top of page

Questions About Historic Districts

Here are some common questions about the historic designation process.

(Thanks to Save Our Heritage Organisation for putting some of these FAQs together)

What is a Historic District?

A historic district means a significant concentration, linkage or continuity of sites, buildings, structures or objects which are united historically, geographically or aesthetically by plan or physical development and which have a special character, historic interest, cultural or aesthetic value, or that represent one or more architectural periods in the history and development of the City of San Diego. (Courtesy of SOHO San Diego)

What is the difference between a Historic District and an Individual Historic Designation?

Historic District:
• Is for a neighborhood with distinct boundaries
• Is based on a Period of Significance - which for Kensington is 1910 through 1955
• Resources in an Historic District can be Contributors or Non-Contributors
• Less stringent requirements than what is required for individual historic designation
• Requirements are focused on the exterior of the house and what can be seen from the street.

Individual Historic Designation:
• Stands on its own
• Has more stringent requirements
• Is for the exterior of an individual home, and rarely the interior

What is the purpose of a Historic District?

To maintain, protect and preserve the scale and basic character and salient architectural details of homes within a historical district.

A historical district is not a static museum, but rather a living, changing neighborhood. There is room for private renewal and architectural creativity, within appropriate controls and standards.

Historical designation in a neighborhood will encourage continuous research into a community's human past and culture for the benefit of future generations and protect the distinctive architecture, mature landscaping and pedestrian orientation of our historic community by denying demolition of existing older homes in order to build out-of-scale projects which overwhelm the neighborhood.

What are the benefits of residing in a historic district?

There are several benefits for maintaining and preserving one of San Diego's early communities for future generations and for 'contributing' homes.

For contributing or designated properties, application for the Mills Act can significantly reduce property taxes.

The National Trust states that properties in historically designated residential districts (both contributors and non-contributors) enjoy 10-25% higher property values when compared to similar homes outside historic districts or without historic designation.

What is a contributing home?

There are basically three categories of resources within a historic district. The first type is a 'contributing' site, i.e. one that contributes to the historic district. These homes must meet the significance characteristics of a district and must be specifically designated historic resources. These sites shall be eligible for all benefits and responsibilities of historic designation. Our research indicates more than 70% of homes in Kensington would be considered contributors. The professional consultant we have engaged agrees.

The second is called a 'potential contributing' site, one which can be restored to the original character of the design of the home. For example, a home may apply to become 'contributing' when the homeowner replaces aluminum or synthetic windows with period-appropriate wood windows.

The third type of home is a 'non-contributing' site, which is either a new home or a home that has been remodeled beyond its original design. This type of house has been substantially modified so that it no longer contributes to the historical integrity of the district. These sites are not eligible for the benefits resulting from historical designation, unless the owner subsequently restores the original historic fabric and features to make it a contributing site. In these cases, the City of San Diego Historical Resources Board (HRB) will hold a public hearing where the status of the site from non-contributing to contributing can be assessed and approved.

If I lived in a new house in a subdivision, I wouldn't have any restrictions.

That is not the case. You're always required to comply with zoning, health, safety and building codes, along with any relevant homeowner's association restrictions. Virtually all newer subdivisions and housing tracts have stringent design guidelines for paint colors, landscaping, vehicle parking and a multitude of other restrictions. Most newer neighborhoods have CC&Rs, a set of rules governing what can and cannot be done with your property. And most have homeowner's associations who can dictate what you can or cannot do. With Historic District status, you would have fewer restrictions on property alterations than many new homes.

How can it help me if I live in a Historic District?

One large benefit is the protection of keeping the neighborhood style and character, which attracted you to this area in the first place, and which would help to maintain and increase property values and attract other preservation-minded people to the community. Studies have indicated property values in historic districts can be 10%-25% higher than similar homes outside a district - even for non-contributing homes. The so-called 'Halo Effect'.

Would I have to get a permit to paint my house or to change house colors?

No.

Would I be allowed to build an addition to my house?

Yes, as long as the design is sensitive and compatible with the existing house. To reduce the impact of an addition, new construction should be concentrated on the rear (non-public) sides of the house.

Although the addition is to be compatible with the existing home, it should also be differentiated so as not to be confused with the original elements.

Would I be allowed to change the interior?

Yes, historic district status has no effect on the interior of your home.

Would the public have access to my house, once it is historic?

Never. The public's access is only what can be viewed from the public right-of-way (street or sidewalk). Any decision to otherwise showcase your home is entirely up to you.

Can I change the landscaping?

Yes, the historical designation does not include your yard.

Would the Historic District affect the zoning or density of my lot?

No, those things would still be subject to the zoning codes currently in force.

Can I install solar panels if my house is in a historic district?

Yes, but if you intend to apply for the Mills Act, the solar panels need to be unobtrusive. In particular. the panels should usually not be placed on the roof facing the front of the house.

Will becoming a Historic District lower my property taxes?

No. Becoming a historic district will not automatically result in reduced property taxes. If you are interested in applying for the Mills Act, that is a completely separate process. Each property owner must individually apply to the City for the Mills Act. But if your home is a contributor in an historic district, you do not need to first obtain individual historic designation in order to apply for the Mills Act.

What is the Mills Act?

The Mills Act, named for former California State Senator James Mills, provides for a reduction in property taxes to encourage preservation, restoration and maintenance of designated historic properties. If you have questions about how Mills Act tax reductions are calculated, please contact the Assessor's Office at www.sdarcc.com or call (858) 505-6262 .

bottom of page