complies with the central redevelopment plan and this chapter. Key project-level requirement: historically significant structures “shall be designed to preserve the historical character” in architecture and site design. See § 19.40.010, § 19.40.040, § 19.40.050 for the full list of intent and development qualifications.
Typical procedural effect: properties mapped with a “D” overlay on the zoning map require compliance with the Downtown Design Overlay standards; design review and development plan review are commonly applied under chapters 19.54–19.56. § 19.40.020; see also processing rules § 19.38.100 and chapters 19.54/19.56.

Relevant internal links: design expectations in the D overlay interact directly with the city’s design review and overlay districts procedures.

OS Zone (the Open Space / OS zone)

Purpose: protects natural resources and to “preserve areas of major historic or cultural interest.” Typical permitted uses include parks, museums, libraries, and “historical landmarks” and cultural galleries. See § 19.47.010 and the permitted-uses list at § 19.47.020. These provisions make the OS zone the standard place to formally site museums and city-recognized historic resources.
Practical takeaway: if a structure or site is treated as a public cultural resource, it may be located or protected under OS policies and uses. Verify applicability with the city’s land-use map. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Planned Development Overlay / Planned Unit (the Planned Development Overlay)

Purpose & intent: provides flexibility to conserve valuable site features and to impose design standards appropriate to special areas; the overlay can be used to preserve historic structures as part of a broader planned development. The City Council may modify underlying development standards to accomplish preservation goals. See § 19.59.020, § 19.59.030, § 19.59.050.
Practical effect: preservation can be achieved through PD conditions and tailored development standards (setbacks, coverage, architectural palette) approved by Planning Commission and City Council. Applicants should expect design and plan-level findings to include compatibility/consistency findings.

Special Housing Overlay (SHO)

Purpose and development criteria: the SHO encourages preservation and incorporation of historic or distinctive structures into new development; it explicitly directs that “structures that are historic … should be preserved and incorporated into development proposals.” See § 19.86.080(a)(1).
Practical effect: within SHO projects the planning documents and conditions of approval will often require retention of historic fabric or adaptive reuse approaches; design review and additional incentives may apply.

SB 9 rules (Chapter 19.30) — limits that protect historic/landmarked properties

Applicability & prohibition: Perris implements SB 9 housing/lot-split rules in Chapter 19.30. Crucially, an SB 9 housing development or urban lot split is prohibited if “the development is located within a historic district or property included on the State Historic Resources Inventory … or on a lot that is designated or listed as a City landmark or historic property.” See § 19.30.020(b)(4). This is an explicit zoning-level protection for designated historic resources.
Other SB 9 details (setbacks, unit counts, design matching requirements) must still be followed when SB 9 does apply; see § 19.30.030 – .040 for review procedures and development standards.

ADUs and historic areas

Ministerial ADU route with historic-area adjustments: ADUs that meet the chapter’s objective standards are ministerially approved (§ 19.81.040), but the ADU chapter specifically recognizes historic areas when applying parking standards: ADUs do not need to provide replacement parking when the property is “within an area considered historically significant as defined by the California Register of Historic Resources.” See § 19.81.120(b) for the parking exception list and § 19.81.060 for ADU development standards (setbacks, height, architectural compatibility).
Practical effect: if you have a property in a historically significant area, parking requirements for an ADU may be waived, but the ADU must still meet the ADU chapter’s objective standards and any applicable overlay/design review rules. Verify historic status before relying on the exception.

Nonconforming buildings / historic structures

The nonconforming chapter allows maintenance and limited restoration of pre‑existing nonconforming structures but restricts enlargements that would increase the nonconformity; see § 19.80.010 and § 19.80.020 for rules on reconstruction and continuation. These provisions can affect how and whether a damaged historic building may be restored or expanded.

Decision-relevant standards and permitted uses (quick table)

Topic / Use	Key rule in Perris code	Code Reference
Preserve historical character in downtown projects	Downtown overlay requires historically significant structures be designed to preserve historical character	§ 19.40.050
Permitted cultural uses (museums, landmarks)	OS zone explicitly allows museums, historical landmarks, galleries	§ 19.47.020
ADU parking waiver for historic areas	ADU parking not required if property is within an area “considered historically significant” (California Register definition)	§ 19.81.120(b)
SB 9 prohibited on historic parcels	SB 9 housing/lot splits prohibited on lots in a historic district or listed as City landmark / on State Historic Resources Inventory	§ 19.30.020(b)(4)
Incorporate historic buildings into new projects	SHO and PD rules encourage preservation/incorporation of historic structures into proposals	§ 19.86.080(a)(1); § 19.59.050
Design compatibility & plan-level review	Development Plan Review and design findings require compatibility with architecture and protection of character	§ 19.38.090; § 19.54.010

