Santa Rosa — Historic Preservation

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Santa Rosa governs local historic preservation through Title 20 (Zoning) with a dedicated chapter, Chapter 20‑58: Historic and Cultural Preservation (range § 20‑58.010 – § 20‑58.120) and a Historic (-H) combining district in the Zoning Code (§ 20‑28.030). The City’s Design Review and Preservation Board (DRPB) and the Director/Zoning Administrator perform review and permit roles; exterior changes to designated landmarks or properties inside a Preservation District are typically subject to a Landmark Alteration Permit and to the Secretary of the Interior Standards.

Note: this page focuses only on what the Santa Rosa zoning/planning ordinance says about historic preservation (Title 20). For separate topics such as building safety standards, see the California Building Standards Code. /us/california/building-codes

Key ordinance tools & authorities (quick links)

• The City applies the Historic (-H) combining district to designated preservation districts and landmarks; uses remain those of the primary zoning district but are subject to historic‑district procedures (see § 20‑28.030.C).
• Exterior changes to landmarks and properties in preservation districts require a Landmark Alteration Permit; the rules and review levels are in § 20‑58.060.
• The Design Review and Preservation Board (DRPB) is the local preservation review body; its appointment, duties and hearing rules are in § 20‑60.060 and Chapter 20‑66 (public hearings).

(References above are to the Santa Rosa Zoning Code; see the Santa Rosa Zoning & planning overview for context.) /us/california/santa-rosa

How the Historic (-H) combining district works

• Purpose: The -H combining district is intended to recognize, preserve and enhance locally designated historic resources. § 20‑28.030.A and Chapter 20‑58 set the City’s preservation policy framework.
• Applicability: The -H applies to all parcels inside designated Preservation Districts and to individually designated landmark properties; it may be combined with any primary zoning district. § 20‑28.030.B–C.
• Uses: Any land use normally allowed in the primary zoning district may continue, but projects remain subject to the primary district’s permit requirements and the Chapter 20‑58 historic procedures (e.g., Landmark Alteration Permit). § 20‑28.030.C and § 20‑58.060.

See the City’s Santa Rosa Zoning page for primary district rules that interact with the -H combining district.

District‑by‑district breakdown (preservation districts listed in the ordinance)

The Code adopts district‑specific “character defining elements” for named Preservation Districts; these elements and general -H rules are applied when evaluating projects. For each district below I summarize ordinance-stated character traits, typical permitted uses (per the primary zone plus the -H constraints), key dimensional standards the ordinance imposes for the combining district, and where the -H applies.

All district character lists were adopted by resolution and are recorded in the combining-district subsections; see § 20‑28.030.D.1–3.

Burbank Gardens (Preservation District)

• Purpose: Preserve the neighborhood’s historic architectural patterns and landscape character. § 20‑28.030.D.1.
• Typical permitted uses: Whatever the site’s underlying base zoning allows (single‑family, multi‑family or small neighborhood commercial), subject to Landmark Alteration review for exterior changes. § 20‑28.030.C; § 20‑58.060.
• Key dimensional standards and patterns used in review: typical front setback 15 ft, typical side yard 5 ft, garages to rear, pedestrian front porches, building heights generally no more than 35 ft / two stories (the -H may be more restrictive than the primary zone). § 20‑28.030.D.3.d; § 20‑28.030.E.3.
• Where it applies: to parcels rezoned to the Historic (-H) combining district that fall within the Burbank Gardens boundaries as adopted by Council resolution. Verify parcel status with Planning staff. § 20‑28.030.B and Chapter 20‑58 (designation process).

Cherry Street (Preservation District)

• Purpose & character features: narrow, pedestrian‑scaled frontages, traditional materials and street trees; see § 20‑28.030.D.
• Uses: same as underlying zoning; exterior changes are subject to Landmark Alteration Permit rules (§ 20‑58.060).
• Standards commonly applied: 35 ft / two stories height cap typical in review; front setbacks ~15 ft; design compatibility per Secretary of the Interior Standards. § 20‑28.030.E.3; § 20‑28.030.D.3.d; § 20‑58.060.F.7.

Ridgway (Preservation District)

• Purpose: retain rhythm and scale of the Ridgway streetscape; see the combining district character elements. § 20‑28.030.D.
• Uses and standards: as above for -H (primary zoning + historic review); setbacks, massing and materials reviewed for compatibility; height generally limited to 35 ft/two stories unless the authority finds exceptional compatibility. § 20‑28.030.C; E.3.

