Local zoning · Pomona

Pomona — Historic Preservation

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Pomona’s Historic Preservation rules live in the Zoning & Development Code under the Historic Preservation provisions (Part 8) and the Historic Preservation Review procedures (Part 11). The regime establishes local Historic Landmarks, Historic Districts (added to the zoning map as an -H overlay), a local grading/ranking system (Grade I–IV), and a multi-tiered Certificate process (Minor / Major / Economic Hardship / Deconstruction) administered by staff, the Historic Preservation Commission, and City Council depending on the application. Key procedural and substantive controls for work, demolition, and incentives are set out in § 800 and § 1190 of the Code.

How to use this page

  • Read the district-by-district notes for where the overlay applies and what to expect administratively.
  • Use the Checklist to prepare an application (designation, Certificate of Appropriateness, Certificate of Deconstruction).
  • Verify parcel-specific base zone development standards with the Planning Division (the overlay preserves historic-review controls but usually does not replace the underlying base-zone dimensional rules). Verify with the jurisdiction.

What the Code requires (high-level rules and citations)

  • Local designation authority and criteria: the Historic Preservation Commission reviews nominations and the City Council designates Historic Landmarks, Historic Districts, and Points of Historical Interest consistent with § 800.C.2; nominations must follow the application procedures in § 1190.B.

  • Zoning map overlay: designations are recorded by adding an (-H) overlay to the parcel’s zoning district and the district appears in the second zoning bracket (examples: HPHD, WHHD, EDHD) per § 800.D.2–3.

  • Certificates required before permits: No building or demolition permit for an Historical Resource may be issued until an appropriate certificate (Minor or Major Certificate of Appropriateness, Certificate of Historic Compliance, Certificate of Deconstruction, or Certificate of Economic Hardship) is issued; see § 1190.D, § 1190.F, and § 800.C.6–9.

  • Certificate categories and review bodies: Minor Certificate decisions are staff-level (Planning/Director) and are ministerial for minor, in-kind work; Major Certificates (additions, new infill, accessory buildings that affect character, or projects that fail standards) are reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission; appeals go to City Council as described in § 1100 and § 1190.

  • Secretary of the Interior’s Standards: work should follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and local guidelines adopted by the Historic Preservation Commission; the Commission is charged to adopt design guidance consistent with Secretary standards (§ 1190.D.c, § 800.C.28).

  • Demolition review / deconstruction: structures 50 years or older proposed for demolition trigger a two-step review (eligibility determination, then Certificate of Deconstruction if eligible); no demolition permit for an Historical Resource until a Certificate of Deconstruction is issued (§ 800.C.9, § 1190.F).

  • Grading/ranking and mitigation fees: the Historic Preservation Commission adopts a Grade I–IV ranking and a mitigation/“historic significance percentage” system (Grade I = 30%, Grade II = 20%, Grade III = 10%, Grade IV = 5%) used in deconstruction mitigation calculations (Deconstruction Grading System).

  • Incentives & Mills Act: the Code establishes Mills Act processing and an Historic Rehabilitation Financing Program and ties Mills Act contracts to Secretary standards and the State Mills Act rules (§ 800.C.19–20).

  • Archaeology and confidentiality: projects affecting archaeological resources require Phase I (and if needed Phase III) studies and the city treats archaeological site information as confidential; studies must be completed as part of the Certificate application when required (§ 800.C.18, § 1190.D.e).

  • Tree and landscape protection: character-defining trees and landscaping in historic districts are protected; removals require a Minor Certificate of Appropriateness and replacement or mitigation per the Code (§ 800.C.16, § 800.C.17).

District-by-district breakdown

Note: the Code implements historic protection as an overlay (-H) added to whatever the parcel’s underlying base zone is. For specific dimensional standards (setbacks, lot coverage, height) you must check the underlying zoning module and the City’s Pomona Development Standards. The Code lists the active historic districts and the overlay abbreviations in § 800.D; the overlay does not replace base-zone permitted uses unless the Code or design guidelines say otherwise.

