Local zoning · Santa Clarita

Santa Clarita — Historic Preservation

Q: What does Santa Clarita consider a “historic resource”?

A property may be designated by the Commission as a historic resource if it retains character‑defining features and meets at least one criterion (association with significant events or persons, architectural distinction, unique location/landscape, or potential to yield historic information). See § 17.64.030 .

Q: If I want to add an ADU to a historic house, what rules apply?

Chapter 17.64 doesn’t list a separate ADU rule; the local historic review and the City’s ADU ordinance (and state ADU law) both apply. The City allows use of the California Historic Building Code as an incentive ( § 17.64.150 ), but ADU–historic property interactions can be constrained by state ADU provisions—check both the City’s ADU rules and state guidance. Verify with the jurisdiction and see the ADU guidance file for state context. Not found as a unique local ADU‑historic exception in the retrieved materials.

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Santa Clarita’s historic preservation rules are codified in Title 17, Chapter 17.64 (Historic Preservation). The chapter creates an owner-initiated designation process, requires a minor use permit for most renovations, relocations, or demolitions of designated resources, sets findings for approval, and offers incentives (including Mills Act eligibility and use of the California Historic Building Code). See the City’s zoning rules for how these requirements interact with the City’s zones and overlays. § 17.64 establishes the baseline procedural and substantive controls that apply to any property the City designates as a historic resource.

How this page links to related Santa Clarita topics

This page mentions and links to related local topics where they are most relevant: parking, development standards, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, California Building Standards Code, and signage. Use those pages when the historic-preservation review touches their topics (for example, when a proposed alteration changes parking or signs).

Core local rules (plain-English + code citations)

Designation: Owners initiate nomination; the Director schedules a public hearing before the Planning Commission within 60 days. Designation criteria require character-defining features and at least one significance criterion (association with events/people, architectural style, unique location, or potential to yield information). See § 17.64.020 and § 17.64.030.
Permit triggers: A minor use permit is required for renovation or alteration of a designated historic resource except for the limited actions the Director may exempt. See § 17.64.040 and § 17.64.070.
Review authorities & findings: The Director may approve, modify, refer to the Commission, or deny; Council reviews relocation/demolition after a Commission recommendation. Renovation approvals must show the work “will not adversely affect” historic features and is compatible in style, scale, materials, etc. See § 17.64.050, § 17.64.060, § 17.64.090, and § 17.64.100.
Penalty for unauthorized demolition: If a historic resource is demolished without the required minor use permit, no building or construction-related permits may be issued for up to five years. § 17.64.110.
Incentives: Owners may apply for use of the California Historic Building Code, Mills Act contracts, fee waivers for entitlement review, technical assistance, priority processing, and (when funded) a City historic structure grant. § 17.64.150.
State/county-owned property: Chapter 17.64 does not apply to properties owned by Los Angeles County or the State, except owners may nominate structures on such property but designation will apply only to the structure not the land. § 17.64.140.

District-by-district (how historic preservation interacts with specific Santa Clarita zones)

Chapter 17.64 applies to designated historic resources citywide, but the practical review context and development standards come from the underlying zoning district. Below are the most decision-relevant districts in Santa Clarita with their purpose, typical uses, key dimensional standards, and where they appear (citations to the district code are included so you can check parcel-level rules).

Note: historic designation and the Chapter 17.64 review apply regardless of zone; these district subsections summarize the underlying zone rules that the historic-review process will reference when evaluating compatibility, setbacks, heights, parking, and other development standards.

NU4 (Non‑Urban 4)

Purpose: Maintain/expand rural communities with large lots (generally 2 acres+), agricultural / equestrian uses. See § 17.32.040.
Typical permitted uses: Single-family at ~0.5 du/acre, agricultural, equestrian, private recreation, limited local commercial in activity areas. § 17.32.040.
Key dimensional standards: Minimum net lot area 2 acres, front setback 20 ft, side setbacks 5/5 ft, max main-structure height 35 ft (without CUP). § 17.32.040.
Where it applies: Rural parts of the planning area; use the zoning map. When a designated historic building sits in NU4, renovations will be judged against these development standards in addition to the historic-review findings. § 17.32.040.

NU5 (Non‑Urban 5)

Purpose & uses: Similar rural purpose with larger minimum lot (1 du/acre), agricultural and residential uses. § 17.32.050 and § 17.32 series.
Key standards: Minimum lot 43,560 sq ft, front setback 20 ft, side 5/5 ft, max height 35 ft. § 17.32.050.

UR1 (Urban Residential 1)

Purpose: Low‑density urban neighborhoods (transition areas); single‑family uses. § 17.33.010.
Key standards: Max density 2 du/acre, minimum lot 20,000 sq ft, front setback 20 ft, side 5/5 ft, max height 35 ft. § 17.33.010.

