A historic district means a significant concentration, linkage or continuity of sites, buildings, structures that are united historically, geographically or aesthetically by plan or physical development and that have a special character, historic interest, cultural or aesthetic value, or that represent one or more architectural periods in the history and development of the City of San Diego. (Courtesy of SOHO San Diego)

Historic District:
• Is for a neighborhood with distinct boundaries
• Based on a Period of Significance
• Homes can be Contributors or Non-Contributors in a district
• Less stringent requirements.
• Requirements are focused on the exterior of the house and what can be seen from the street.

Individual Historic Designation:
• Stand on its own
• Has more stringent requirements
• Is for the exterior of an individual home, and rarely the interior

To maintain, protect and preserve the scale and basic character and salient architectural details of homes within a historical district.

A historical district is not a static museum, but rather a living, changing neighborhood. There is room for private renewal and architectural creativity, within appropriate controls and standards.

Historical designation in a neighborhood will encourage continuous research into a community's human past and culture for the benefit of future generations and protect our high-quality architecture, mature landscaping and pedestrian orientation of our historic community by denying demolition of existing older homes to simply build out-of-scale super-houses that overwhelm the neighborhood.

There are several benefits for maintaining and preserving one of San Diego's early communities for future generations and for 'contributing' homes.

For designated properties, the application for the Mills Act can significantly reduce property taxes.

The National Trust states that historically designated residential districts enjoy 10-25% higher property values versus similar homes without historic designation.

There are basically three categories of homes within a historic district. The first type is a 'contributing' site, i.e. one that contributes to the historic district. These homes must meet the significance characteristics of a district and must be specifically designated historic resources. These sites shall be eligible for all benefits and responsibilities of historical designation.

The second is called a 'potential contributing' site, one that can be restored to the original character of the design of the home. For example, a home may apply to become 'contributing' when the homeowner replaces aluminum windows with appropriate wood windows.

The third type of home is a 'non-contributing' site, which is either a new home or a home that has been remodeled beyond its original design. This type of house has been substantially modified so that they no longer contribute to the historical integrity of the district. These sites are not eligible for the benefits resulting from historical designation, except if the owner subsequently restores original historic fabric and features making it a contributing site. In these cases, the City of San Diego Historical Resources Board (HRB) will hold a public hearing where the status of the site from non-contributing to contributing can be assessed and approved. This type of home would not be eligible for the Mills Act, but would enjoy the benefit of being in a historic district.

That is not the case; you are always required to comply with zoning, health, safety and building codes. Also, virtually all newer subdivisions and housing tracts have stringent design guidelines for paint colors, landscaping, vehicle parking and a multitude of other restrictions. There are frequently CC&Rs, which are a set of rules governing what can be done with your property. Also frequently there are homeowner associations who may tell you what you can or cannot do. With Historic District status, you would still have far fewer restrictions on property alterations than most new homes.

One large benefit is the protection of keeping the neighborhood style and character, which attracted you to this area in the first place, and which would help to maintain and increase property values and attract other preservation-minded people to the community.

No.

Yes, as long as the design is sensitive and compatible with the existing house. To reduce the impact of an addition, new construction should be concentrated on the rear (non-public) sides of the house.

Although the addition is to be compatible with the existing home, it should also be differentiated so as not to be confused with the original elements.

Yes, historic district status has no effect on the interior of your home.

No. Your decision to showcase your home at any given time is entirely up to you.

Yes, the historical designation does not include your yard.

No, those things would still be subject to the zoning codes currently in force.

Yes, but if you intend to apply for the Mills Act, the solar panels need to be unobtrusive. In particular. the panels cannot be placed on the roof facing the front of the house.

Note that the savings on your property taxes due to the Mills Act can be comparable to the savings on your electric bill due to solar panels, so even if you lose a little bit of efficiency in your solar panels by placing them on the backside of your roof, the Mills Act savings will likely more than make up the difference.

No. Becoming a historic district will not automatically result in reduced property taxes. If you are interested in applying for the Mills Act, that is a completely separate process. Each property owner must individually apply to the City for the Mills Act.

Historical designation may provide a reduction in property taxes. San Diego is a relatively young city, but many residents are beginning to recognize one our most valuable resources - our historic sites and houses. The Mills Act, named for former California State Senator James Mills, provides for a reduction property taxes to encourage preservation, restoration and maintenance of designated historic properties. If you have questions about how Mills Act tax reductions are calculated, please contact the Assessor's Office at www.sdarcc.com or call (858) 505-6262 .