Practical guidance / synthesis

If a structure is within the Downtown Design Overlay (D) or OS zone, expect design review and specific preservation-oriented architectural requirements; the Downtown overlay explicitly requires preservation of historical character for historically significant buildings (see § 19.40.050) and the OS zone lists museums/historical landmarks as permitted uses (§ 19.47.020).
If the parcel is on an official historic list (State Historic Resources Inventory, California Register) or is a City‑designated landmark, it carries two immediate consequences under Perris zoning:
- SB 9 housing developments / urban lot splits are prohibited on that parcel (§ 19.30.020(b)(4)).
- ADU parking rules may be relaxed (parking waiver applies for ADUs in historically significant areas) but ADU design standards and ministerial-review requirements still apply (§ 19.81.120(b); § 19.81.040).
Use Planned Development (PD) or SHO tools when proposing adaptive reuse or partial preservation as these chapters explicitly allow modifications to underlying standards to protect historic features (§ 19.59.050; § 19.86.080(a)(1)). Expect discretionary hearings and findings at Planning Commission / City Council depending on the change.
For any proposal: check whether your parcel is mapped under the Downtown Overlay (the “D” on zoning maps), is in the OS zone, or is formally listed. Then confirm which review path applies: ministerial ADU (if objective standards met) § 19.81.040, SB 9 (if applicable) § 19.30.020–.040, or discretionary Development Plan Review § 19.54.010.

Related operational topics you will encounter in the process: parking, setbacks and development standards, design review, overlay districts, ADUs.

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy (practical)

Confirm whether property is a City-designated landmark or listed on the State Historic Resources Inventory; if yes, SB 9 is prohibited (§ 19.30.020(b)(4)) .
Identify whether the property lies in the Downtown Design Overlay (D) or OS zone; if so, prepare design materials that preserve historical character per § 19.40.050 or list cultural use per § 19.47.020.
For ADUs: confirm ministerial path applicability and whether the ADU meets objective development standards in § 19.81.060; if in a historically significant area, claim parking waiver under § 19.81.120(b) with supporting documentation.
If using PD/SHO or proposing adaptive reuse, prepare findings that the project “preserves and incorporates” historic features and secure any PD/overlay approvals per § 19.59.050 and § 19.86.080.
Determine whether Development Plan Review, Conditional Use Permit, or variance is required and follow chapters 19.54 and 19.56 for processing; prepare materials to meet the required findings (compatibility, public welfare, architecture).
Verify nonconforming rules apply if the historic building is legally nonconforming (see § 19.80.010–.040) and confirm if the proposed work is maintenance, repair, reconstruction or an enlargement.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Is the parcel a City landmark or on the State Inventory?	SB 9 lot splits and SB 9 housing developments are prohibited on such parcels, which blocks certain housing pathways.	Verify the city’s formal landmark register and the State Historic Resources Inventory; confirm with City Planner. § 19.30.020(b)(4)
Does the Downtown Design Overlay apply?	The D overlay imposes preservation-focused architecture/site controls that affect design, signage, and parking.	Check zoning map “D” designation and Exhibit A for downtown boundaries at the City Clerk’s office. § 19.40.020–.050
What counts as “historically significant” for ADU parking waivers?	The ADU parking waiver ties to the California Register definition; interpreting “area considered historically significant” may be ambiguous.	Ask Planning/Staff what inventory or map the City uses to apply the ADU parking exception. § 19.81.120(b)
Extent of allowed alteration to a designated resource	Nonconforming and overlay chapters limit enlargement or restoration in ways that could require full compliance or PD relief.	Verify whether proposed alterations are maintenance/repair or “reconstruction” >75% (see nonconforming rules) and whether a PD or variance is required. § 19.80.020
Interaction with state law (e.g., California Register / CHBC)	The code references state historic resources; some code relief (e.g., CHBC provisions) may be available but require coordination.	Coordinate with City Building/Planning on acceptance of California Historical Building Code provisions; consult CHBC if pursuing historic-code alternatives. (Not found in Perris text beyond ADU/CHBC references)

Plain-English Summary

Perris protects historic buildings mainly by using overlays and project-level design standards: downtown and open-space zoning encourage keeping historic features; SB 9 lot splits/housing are blocked on City‑designated or State‑listed historic parcels; ADU rules allow parking waivers for historically significant areas but otherwise follow the ADU standards. Always verify a parcel’s designation with Planning because that designation controls whether relaxed ADU parking, SB 9, or overlay requirements apply. § 19.40.050; § 19.30.020(b)(4); § 19.81.120(b)