McDonald (Preservation District)

• Purpose: conserve architectural and landscape features unique to McDonald area. § 20‑28.030.D.1.
• Uses/standards: as above; major alterations or demolition require DRPB review and possibly a Major Landmark Alteration Permit. § 20‑58.060.

Olive Park (Preservation District)

• Purpose and patterns: consistent with other districts—traditional materials, front porches, mature landscape. § 20‑28.030.D.3.
• Uses/standards: same rules for Landmark Alteration Permits and 35 ft typical height limit. § 20‑58.060; § 20‑28.030.E.3.

St. Rose (Preservation District)

• Purpose: retain historic residential patterns and neighborhood-serving facilities. § 20‑28.030.D.
• Uses/standards: subject to Landmark Alteration review; front setbacks ~15 ft and side yard ~5 ft are typical context points used by reviewers. § 20‑28.030.D.3.d; § 20‑58.060.F.

West End (Preservation District)

• Purpose/character: protect the West End streetscape, materials and setbacks; see the adopted character elements. § 20‑28.030.D.
• Uses/standards: same as other districts; the DRPB may require adherence to the Processing Review Procedures for Owners of Historic Properties. § 20‑28.030.E.1; § 20‑58.060.F.

Railroad Square (Preservation District)

• Purpose: commercial‑historic core with traditional hardscape, signage patterns and small‑scale storefronts (character elements adopted). § 20‑28.030.D.1.
• Uses: underlying commercial zoning uses remain but signage, storefront alterations and exterior materials are reviewed for compatibility; see § 20‑28.030.C and the Design Guidelines for Historic Properties.
• Standards: height and setback guidance from the -H combining district apply; pedestrian‑oriented frontage is emphasized. § 20‑28.030.E.3–4.

Note: the ordinance references the City’s Processing Review Procedures and the City’s Design Guidelines (Section 4.7) as the design guidance used in reviewing projects in these districts. § 20‑28.030.E.1 and § 20‑58.060.C.

Decision‑relevant standards — quick table

Practical guidance & how City evaluates projects

• Contributor vs non‑contributor status matters: alterations to properties identified as contributors to a Preservation District are treated more stringently; minor vs major Landmark Alteration Permit level depends on whether the parcel is a contributor and the size/visibility of the change. The Code delegates review of contributor minor changes to the Zoning Administrator, while non‑contributor changes may be directed to the Director or DRPB. § 20‑58.060.C.1–2.
• Secretary of the Interior Standards: consistency with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation is a required finding for approval of Landmark Alteration Permits and is incorporated by reference. § 20‑28.030.E.2 and § 20‑58.060.F.7.
• Processing steps: expect Concept Review by the DRPB for certain projects (see § 20‑50.040), public notice requirements for Minor and Director Level Landmark Alterations (mailing distances and notice windows are set out), and DRPB hearings for Major permits. § 20‑50.040; § 20‑58.060.D; Chapter 20‑66.
• When Design Review is also required: a combined review is possible (one application) but you must satisfy findings for both Design Review and Landmark Alteration; the City issues the combined permit(s) if approved. § 20‑58.060.D; § 20‑52.030.

For related procedural pages and standards used alongside historic review, see the City’s pages on Design Review, Overlay Districts, Development Standards, and Parking.

Checklist — what an applicant must generally satisfy before permits are issued

• Determine whether the parcel is inside a designated Preservation District or is an individually designated landmark; confirm -H status with Planning. Verify contributor/non‑contributor classification. § 20‑28.030.B–D.
• Prepare materials required by Chapter 20‑50 (application filing) and the Landmark Alteration Permit submittal checklist in § 20‑58.060 (photographs, plans, and, when required, a historic resource survey/evaluation prepared by a qualified professional).
• Demonstrate consistency with the Secretary of the Interior Standards; include a brief historical assessment and materials/specifications showing compatibility. § 20‑28.030.E.2; § 20‑58.060.F.7.
• If required, participate in Concept Review with the DRPB per § 20‑50.040 prior to Zoning Administrator action.
• Complete public notice requirements (mailing distances and notices per Chapter 20‑66) and be prepared for DRPB or Director hearings depending on permit level. § 20‑58.060.D; Chapter 20‑66.
• If proposing alterations visible from the public right of way, be prepared for a higher review level and potentially a Major Landmark Alteration Permit (DRPB hearing). § 20‑58.060.C–D.

