Local zoning · Redding

Redding — Historic Preservation

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

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Redding’s local zoning code handles historic preservation primarily through Chapter 18.23 (Historic/Architectural Preservation), which implements a local register, Mills Act participation, and the city’s process for certifying historic resources; the chapter also points applicants to use the California Historical Building Code where appropriate (§ 18.23.010) . Historic status interacts with other parts of Title 18 (zoning), CEQA/Environmental Clearance, and accessory‑dwelling rules (affecting parking and demolition review) — see § 18.24.050 and the ADU provisions referenced in the code .

How Redding’s code organizes historic preservation (summary of controlling rules)

The city maintains a Local Register of Qualified and Candidate Historic Properties and the Planning Commission may add/delete entries and certify properties as “qualified” for Mills Act eligibility (§ 18.23.020, § 18.23.025, § 18.23.030) .
A property is eligible for Mills Act certification if it meets the local/state/federal register criteria or the Planning Commission’s findings; a public hearing is required except where the code explicitly exempts certain listed public properties (§ 18.23.040) .
The city manager (or designee) is delegated authority to execute Mills Act contracts; where a property sits in a redevelopment area and will be used commercially, the Redevelopment Agency must first authorize the contract (§ 18.23.060) .
Appeals of Planning Commission historic determinations go to City Council per Title 18 procedures (§ 18.23.070 and Chapter 18.11) .
Demolition permits for structures are generally ministerial unless the structure involves historic significance: issuance of demolition permits that would affect historically significant structures is treated with more scrutiny and the code treats properties on the Local Candidate Register as not automatically “historically significant” unless evidence is submitted under Council Policy 1808 (§ 18.24.050.A.7) .
The code points to the California Historical Building Code for appropriate alternative building-code treatment of qualified historic structures (Chapter 18.23 purpose) (§ 18.23.010) .

Note: this page stays focused on zoning/planning rules in Title 18; building-code (Title 24 / CHBC) procedures and construction/permitting details live elsewhere and are referenced only where the zoning code explicitly does so (see § 18.23.010) .

District-by-district breakdown (where historic preservation logic meets zoning)

Notes: Redding’s zoning uses base districts (e.g., RE‑1, RS, RM, GC) and overlays (e.g., MU, BH, SP‑1). Historic preservation is a program and register (Chapter 18.23) that applies citywide but its practical regulatory interactions vary by district because of differing development standards; below are the real district names and the code rules you must consider.

Downtown / General Commercial — GC (General Commercial) and SP‑1 Downtown Core

Purpose: GC is the city’s primary retail/commercial district; the SP‑1 Redding Downtown Specific Plan maps Downtown Core and Downtown Mixed Use to GC when the specific plan applies (§ 18.57.080) .
Typical permitted uses: retail, restaurants, offices, hotels and other commercial activities as listed in the GC use schedules (Division III). Specific‑plan rules may alter permitted uses in downtown (§ 18.57.080) .
Key dimensional standards that matter for historic sites: sign area and frontage standards (see Schedule 18.42.030‑A for maximum sign area by frontage and district, which includes GC) and base GC development standards apply unless the SP‑1 plan supersedes them (Schedule 18.42.030‑A, § 18.57.080) .
Where it applies: the zoning map and SP‑1 areas; historic buildings in downtown are handled through Chapter 18.23 for Mills Act/CHBC questions and through the SP‑1/GC rules for development compatibility (§ 18.23.010, § 18.57.080) .
Practical note: downtown historic structures eligible for Mills Act may also be eligible for CHBC application; design compatibility with adjacent downtown building forms is enforced under SP‑1 and site development requirements (see the Downtown Specific Plan reference in the code) (§ 18.57.080, § 18.23.010) .
(See Redding Zoning and the Downtown Specific Plan when preparing elevations and signage.) Link: Redding Zoning

