A historic district is a significant concentration of building, structures, or sites that are united historically and aesthetically by plan or physical development over time. It is worthy of protection for its historic and/or architectural importance. A historic district is a "zoning overlay." The "underlying" zoning does not change.

Before a district can be considered, a historic resources survey is required to determine if there are enough historic homes in a proposed district. A survey classifies homes as being “contributing” (historic) or “non-contributing” (not historic). Non-contributors typically result from either significant alterations made prior to the historic district’s designation or the fact that a property was built outside the district’s “period of significance.” This period is determined by research that accompanies the survey and includes the range of dates that captures the area’s most important period of development. At least 60% of the homes in a proposed district must be contributing.

You will not be required to do any work on your property when your property becomes a part of a historic district. Routine repairs and maintenance do not require review. No historic design review will be necessary for interior work, though permits may still be required. Properties in a historic district have the same fee structure as properties outside of historic districts. And the "underlying" zoning, including density, setbacks, height limits, parking, etc., remain the same. You will never be forced to remodel your home if you are not planning on remodeling it.

The historic district survey divides all properties into two groups: (1) contributors and (2) non-contributors.

A contributor property was built within the "period of significance" for the district and retains enough historic features to contribute to the overall character of the district.

A non-contributor property was built before or after the "period of significance," alternations and or/ additions have removed historic features, and the property no longer contributes to the area's historic character. However, a non-contributor property may still be individually eligible for the Glendale Historic Register.

Largely no. When you need to do work on your property, the permit process is similar to the process for any property in the city. Some additional exterior changes that don't require a permit are subject to review, such as front doors and character-defining features. If you live in a historic district and plan to work on your property, please contact a City planner at Planning@GlendaleCA.gov or (818) 548-2140.

No. Historic districts don't "freeze" a neighborhood in time. Building change over the course of their history. Historic review applies only to the parts of the property that are visible from the street. In a district, changes are managed by the City to make sure they don't diminish the overall historic character of the building and neighborhood.

Yes. You will need to follow the Glendale historic district design guidelines.