UR2 (Urban Residential 2)

Purpose & uses: Typical single‑family neighborhoods (up to 5 du/acre). § 17.33.020.
Key standards: Minimum lot 5,000 sq ft, front setback 20 ft, side 5/5 ft, accessory structure height limits 20 ft in some subzones. § 17.33.020.

CN (Neighborhood Commercial)

Purpose: Small neighborhood-serving commercial districts where mixed uses, local shops, and some multi-family are allowed. § 17.34.020.
Key standards: Max FAR non-residential 0.5, max lot coverage 75%, max structure height 35 ft, setbacks from residential property lines 25 ft. § 17.34.020.

CR (Regional Commercial)

Purpose: Large regional commercial centers (Valencia Town Center areas) with entertainment/retail uses; multi‑family may be allowed. § 17.34.030.
Key standards: Max FAR 2.0, max lot coverage 90%, max height 35 ft (without CUP). § 17.34.030.

BP (Business Park) and I (Industrial)

Purpose & uses: Employment / mixed‑employment campuses and industrial uses; design and buffering standards apply. § 17.34.040 (BP) and § 17.34.050 (I).
Key standards: Typical FAR 2.0, setback from right-of-way 10 ft, max height 35 ft (without CUP), setbacks from residential 25 ft. § 17.34.040.

Happy Valley Special Standards District

Purpose: Preserve rustic ranch character and historic neighborhood traits in the Happy Valley area (special standards apply across zones inside the district). § 17.39.010.
Why it matters for historic resources: The special standards require design guidelines and oak-tree preservation that will factor into any historic renovation review. § 17.39.010.

Ridgeline Preservation Overlay (RP)

Purpose: Protect significant ridgelines; RP overlay imposes additional restrictions and a ridgeline alteration permit for manmade features within the overlay area. The overlay is referenced throughout development‑activity rules and is implemented via the Ridgeline Preservation Overlay provisions. See the RP references in the code and cross-references to § 17.38.070 (Ridgeline Preservation Overlay Zone) and hillside development rules.

Decision-relevant standards (quick table)

Topic	Requirement (plain English)	Code Reference
What designations require review?	Owner‑initiated designation possible; Commission finds resource meets at least one significance criterion.	§ 17.64.020, § 17.64.030
Renovation/alteration permit	Minor use permit required for renovations except listed exemptions.	§ 17.64.040, § 17.64.070
Findings for approval (renovation)	Must not adversely affect significant features; must be consistent with style and compatible in scale/materials.	§ 17.64.060
Relocation/Demolition	Minor use permit required; Commission and Council hearings; Council makes specific findings before relocation/demolition may be approved.	§ 17.64.080, § 17.64.090, § 17.64.100
Penalty for unauthorized demolition	Up to 5‑year building/construction permit moratorium on that property.	§ 17.64.110
Incentives	California Historic Building Code use, Mills Act contracts, fee waiver for historic renovation reviews, technical assistance, streamlined permitting, and possible City grants.	§ 17.64.150
Sign / historic sign designation	Historic sign designation process and findings (sign rules still follow the underlying zone unless modified).	§ 17.24.110 (Administrative Sign Variance & Historic Sign)

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy for a renovation/relocation/demolition of a designated historic resource)

Confirm whether the property is a City-designated historic resource (owner nomination records and Commission resolutions). § 17.64.020, § 17.64.030.
Prepare and submit a complete minor use permit application for renovation/alteration, or for relocation/demolition (relocation/demolition requires additional public hearings before Commission and City Council). § 17.64.040, § 17.64.080, § 17.24.120.
Provide documentation demonstrating the work “will not adversely affect” character‑defining historic features — include photos, elevations, material samples, and a preservation specialist report if relevant. § 17.64.060.
If proposing relocation or demolition, obtain a report by an expert in historic preservation/building relocation to support required Council findings. § 17.64.100.
Comply with applicable underlying zone development standards (setbacks, height, parking) and overlay requirements (e.g., RP). Check the zone’s chapter (UR, NU, CN, CR, BP, I) for dimensional standards. See development standards and specific zone §§ such as § 17.33.010, § 17.32.040, § 17.34.020.
Expect public noticing and hearings per Type I/II notice rules; no entitlement fee for historic renovation/relocation/demolition reviews. § 17.06.100, § 17.06.110, § 17.64.040, § 17.64.080.
If pursuing tax incentives, evaluate Mills Act eligibility and procedure with the City. § 17.64.150.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Whether a property is already designated	Designation triggers the minor use permit requirements and penalties for unpermitted demolition.	Confirm designation status with the Community Development Department and review Commission resolutions and § 17.64.020. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Whether a proposed change is exempt from a permit	The Director may exempt routine maintenance items; ambiguity may cause rework or enforcement risk.	Ask the Director for a written determination referencing § 17.64.070. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Interaction with ADU rules	State ADU law limits certain local standards; ADUs on historic properties raise special state/local interactions.	Local code doesn’t list ADU‑specific historic rules—check state ADU law and local ADU ordinance and consult the City. See ADU guidance and § 17.64.150 for Historic Building Code incentives. Not found in retrieved materials for an explicit local ADU‑historic rule; see ADU materials.
Parcels in overlays (e.g., RP)	Overlay rules can add permits or change allowable locations of structures (ridgeline and hillside protections create additional constraints on siting).	Confirm overlays on the parcel via zoning map, and apply Ridgeline/Hillside rules (see § 17.38.070 references and § 17.51.020). Verify with the jurisdiction.
Use of California Historic Building Code	The City allows election of the California Historic Building Code but only if the building official finds it safe and Secretary of the Interior’s Standards apply.	Coordinate early with Building Official and the Director; see § 17.64.150 for the City’s incentive rule. Verify with Building Official and confirm applicability.

