Historic Preservation Program

Alhambra Preservation Group continues to advocate for the following key elements to be adopted as part of a historic preservation program:

1. A comprehensive citywide survey and inventory, conducted by a qualified historic preservation consultant, documenting the historic, architectural and cultural resources located within the city limits. This inventory, which should be reviewed and updated regularly, should include (but not be limited to) homes, commercial or industrial buildings, schools, public buildings and churches, and should utilize the commonly-accepted 50-year threshold in determining individual buildings or districts that possess significant aesthetic, architectural, cultural or historic significance.

2. The adoption of a historic preservation ordinance that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

a. Historic Preservation Commission: The establishment of and the powers and duties bestowed upon a Historic Preservation Commission, whose members are to be appointed by the City Council and will be comprised of Alhambra electors with knowledge, background or experience in the fields of architecture, local history, historic preservation, or city planning.

b. Historic Landmarks/Districts: The ability to designate local historic landmarks and landmark districts, irrespective of owner consent.

c. Permitting and Review Process: The establishment of a municipal permitting and review process as it relates to significant alteration, removal or demolition of any designated historic resource or landmark district as well as structures under consideration for such designation.

d. An Incentives Program: The development of an incentives program designed to encourage the owners of historic properties to preserve and maintain these resources. This should, at a minimum, include Alhambra’s participation in the negotiation of Mills Act contracts with owners of qualified historic resources. Other possible incentives to be considered include waiving permit or plan check fees for historic preservation projects, waiving parking or setback requirements, and the use, where appropriate, of the California Historic Building Code.