Residential — RE‑1, RS‑2 through RS‑4, RM‑6 through RM‑30

Purpose: these are Redding’s estate, single‑family and multiple‑family residential districts (Schedules and development regs in 18.31). Historic resources in residential neighborhoods are handled via Chapter 18.23 (local register / Mills Act) and interact with residential development standards when preservation or adaptive reuse is proposed (§ 18.23.020, Schedule 18.31.030‑C) .
Typical permitted uses: housing types consistent with each district schedule; accessory uses (including ADUs) are regulated under Section 18.43 (see ADU rules) and the ADU chapter includes an explicit parking exemption when the ADU is inside an architecturally/historically significant historic district (see § 18.43.140 referenced in Schedule 18.31.030‑C and ADU text — parking exception) .
Key dimensional standards (from Schedule 18.31.030‑C): Maximum height 35 ft in RE/RS; 15 ft front setback typical for RS; minimum side yards and rear yards typically 5–15 ft depending on district and building form — consult Schedule 18.31.030‑C for exact numbers and notes (small‑lot rules, multistory transitions) (Schedule 18.31.030‑C) .
Where it applies: city residential map; development proposals that could affect a locally registered property must be reviewed with Chapter 18.23 outcomes in mind (Mills Act restrictions, CHBC applicability) (§ 18.23.030, Schedule 18.31.030‑C) .
Link: Redding Development Standards and Redding ADUs

Mixed‑Use / Overlay Districts — MU (Mixed Use), BH (Building Height Overlay)

Purpose: MU overlay allows plan‑level mixed‑use rules and can supersede base district standards; the city may require site development or use permits within MU to ensure compatibility (§ 18.54.040–050) . BH overlay allows mid‑rise/high‑rise increases downtown but requires a use permit for heights above the base district and design criteria apply (§ 18.58.010–040) .
Historic interaction: preservation obligations (Chapter 18.23) remain citywide; an historic building inside an overlay may qualify for Mills Act benefits but any massing/height changes requested under BH or MU must still respect the integrity of a listed historic resource and the Planning Commission’s review powers (§ 18.23.025, § 18.54.050, § 18.58.040) .
Where applies: overlay shown on zoning map; overlay designation appears after base zone (e.g., GC‑MU or GC‑BH) and is applied site‑specific per the zoning map and SP‑1 listings (§ 18.57.080, §§ 18.54, 18.58) .
Link: Redding Overlay Districts and Redding Design Review

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant standards & permitted uses

Topic / Decision point	Rule / Practical answer	Code Reference
Local register & who controls additions/deletions	Planning Commission maintains Local Register (candidate + qualified) and may certify properties for Mills Act eligibility	§ 18.23.025, § 18.23.030
Mills Act certification — process	Planning Commission certifies a property (public hearing required except where code exempts); city manager may sign contracts for qualified properties	§ 18.23.040, § 18.23.060
Eligibility criteria for “qualified historic property”	Nine criteria (historic event, architecture, person, visual feature, potential research value, etc.) — property must meet one or more and be supported by a qualified professional	§ 18.23.040.B (1–9)
Demolition permits & CEQA ministerial exemption	Demolition permits are ministerial EXCEPT where proposals involve historically significant structures; candidate list properties are not automatically “historically significant” unless evidence under Council Policy 1808 is provided	§ 18.24.050.A.7
ADU parking required when property is historic	ADU off‑street parking is waived if the ADU is in an “architecturally and historically significant historic district” (no extra parking required)	ADU rules; see Section 18.43.140 reference + ADU text (parking exemption)
Residential setbacks & heights that affect preservation choices	Base residential districts (e.g., RE‑1, RS, RM) specify front setbacks (e.g., 25 ft for RE‑1; 15 ft common for many RS/RM), heights (35 ft RE/RS; 45–50 ft for some RM) — consult Schedule 18.31.030‑C	Schedule 18.31.030‑C (development regs)

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy for a preservation/Mills‑Act / historic review