Below are Pomona’s named historic districts and the ordinance text that defines them. Where the ordinance does not contain district-specific dimensional tables, the page notes that and points to the base zone.

  • Hacienda Park Historic District (HPHD)

    • Purpose: to preserve the character of the Hacienda Park neighborhood and its contributing resources; listed as one of Pomona’s established historic districts in § 800.D.1.
    • Typical permitted uses: uses remain those allowed by the parcel’s underlying base zone; historic overlay requires review for alterations/demolition per § 1190.D. Verify with the Planning Division and Pomona Zoning.
    • Key dimensional standards: Not specified at the district level in the retrieved materials—apply underlying base zone standards (setbacks, height, lot coverage). Verify with Pomona Development Standards. Not found in retrieved materials for HPHD-specific dimensions.
    • Where it applies: parcels identified on the zoning map with -H and the HPHD second-bracket code per § 800.D.2–3.

  • Lincoln Park Historic District (LPHD)

    • Purpose: preserve concentrations of contributing resources identified under § 800.C historic district criteria.
    • Typical permitted uses: governed by the parcel’s base zone; alterations require a Certificate process per § 1190.D. See Pomona Land Use for base land use definitions.
    • Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials for district-specific numeric standards; apply the underlying zone. Verify with the jurisdiction. Not found in retrieved materials.
    • Where it applies: parcels with LPHD in the second zoning bracket or an -H overlay.

  • Wilton Heights Historic District (WHHD)

    • Purpose and applicability: listed in § 800.D.1; overlay represented as WHHD in the second bracket and by -H on the zoning map.
    • Uses/dimensions: underlying zone controls uses/dimensions; historic review required for work that affects character-defining features (see § 800.C.6–7).
    • Where it applies: parcels identified as WHHD/-H on the zoning map.

  • Edison Historic District (EDHD)

    • Purpose: protect historically significant development patterns and architecture; district listed in § 800.D.1.
    • Uses/dimensions: follow base zone; demolition or major work triggers Historic Preservation Commission review. See Pomona Overlay Districts for overlay mechanics.

  • Civic Center Historic District (CCHD)

    • Purpose: protect Civic Center–area historic resources and public landscapes, recorded as a district in § 800.D.1.
    • Uses/dimensions: underlying zoning applies; public realm elements (landscaping, historic trees, monuments) are explicitly treated as character-defining and require review per § 800.C.16–17.

  • Landmark Quarter Historic District (LQHD)

    • Purpose and applicability: listed in § 800.D.1; overlay abbreviation LQHD described in § 800.D.3.
    • Uses/dimensions: see base zone and local design guidelines; modifications require Certificates as specified in § 1190.D.

Practical note: if a property lies in one of these district overlays the overlay adds procedural and design-review controls, but it does not automatically change setback/height/coverage numeric limits — those remain defined by the parcel’s base zone. Always cross-check the parcel’s base zone rules in Pomona Development Standards and the zoning map in Pomona Zoning.

Decision‑relevant standards and requirements (quick table)

Decision / Requirement What it means for an applicant Code Reference
Certificate of Appropriateness required for alterations Any work on a designated resource or within an -H district needs either a Minor or Major Certificate before permits; Minor = staff; Major = HPC. § 1190.D
Demolition review for 50+ year buildings Structures 50+ years require eligibility determination; if eligible, Certificate of Deconstruction required before demolition permit. § 800.C.9 and § 1190.F
Deconstruction mitigation fees / grading Grading into Grade I–IV affects mitigation percentage (Grade I = 30%, II = 20%, III = 10%, IV = 5%). Deconstruction Grading System (part of § 800)
Mills Act eligibility & requirements Eligible properties (Landmarks, contributing structures) may enter Mills Act contracts; contracts must follow State Mills Act rules and Secretary standards. § 800.C.19 and § 800.C.19.c
Archaeological studies required Phase I (and possibly Phase III) required when projects may affect archaeological resources; reports must meet Secretary professional standards. § 800.C.18 and § 1190.D.e
Tree/landscape changes Removal of character-defining landscaping requires Minor Certificate; unpermitted removals carry higher mitigation obligations. § 800.C.16–17