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain‑English Summary

If your property is a City‑designated landmark or inside a Santa Rosa Preservation District (the Historic -H combining district), almost any exterior work that changes appearance will need a Landmark Alteration Permit and to meet historic‑preservation findings (including the Secretary of the Interior Standards). The underlying zoning still controls allowed uses, but design, setbacks, height (generally 35 ft / two stories), and materials are reviewed for compatibility by staff, the Director, or the Design Review and Preservation Board depending on the scope. § 20‑28.030; § 20‑58.060.

Information Gaps (what was NOT found / definitively listed in the retrieved materials)

• Complete, parcel‑specific maps with legal boundaries for each Preservation District (verify with Planning Division). Not found in retrieved materials.
• A complete, numbered list of the Landmark Alteration Permit exemptions broken down by subsection number (the ordinance contains exemptions but some cross‑references and subsection numbers were not fully visible in the retrieved snippets). Partial list shown in § 20‑58.060; review full text with Planning.
• Current fee schedule, permit processing times, and the City’s current register of designated landmarks (those are maintained administratively and are not reproduced in the zoning snippets). Verify with Planning. Not found in retrieved materials.
• Exact numerical criteria and workflow for reduced setbacks in the -H beyond the ordinance’s statement that reduced setbacks “may be applied” (detailed implementation is in the adopted Processing Review Procedures and Design Guidelines). § 20‑28.030.E.4 references this but the precise thresholds / forms are in the Processing Procedures.

Source References

• Chapter 20‑58, Historic and Cultural Preservation (Chapter header and purpose): § 20‑58.010 – § 20‑58.120.
• Historic (-H) Combining District (purpose, applicability, character elements, height & setback guidance): § 20‑28.030 (subsections C–E referenced above).
• Landmark Alteration Permit rules, exemptions and review levels: § 20‑58.060 (Major/Director/Minor permits; findings; exemptions).
• Findings for Landmark Alteration decisions (including Secretary of the Interior Standards): § 20‑58.060.F.
• DRPB authority, duties and meeting/hearing rules: § 20‑60.060 and Chapter 20‑66 (public hearings).
• Processing/Concept Review cross‑references: § 20‑50.040 (Concept Review) and Design Review § 20‑52.030.
• ADU rule cross‑reference: § 20‑42.130 (ADUs allowed subject to compliance) as noted under Landmark Alteration exemptions/list.
• Creekside / Hillside references as they interact with historic rebuilding: § 20‑30.040 and Chapter 20‑32 (Hillside Development Standards).

Retrieved passages

• Santa Rosa Zoning Code (section as) High relevance show source text
• Santa Rosa Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance show source text
• Santa Rosa Zoning Code (Chapter 20-58) High relevance show source text
• Santa Rosa Zoning Code (Chapter 20-66) High relevance show source text
• Santa Rosa Zoning Code (Chapter 20-58) High relevance show source text
• Santa Rosa Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance show source text
• Santa Rosa Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance show source text
• Santa Rosa Zoning Code (Chapter 20-32) High relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Chapter 20‑58, Historic and Cultural Preservation (Chapter header and purpose): **§ 20‑58.010 – § 20‑58.120**. (Chapter 20)
• Historic **(-H) Combining District** (purpose, applicability, character elements, height & setback guidance): **§ 20‑28.030** (subsections C–E referenced above). (§ 20)
• Landmark Alteration Permit rules, exemptions and review levels: **§ 20‑58.060** (Major/Director/Minor permits; findings; exemptions). (§ 20)
• Findings for Landmark Alteration decisions (including Secretary of the Interior Standards): **§ 20‑58.060.F**. (§ 20)
• DRPB authority, duties and meeting/hearing rules: **§ 20‑60.060** and Chapter **20‑66** (public hearings). (§ 20)
• Processing/Concept Review cross‑references: **§ 20‑50.040** (Concept Review) and Design Review **§ 20‑52.030**. (§ 20)
• ADU rule cross‑reference: **§ 20‑42.130** (ADUs allowed subject to compliance) as noted under Landmark Alteration exemptions/list. (§ 20)
• Creekside / Hillside references as they interact with historic rebuilding: **§ 20‑30.040** and **Chapter 20‑32** (Hillside Development Standards). (§ 20)
• SantaRosa_ZoningCode.md

• Official Santa Rosa code library