Identify whether the property is on a federal/state/city register or the City of Redding Local Register (candidate or qualified). See § 18.23.020 .
If seeking Mills Act benefits: prepare a Mills Act application packet with plans, property descriptions, and qualified‑professional documentation; pay fees and file with Development Services (§ 18.23.050) .
Prepare for a Planning Commission hearing (public hearing required for certification unless exempt) — follow Chapter 18.11 hearing notice rules (§ 18.23.040, Chapter 18.11) .
If demolition is involved: demonstrate historic significance or compliance with Council Policy 1808 if claiming candidate‑list significance; verify whether the project is ministerial or requires environmental review (§ 18.24.050.A.7) .
If alterations require deviations from development standards (setbacks, parking, height), evaluate whether a zoning exception, variance, or site development/use permit is necessary and prepare the required findings/materials (Chapters 18.15, 18.16, 18.13) .
If claiming CHBC treatment, document why the building is a “qualified historical building” and be prepared to apply the CHBC provisions (per § 18.23.010) .
For ADUs on historic lots: include ADU plans and note the ADU parking exemption if in a historic district; coordinate any garage demolition with the ADU permit (concurrent review) (ADU rules / § 18.43.140 reference) .
Verify any overlay (e.g., SP‑1, MU, BH) additional design rules and get required site development/design approvals (§ 18.57.080, § 18.54.050, § 18.58.050) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Candidate vs. Qualified status	Candidate list does not automatically make a property “historically significant” for demolition/CEQA; misclassification can cause unexpected environmental review or permit delays	Confirm whether the Planning Commission has certified the property as qualified (Mills Act) or if evidence per Council Policy 1808 has been submitted (§ 18.23.030, § 18.24.050.A.7)
Concurrent ADU + garage demolition	State ADU rules and local code expect the demolition of a detached garage replaced by an ADU to be reviewed concurrently; failing to coordinate can delay permits	Require concurrent submission and confirm whether the property lies in an “architecturally and historically significant historic district” (ADU parking exception) (ADU text; see § 18.43.140 reference)
Overlay vs. Chapter 18.23 requirements	Overlays (MU, BH, SP‑1) can impose design/height variances that may conflict with preservation goals or the CHBC approach	Verify which controls: specific plan/overlay rules or base district; consult § 18.57.080, § 18.54.050, § 18.58.050 and cross‑check with Chapter 18.23 determinations
Use of California Historical Building Code (CHBC)	The CHBC only applies to “qualified historical buildings”; improper CHBC reliance can cause building permit rejection	Confirm local historic designation and prepare CHBC justification; the code references CHBC applicability in the Chapter 18.23 purpose (§ 18.23.010) and CHBC explains “qualified” definitions
Mills Act contract effects on redevelopment financing	A proposed Mills Act contract for a redevelopment‑area property used commercially may be blocked by the Redding Redevelopment Agency	If in a redevelopment area, the city manager must seek Agency authorization before executing a Mills Act contract (§ 18.23.060.B)

Plain-English Summary

Redding’s zoning code manages historic preservation through a local register and a Mills Act program administered by the Planning Commission and Development Services; being “on the register” triggers special steps (public hearings, Mills Act application, possible use of the California Historical Building Code) and affects demolition, ADU parking rules, and certain zoning exceptions — see Chapter 18.23 and the CEQA/demolition rules in § 18.24.050 for the controlling steps and appeals procedures (§ 18.23.010–070, § 18.24.050) .

