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Nicole Hernandez
Architectural Historian
(805) 564-5536
NHernandez@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

Historic Treasures Map

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Structures of Merit

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A Structure of Merit is a historic resource designated by the Historic Landmarks Commission that deserves official recognition as having historical, architectural, archaeological, cultural, or aesthetic value.

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Eligibility Requirements

The structure, site, or feature must be 50 years of age, meet one or more of the criteria outlined below, and retain historical integrity--in location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, or association.

  • It is associated with events that have made a significant contribution in our past;
  • It is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past;
  • It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, architectural style, or method of construction, represents the work of a master, possesses 15 high artistic or historical value, or represents a significant and distinguishable collection whose individual components may lack distinction;
  • It yields, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history; or
  • Its unique location or singular physical characteristic represents a neighborhood's established and familiar visual feature.

Designation Procedure

1
Nomination

Designation begins with a nomination by the Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC), a property owner, or a member of the public. Contact the City's Architectural Historian with your request.

2
HLC Recommendation

The HLC reviews nominations at a public hearing to determine if the Significance Criteria are met.

For the full Commission hearing, the Architectural Historian prepares a Historic Significance Report recommendation on the proposal. If the HLC approves designation as a Structure of Merit, they adopt a Resolution of Designation. Should the HLC deny the designation, the decision shall become final within ten (10) calendar days unless appealed directly to the City Council.

In preparation for public hearings, staff prepares a presentation and a notice is published in the newspaper and mailed to surrounding property owners.

3
Resolution of Designation

Upon the HLC's adoption of a Resolution of Designation as a Structure of Merit, the City’s Architectural Historian shall record the Resolution of Designation in the Santa Barbara County's Office of the Recorder, and also mails a copy of the recorded resolution and Certificate of Designation to the property owner(s).