Source References

Perris Municipal Code — CHAPTER 19.40, Downtown Design Overlay Zone District: § 19.40.010, § 19.40.020, § 19.40.050
Perris Municipal Code — CHAPTER 19.47, OS Zone: § 19.47.010, § 19.47.020
Perris Municipal Code — CHAPTER 19.59, Planned Development Overlay: § 19.59.020, § 19.59.050
Perris Municipal Code — CHAPTER 19.86, Special Housing Overlay (SHO): § 19.86.080(a)(1)
Perris Municipal Code — CHAPTER 19.30, SB 9 Housing Developments and Urban Lot Splits: § 19.30.010, § 19.30.020(b)(4), § 19.30.030–.040
Perris Municipal Code — ADU Chapter: § 19.81.030, § 19.81.040, § 19.81.060, § 19.81.120(b), § 19.81.130
Perris Municipal Code — Nonconforming uses & buildings: § 19.80.010–.040
Perris Municipal Code — Review & processing: Chapters 19.54–19.56 (Development Plan Review, hearings, findings) and § 19.38.100
California Historical Building Code (background on historic-code alternatives) — excerpt in uploaded materials (for building-code context only)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Perris Zoning Code (§ 19.38.100) Medium relevance
Perris Zoning Code (section 19.02.130.) Medium relevance
Perris Zoning Code (§ 19.86.070) Medium relevance
Perris Zoning Code (Chapter 13.04.) Medium relevance
Perris Zoning Code (Chapter 19.51) Medium relevance
Perris Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
Perris Zoning Code (§ 65915) Medium relevance
CBC § 8 (Chapter 8-2) Medium relevance
Perris Zoning Code (chapter to) Medium relevance
CFC § 4 (chapter and) Medium relevance
CBC § 4 (Section 65852.21) Medium relevance
CBC § 4 (§ 4) Medium relevance
Perris Zoning Code (§ 19.86.050) Medium relevance
Perris Zoning Code Medium relevance
Perris Zoning Code (Section 65589.5) Medium relevance
CBC § 4 (CHAPTER 19.30.) Medium relevance
Perris Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
Perris Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Perris code library

Frequently asked questions

What happens if my Perris parcel is on the State Historic Resources Inventory?

If the parcel is on the State Historic Resources Inventory (or is a City‑designated landmark), Perris’ zoning expressly prohibits SB 9 housing developments or urban lot splits on that lot; you cannot use the SB 9 pathway for lot splits or two‑unit housing in that case (§ 19.30.020(b)(4)) .

Does the Downtown (D) overlay require me to keep original architectural features?

Projects subject to the Downtown Design Overlay must be designed to “preserve the historical character” of historically significant structures; the overlay ties architectural and site design standards to the central redevelopment plan and requires compatibility findings during review (§ 19.40.050; § 19.40.040) .

Can I build an ADU on a historic property in Perris and will I need to provide parking?

ADUs are allowed on lots with historic properties but ADU approvals follow the ADU chapter’s objective standards and ministerial review if those are met (§ 19.81.040, § 19.81.060). ADU parking may be waived if the property is within an area “considered historically significant” as defined by the California Register — see § 19.81.120(b) and verify historic-area mapping with Planning.

If my historic building is nonconforming, can I repair or expand it?

Nonconforming buildings and uses may be maintained and restored, but enlargements, extensions, or restorations that increase nonconformity are limited; reconstruction after damage is limited by percentage-of-value thresholds in the nonconforming chapter (§ 19.80.010–.040). Confirm whether proposed work is “maintenance/repair” or an enlargement that requires bringing the structure into full compliance.

Will the City allow adaptive reuse of a historic building as part of a Planned Development?

Yes—Planned Development overlays can be applied and the City Council may adjust development standards to allow adaptive reuse or preservation as part of an approved PD; applicant must satisfy the PD findings and any conditions of approval (§ 19.59.030; § 19.59.050). Expect discretionary hearings and conditions.

Do Perris’ SHO rules encourage keeping historic buildings?

Yes—the Special Housing Overlay’s development criteria explicitly state that “structures that are historic … should be preserved and incorporated into development proposals,” so historic resource retention is a stated objective and will be part of project review and conditions (§ 19.86.080(a)(1))

Do I need design review if my project affects a historic resource?

Likely—development projects requiring permits are subject to the City’s processing and review provisions (chapters 19.54 and 19.56) and the Downtown Overlay and PD processes include design and architectural compatibility findings; specific review level depends on the permit type and whether the project meets objective ADU standards or requires discretionary approval (§ 19.38.100; § 19.54.010; § 19.40.050).

If my house is in an OS zone, can it be used as a museum or gallery?

Yes—the OS zone lists “museums, libraries, historical landmarks, galleries, and other areas of cultural interest” as permitted uses, so siting a museum or cultural use in an OS zone aligns with permitted uses (§ 19.47.020)

How does Perris define “historically significant area” for ADU parking waivers?

The ADU parking waiver references areas “considered historically significant as defined by the California Register of Historic Resources.” The zoning code relies on that state definition rather than creating its own mapping; verify with Planning exactly which local parcels the City treats as falling within that category for ADU parking waivers (§ 19.81.120(b)).

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