Los Angeles County announced that the county’s first historic preservation ordinance is now official. The board of supervisors approved the ordinance on Jan. 27 and it became effective on Oct. 1.
“Our cultural and historic resources define the character of our communities across Los Angeles County. This ordinance will enable the county to protect irreplaceable treasures for future generations while balancing the needs of today’s residents and property owners,” said Stephen J. Sass, chair of the Historical Landmarks and Records Commission. “We applaud the board of supervisors and the Regional Planning Commission for their actions and Dept. of Regional Planning’s hard work in creating this important process and their commitment to historic preservation.”
The Historic Preservation Ordinance will enable the board of supervisors, after a public hearing before the Historical Landmarks and Records Commission, to designate landmarks and historic districts in the unincorporated communities of the county.
“This is a win-win-win situation for history fans like myself, for homeowners looking for tax breaks, and for real estate agents looking for selling points for homes,” said Mike Lawler, former president of the Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley. “Obviously, for the Historical Society of the
Crescenta Valley this ordinance will help to remind CV residents of the rich historical environment they live in. As well, homeowners who live in designated historic homes can find themselves enjoying massive property tax breaks via the Mills Act that can come with landmarking. And lastly, as we’ve seen in Glendale, historic properties often have the ‘wow’ factor that real estate agents are looking for to make a sale. This will be good for our community.”
Questions regarding potential nominations can be directed to the Dept. of Regional Planning. Nomination forms and instructions are available on the Dept. of Regional Planning website at http://planning.lacounty.gov/apps or by calling (213) 974-6411.
“The Historic Preservation Ordinance is another important policy tool we can use to improve the quality of life in our communities,” Planning Director Richard Bruckner said. “Historic preservation does more than just save old buildings. It recognizes that our built history connects us with our past, enhances our sense of community, conserves resources, and fosters economic growth and job creation.”