Checklist

  • Determine if the property is a designated Historic Landmark, in an -H historic district, or is 50+ years old (eligibility trigger). See § 800.C.1 and § 1190.C.
  • If not designated, prepare a designation application or request an eligibility determination per § 1190.B (include owner mailing labels for districts).
  • For proposed work, classify it as Minor or Major under § 1190.D and gather required documentation (plans, historic analysis, materials).
  • If demolition is proposed and the building is 50+ years old, expect the two-step demolition review (eligibility then Certificate of Deconstruction) per § 800.C.9 / § 1190.F.
  • Include archaeological studies if property lies in potentially sensitive area (Phase I/Phase III) per § 800.C.18.
  • If seeking incentives (Mills Act, rehabilitation financing), prepare to meet Secretary standards and Mills Act contract terms per § 800.C.19–20.
  • Coordinate any tree work with the City Arborist and comply with character-defining landscape replacement/mitigation rules per § 800.C.16–17.
  • Verify base-zone development standards (setbacks, height, lot coverage) in Pomona Development Standards and conform; historic overlay does not automatically replace numerical standards unless stated.

Along the way, consult the Planning Division, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the City’s published design guidelines (the Commission adopts guidelines per § 800.C.28).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Owner objection to designation Property owners can block landmark designation unless City Council makes specific findings; designation over objection is possible but requires a high bar. Verify whether owners objected and whether City Council findings were (or must be) made per § 11100.B.8.
Underlying base-zone numeric standards The historic overlay triggers procedural and design-review controls but does not automatically change setbacks/height; assuming it does may create permit denials. Confirm the parcel’s base zone and numeric standards in Pomona Zoning and Pomona Development Standards. Not found in retrieved materials for district-specific dimensions.
Demolition liabilities and penalties Unauthorized demolition/alteration of an Historical Resource carries civil penalties, possible moratoria, and restoration orders. Check enforcement provisions and penalties in § 800 and § 11110; verify whether the property is graded Grade I–III (higher protection).
Applicability to ADUs ADU rules (state/local) interact with historic preservation—local historic constraints may limit ADU alterations if they affect character. The Code does not contain an explicit ADU + historic subsection in retrieved materials—verify with Planning and the local Pomona ADUs guidance. Not found in retrieved materials.
Archaeological confidentiality vs. public review Archaeological reports are confidential but CEQA/environmental review is public; balancing confidentiality with public CEQA documents can be delicate. Verify what archaeological details remain confidential and how CEQA documents will be handled under § 800.C.5 and CEQA rules.
Grading into a higher mitigation percentage If a resource is graded Grade I/II, mitigation for deconstruction is larger and can materially affect project economics. Confirm the resource grade in the Historic Resource Grade List maintained by the Director/HPC and mitigation percentage per Deconstruction Grading System.

Plain‑English Summary

If your building is on Pomona’s Historic Register, in one of Pomona’s named historic districts, or is 50+ years old, you must get historic review (a Certificate) before doing most exterior work or demolition. The City’s Historic Preservation Commission and staff administer Minor and Major Certificates; demolition of older buildings triggers an eligibility check and usually a Certificate of Deconstruction with mitigation. Incentives like Mills Act contracts exist but have specific standards and obligations. Always check the parcel’s underlying zone for numeric rules — the historic overlay adds review, it typically does not change basic setback/height numbers.

Source References

  • Pomona Zoning & Development Code, Part 8 — Historic Preservation: § 800 (Designations, Standards, Grading System, Mills Act, tree rules, archaeology)
  • Pomona Zoning & Development Code, Part 11 — Historic Preservation Review procedures, designations, and the Historic Preservation Commission duties: § 1190 and related designation procedures § 1190.B–F.
  • Certificate of Appropriateness procedures and Minor/Major distinctions: § 1190.D and § 800.C.6–7.
  • Deconstruction grading, mitigation percentages, and Grade I–IV categories: Deconstruction Grading System and Grade definitions in Part 8.
  • Mills Act and historic rehabilitation programs requirements: § 800.C.19–20.