Plain-English Summary

If your building is designated a historic resource in Santa Clarita, you generally must get a minor use permit before you alter, move, or demolish it; routine maintenance is usually exempt, and the City will evaluate whether your work preserves the property’s historic features. The relevant local rules are in Chapter 17.64 of Title 17; approvals, hearings, and incentives (including Mills Act and use of the California Historic Building Code) are spelled out there.

Source References

Title 17, Chapter 17.64 — Historic Preservation (purpose, designation, permits, findings, exemptions, penalties, incentives): § 17.64.010 – § 17.64.150.
Minor Use Permit procedures and classification references: § 17.24.120 (Minor Use Permit) and public noticing rules § 17.06.100–17.06.110.
Historic sign / administrative sign variance rules: § 17.24.110.
UR and NU residential zone standards: § 17.33.010 (UR1), § 17.33.020 (UR2), § 17.32.040 (NU4), § 17.32.050 (NU5).
Commercial/industrial zone standards: § 17.34.020 (CN), § 17.34.030 (CR), § 17.34.040 (BP), § 17.34.050 (I).
Happy Valley Special Standards District: § 17.39.010.
Ridgeline/Hillside references: Ridgeline Preservation Overlay references and Hillside standards (see cross-references to § 17.38.070 and § 17.51.020).
Local ADU / state ADU interaction guidance (uploaded handbook): 2025 California ADU handbook (uploaded), for state ADU law context referenced by local code incentives/limits.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
CBC § 4 (§ 4) High relevance
CBC § 4 (§ 4) High relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
CBC § 17.64.120 (§ 17.64.120.) High relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 65915) Medium relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code (Chapter 17.49.) Medium relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code Medium relevance
Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Santa Clarita code library

Frequently asked questions

What does Santa Clarita consider a “historic resource”?

A property may be designated by the Commission as a historic resource if it retains character‑defining features and meets at least one criterion (association with significant events or persons, architectural distinction, unique location/landscape, or potential to yield historic information). See § 17.64.030.

Do I need a permit to repaint or replace a roof on a designated historic house?

The Director may exempt routine maintenance and minor repairs, including exterior painting and replacement of roofing materials with the same type, from the minor use permit requirement; request an exemption determination from the Director under § 17.64.070.

If I want to add an ADU to a historic house, what rules apply?

Chapter 17.64 doesn’t list a separate ADU rule; the local historic review and the City’s ADU ordinance (and state ADU law) both apply. The City allows use of the California Historic Building Code as an incentive (§ 17.64.150), but ADU–historic property interactions can be constrained by state ADU provisions—check both the City’s ADU rules and state guidance. Verify with the jurisdiction and see the ADU guidance file for state context. Not found as a unique local ADU‑historic exception in the retrieved materials.

What findings must the City make to approve a renovation to a historic resource?

The Director (or approving authority) must find the proposed renovation will not adversely affect significant historic features, is consistent with the building’s architectural style, and that scale, materials, detailing and fenestration are compatible with the period and adjacent structures. § 17.64.060.

Can the City require me to move a designated historic building instead of demolishing it?

Yes. The Council may direct relocation (to a site within the City) where it finds relocation preserves integrity and meets certain General Plan consistency or redevelopment findings; if relocation is infeasible and demolition is the only alternative, Council may direct the Building Official to issue a demolition permit after appropriate review. § 17.64.100.

What happens if someone demolishes a designated historic resource without permission?

If demolition occurs without the required minor use permit, the City can withhold building and construction‑related permits and use of the property for up to five years. § 17.64.110.

Can a sign be designated as historic or get a sign variance because it’s historic?

Yes—Santa Clarita has an administrative process to designate a sign as historic or grant an administrative sign variance; the historic sign designation counts toward allowable sign area and requires findings including that the sign reflects historical character. See § 17.24.110.

Are there fee waivers or incentives for owners of designated historic resources?

Yes. The City waives entitlement fees for historic renovation/alteration reviews, offers technical assistance, priority entitlement review, possible City grants, Mills Act tax relief process, and the option to use the California Historic Building Code when appropriate. § 17.64.150.

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