Is your building historic? Here’s how to find out.
Beverly Hills Historic Landmark Criteria
A landmark must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- Be at least 45 years of age, or a property of extraordinary significance
- Possess high artistic or aesthetic value, and embody the distinctive characteristics of an architectural style, type or period
- Retain substantial integrity from its period of significance
- Have continued historic value to the community
In addition, it must satisfy at least one of the following requirements:
- Listing on the National Register of Historic Places
- Be an exceptional work by a Master Architect
- Be owned and occupied by a person of great importance, and be directly connected to a momentous event in the person’s endeavors or the history of the nation.
- Be owned and occupied by a person of great local prominence
- Be an iconic property
- Have a landmark designation procedure initiated or expressly agreed to by the property owner
Download the full Guidelines for the Application of City Landmark and District Significance Criteria
Historic Resource Surveys
Every few years the City of Beverly Hills conducts a survey to identify places of social, historical, and architectural significance.
No properties will receive formal historic designation as a result of the surveys; this is a separate process subject to public notification, participation and review. For additional information, please contact Minjee Hahm, Associate Planner, via e-mail at mhahm@beverlyhills.org.
Historic Preservation Consultant List
Need an expert opinion? Here’s a list of historians, architects, and historic preservationists who can conduct a historic resources survey assessment, prepare City landmark nominations, or assist with the rehabilitation of a historic building.
Additional Resources
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards (often referred to as "SOI Standards") are the primary standards used by the City of Beverly Hills during Historic Preservation Project Review.
Download the SOI Standards for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings
Download SOI's Illustrated Guidelines for Rehabilitation & Sustainability for Historic Buildings
Additions to Historic Properties - Design Considerations Cheat Sheet
List of Master Architects
The List of Local Master Architects has been compiled by the Cultural Heritage Commission to assist in the identification and evaluation of properties throughout the city for historical significance.
Director’s Determination of Ineligibility
For property owners to have certainty relative to the historic status of their property, Beverly Hills Municipal Code Section 10-3-3204 provides a procedure whereby the Director of Community Development has the authority to determine that a property is ineligible for designation as a local landmark in the City. A property owner may also request a determination that a property would not be a contributing property to a potential historic district.
