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1. What is a historic resource?

A historic resource is a building, structure, object, site, landscape, or a related grouping or collection of these (district) that is significant in history, architecture, archeology, engineering, or culture. The National Register of Historic Places (referred to as the National Register) is the nation's official list of buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts worthy of preservation. The California Register of Historical Resources (referred to as the California Register) is the authoritative guide to the state's significant historic and archeological resources.  

For information about historic resources within the City of San Mateo, please visit www.cityofsanmateo.org/Planning. Select Planning Resource Documents, followed by Historic Resources Information. 

2. How can a building or district be designated or deemed eligible?

Listing in the National Register provides formal recognition of a property or district’s historical, architectural, or archeological significance. Generally, properties eligible for listing in the National Register are at least 50 years old and must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Criterion A: Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history.
• Criterion B: Is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past.
• Criterion C: Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction.
• Criterion D: Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in history or prehistory (applies to archaeological resources only).

The National Register listing process typically includes submittal of a nomination to the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) for review and determination for listing by the State Historical Resources Commission (SHRC). Properties listed in the National Register are automatically listed in the California Register; however, properties may be listed in the California Register without being listed in the National Register. To be eligible for listing in the California register, a resource must be significant at the national, state, or local level and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Criterion 1: Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local or regional history or the cultural heritage of California or the United States.
• Criterion 2: Associated with the lives of persons important to local, California or national history.
• Criterion 3: Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region or method of construction or represents the work of a master or possesses high artistic values. 
• Criterion 4: Has yielded, or has the potential to yield, information important to the prehistory or history of the local area, California or the nation prehistory (applies to archaeological resources only).

 

The California Register listing process typically includes submittal of a nomination to the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) for review and determination by the SHRC.

3. What does it mean to be a designated (or listed) historic resource versus an eligible historic resource?

A property or properties can be deemed eligible for either the National Register or California Register if the applicable criteria outlined above are met. Properties can be deemed eligible for either register through an evaluation by a qualified architectural historian and can be listed with property owner consent for an individual resource, or consent from a majority of property owners for a district through the nomination process described above.

A historic resource, irrespective of whether it is eligible or listed, is subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) should it be impacted as a result of a physical change in the environment. 

4. What protections are afforded to historic resources?

Determination of eligibility or listing for the National Register or California Register results in legal protections for the property or district. For example, environmental review may be required under CEQA if a project may cause a substantial adverse change to historic resources through demolition or alteration. Also, certain state laws, such as Senate Bill (SB) 9, do not apply to historic properties or districts. The Mills Act allows property owners to pursue tax incentives for listed resources through a contract with the City to reduce property taxes in exchange for agreeing to rehabilitate their historic resource. Lastly, historic resources are subject to additional codes including the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance (Municipal Code Section 27.66), the California Historical Building Code, and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

5. How can the community become involved?

During the listing process, the state notifies affected property owners and local governments and solicits public comment. If the owner (or a majority of owners for a district nomination) objects, the property cannot be listed but would still be considered eligible. Property owner contact information must also be submitted with a nomination.

Separately, the City’s General Plan Update for 2040 includes goals, objectives, policies, and action items regarding historic resources outlined in the Community Design and Historic Resources Element. The Draft General Plan is currently published for public review and comments; with anticipated adoption hearing dates in early 2024. Please review the Draft General Plan and provide comments by visiting www.strivesanmateo.org.