Also consult these internal guidance pages while preparing an application:

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Pomona Zoning Code High relevance
  • Pomona Zoning Code High relevance
  • CBC § 21000 (Section 21000) High relevance
  • Pomona Zoning Code High relevance
  • CBC § 2024 High relevance
  • Pomona Zoning Code High relevance
  • Pomona Zoning Code (Chapter will) High relevance
  • Pomona Zoning Code High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What triggers historic review in Pomona?

If a property is a designated Local Historic Landmark or lies within a designated Local Historic District (an -H overlay), or if a structure is 50 years old or older, it triggers a historic eligibility review and likely requires a Certificate before permits; see § 800.C.1, § 800.D, and § 1190.C.

Who approves Certificates of Appropriateness?

Minor Certificates are handled by Planning staff (Director/Zoning Administrator) and are ministerial for limited work; Major Certificates, Certificates of Economic Hardship, and deconstruction/demolition decisions are decided by the Historic Preservation Commission (with appeals to the City Council) per § 1190.D and the review authority tables in § 1100.

Do I need a Certificate to replace a roof or install solar on a historic house?

Routine, like-for-like maintenance that does not change character-defining features may be treated as Minor Work and exempt from a Commission-level Certificate; the Director can deem work “minor” (examples include like-for-like reroofs and some solar) under § 800.C.6.a and § 1190.D. However, verify with staff because solar visibility or changes to historic fabric may require review.

What happens if I apply to demolish a house built in 1950?

Any proposed demolition of a building 50 years or older triggers a two-step review: an eligibility determination and, if eligible, a Certificate of Deconstruction and associated mitigation may be required before any demolition permit is issued (§ 800.C.9, § 1190.F). Expect CEQA/environmental review where applicable.

Can the City designate my property over my objection?

The Code prevents designation if the owner objects, except the City Council may designate over objection if it makes specific findings showing the public benefit outweighs private burden and the resource meets designation criteria (the Council override standard) — see the owner objection and Council override rules in § 11100.B.7–8.

How does the historic overlay affect setbacks and height on my lot?

The historic -H overlay imposes procedural and design-review controls but does not itself list numeric setback/height/coverage values in the district descriptions; use the underlying base zone numeric rules and consult Pomona Development Standards — the Code’s text indicates the overlay is added to the existing zoning bracket rather than replacing module numeric standards. Verify with the Planning Division. Not found in retrieved materials for district-specific dimensions.

What are the penalties for unauthorized demolition or alteration?

Unauthorized demolition or substantial alteration of an Historical Resource is declared a nuisance and can trigger civil penalties (including a penalty equal to half the assessed value prior to demolition in some cases), injunctive relief, restoration orders, and a temporary moratorium on development of the subject property; see enforcement provisions in § 800 and § 11110.

Can I enter a Mills Act contract for my Pomona historic property?

Yes—Designated Historic Landmarks and contributing structures are eligible for Mills Act contracts under the Code. Contracts must comply with State Mills Act rules and Secretary standards, and the City administers Mills Act processing per § 800.C.19 and related provisions.

Are archaeological studies required for work in historic districts?

If a project has the potential to affect archaeological resources, a Phase I Archaeological Assessment (and if needed a Phase III data recovery) is required; such reports must follow federal/state standards and be completed as part of the Certificate application when required (§ 800.C.18, § 1190.D.e).

How do I know what’s "character‑defining" on my property?

The Historic Preservation Commission (with staff) evaluates character-defining features during eligibility and Certificate review; the Code lists types of features (architectural details, landscaping, trees, vistas) and requires adherence to Secretary standards and local guidelines adopted by the Commission (§ 800.E definitions, § 800.C.28). If in doubt, request a formal Determination of Historic Eligibility from the Zoning Administrator/HPC per § 1190.C. ---

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