"H" - Historic Preservation Zoning
What is it?
The "H" zone consisting of either H-1 or H-2 zoning is applied to the most
important historic buildings in Monterey. The purpose of the "H" zone is to
preserve the exterior of designated buildings and in some cases to preserve building
interiors. Some examples of structures in the City with historic
zoning include:
Colton Hall, Custom House, The First Brick House, and the Cooper Molera Adobe.
"H-1" zoning is intended to identify and protect
the most important historic resources in the City, generally including properties with
statewide, national, or international historic significance where that significance would
be recognized outside of the City. The City recognizes its responsibility for
preserving these resources for a national and international public, and the H-1 zone may
be established without owner consent in order to fulfill that responsibility. The
H-1 zone includes a strong series of incentives to support and encourage preservation of
the historic resources.
"H-2" zoning is intended to identify and protect
historic resources in the City that would be recognized as resources with local historic
importance and their historic importance would not generally be recognized outside the
immediate area of the Monterey Peninsula. The City encourages the preservation of
these resources with a strong set of incentives; however, the ultimate decision to rezone
and ultimately to preserve them is left to the property owner.
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Eligibility
Any building, property or object with historic significance is eligible for
historic zoning. To qualify for historic zoning, a building must be at least
50 years old and must meet one or more criteria for designation. The
criteria which make a building eligible for designation are: historic event,
person, design or information potential.
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"H" Zoning
Benefits
Additional Land Uses:
The property owner may apply for apartment land uses in the R-1-H (single-family historic)
zone, for office uses in the R-3-H (multi-family historic) zone and for retail commercial
uses in the C-0-H (commercial office-Historic) zone.
State Historic Building Code:
The Historic Building Code allows relief from many Building Code provisions, as long as
life safety is maintained. For example, a stairway which is 6 inches too narrow would have
to be replaced for change of use in a non-historic building, but could be retained in an
"H" zoned building. The Historic Building Code also allows alternative solutions
to handicap access requirements.
Grants:
City grants are available to restore "H" designated buildings and prepare
historic preservation programs on occasion. Historic designation also allows a property
owner to apply for state and federal grants.
Permit Fees:
Tax Relief:
Owners of historic buildings in the community can reduce their property taxes through a
new program offered by the City. Please refer to the
Mills Act
Info.
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Any Restrictions?
Historic Preservation Report:
A Historic Preservation Report is a plan for maintenance of the historically important
elements of a historically zoned building and site. It also specifies the relationship
between historic elements and non-historic buildings on a site. A Historic Preservation
Report is required before major changes can be made to a designated building or features
of site. Once adopted, many improvements can be approved by staff with no delay in
processing.
Historic Permit:
A historic permit is required to make any change to a historic building site, or
designated historic interior. Staff may approve changes without a historic permit if the
improvement conforms to the adopted Historic Preservation Report.
Demolition:
Demolition of historic buildings is not allowed unless the building is a serious health
safety hazard or there are significant findings documenting the reasons for demolition.
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How to apply
The owner of an eligible building or site can begin the "H" Zoning process
by submitting an application. The Historic Preservation Commission, Planning Commission or
City Council may also initiate "H" Zoning consideration. The application will be
scheduled for public hearing before the Historic Preservation Commission. The Historic
Preservation Commission makes recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council,
who will also hold public hearings on the request.
For more details, please contact:
Kim Cole,
Senior Planner 831.646.3759
Application Form
(PDF, 2 pages)
Applications are also available in the Planning Division during normal business hours. The Planning Division is located in the first floor of Colton Hall on the corner of
Pacific and Madison Streets.
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