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

Historic Treasures Map

Historic Preservation Web Map
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City Landmarks

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A City Landmark is a structure, site, cultural landscape, or feature having historical, architectural, archeological, cultural, or aesthetic significance that is designated by City Council. It is the highest distinction given to a historic resource in the City of Santa Barbara. Under no circumstances is a Landmark allowed to be demolished unless there is an unforeseeable act of nature such as earthquake, fire, or other natural disaster. 

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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

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Contact Architectural Historian

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. 

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HLC Recommendation

The HLC reviews nominations at a public hearing to determine if the Significance Criteria are met. If so, the HLC recommends the City Council designate the Landmark.

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

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City Council Designation

The HLC's recommendation is sent to the City Council. If the Council decides to designate the Landmark, they must adopt a resolution for designation. The designation becomes effective with the adoption of the City Council resolution. The designation is then recorded with the County Recorder.