"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.

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.

Permit Fees:

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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
Applications are also available in the PEEC 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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