Source References

Redding Municipal Code, Title 18 — Zoning: Chapter 18.23 Historic/Architectural Preservation (purpose, definitions, register, Mills Act procedures) — § 18.23.010–070
Redding Municipal Code, Title 18 — Environmental Clearance: Ministerial projects / demolition permit exemption — § 18.24.050.A.7
Redding Municipal Code, Title 18 — Residential development regulations & ADU pointer: Schedule 18.31.030‑C and ADU reference Section 18.43.140 (ADU parking exemption language)
Redding Municipal Code, Title 18 — Specific Plans & Overlays: § 18.57.080 (SP‑1 downtown mapping), § 18.54 (MU), § 18.58 (BH overlay)
California Historical Building Code (overview/definitions referenced by Redding Chapter 18.23) — CHBC text as cited by the local code (see § 18.23.010)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Redding Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Redding Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
CBC § 1 (Chapter 18.23) High relevance
Redding Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
Redding Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Redding Zoning Code (Chapter 18.90) High relevance
Redding Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
CMC § 622 Medium relevance
Redding Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Redding Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Redding Zoning Code (Section 18.31.050) Medium relevance
Redding Zoning Code (Chapter 18.41) Medium relevance
Redding Zoning Code (Chapter 18.48) Medium relevance
Redding Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Redding Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
CBC § 2 (§ 2) Medium relevance
Redding Zoning Code (Section 18.11.090) Medium relevance
Redding Zoning Code (§ 65915) Medium relevance
Redding Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
Redding Zoning Code Medium relevance
Redding Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
CBC § 18955 (Section 18955) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Redding code library

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean for a property to be on Redding’s Local Register of Qualified Historic Properties?

Being on the Local Register means the property is recognized locally as historically/architecturally significant and may be eligible for Mills Act tax‑incentive contracts; the Planning Commission maintains the register and can certify candidate properties as “qualified” after review (public hearing required in most cases) — see § 18.23.025, § 18.23.030–040 .

How do I apply for a Mills Act contract in Redding?

File a Mills Act application with Development Services including plans, property descriptions, and documentation from a qualified professional; pay the fee set by council resolution; the Planning Commission reviews certification and the city manager executes contracts for qualified properties (§ 18.23.050–060) .

If my house is on the candidate list, can I be denied a demolition permit?

Not automatically — demolition permits that would affect historically significant structures require more scrutiny, but properties on the Local Candidate Register are not automatically treated as historically significant for ministerial demolition exemptions unless sufficient evidence is submitted under Council Policy 1808; see § 18.24.050.A.7 and verify with the Director/Development Services before demolition .

Do historic‑district locations change ADU parking requirements in Redding?

Yes — the local ADU rules waive additional off‑street parking for ADUs located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district (and other circumstances) — see the ADU provisions referred to in Schedule 18.31.030‑C and ADU text for the parking exemption (see Section 18.43.140 reference) .

Can the California Historical Building Code (CHBC) be used for repairs to my Redding historic house?

Yes, if your building is a “qualified historical building” (locally designated or on state/federal registers); Chapter 18.23 explicitly identifies CHBC application as a purpose and the CHBC contains the definitions and procedures for applying alternate code provisions (§ 18.23.010) .

Will a Mills Act contract prevent me from changing my building at all?

A Mills Act contract includes maintenance and preservation obligations (the Planning Commission recommends contract improvement/maintenance requirements); significant alterations that would violate the contract or jeopardize the resource’s historic character are not allowed — Planning Commission conditions are appealable to City Council (§ 18.23.040–070) .

Where does Redding expect applicants to look for district‑specific setback and height numbers when planning work on a historic property?

The applicable development standards are in the district schedules (for residences, see Schedule 18.31.030‑C for RE/RS/RM setbacks and heights) and overlay or specific plan chapters where relevant (SP‑1 downtown, MU/BH overlays). Historic status does not change base setbacks unless a zoning exception or variance is approved — see Schedule 18.31.030‑C and Chapters 18.54/18.58 for overlays (Schedule 18.31.030‑C, § 18.54.050, § 18.58.040) .

Do I need design review for exterior changes to a locally listed historic building in Redding?

Possibly — design review or site development permits are controlled by the approving body per the district and overlay rules; historic status is administratively managed by Chapter 18.23 and design compatibility may also be required by the Downtown Specific Plan or overlay rules (check § 18.23.025, § 18.57.080, and the applicable design‑review/ BAR/Site Development chapters) . Link: Redding Design Review

If my property is in a redevelopment area, can I still enter a Mills Act contract?

Maybe — the city manager must obtain authorization from the Redding Redevelopment Agency before entering a Mills Act contract for a property in a redevelopment area used for commercial purposes; the Agency can prohibit a contract if it finds conflicts with agency financing (§ 18.23.060.B) .

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