The City of Long Beach and the Second District have many valuable historic homes and neighborhoods. The Second District takes pride in recognizing our past and uniting our neighborhoods.

What is historic preservation?

Historic preservation is the act of legally designating an item, a property (home or otherwise) or neighborhood as having historical significance. To qualify, a property or neighborhood must meet specific criteria (i.e., age, historical relevance, etc.). Historic properties and districts are protected by regulations that require the owner to maintain structure quality. Click here for information from the Historical Preservation bureau in the City’s Development Services Department.

Are there any benefits to historic preservation?

Historic homes, businesses and neighborhoods enjoy special monetary, aesthetic and cultural benefits. First, historic preservation can increase property value and property owners can receive federal tax incentives for historic preservation of income-generating buildings. Second, historic neighborhoods are protected by city and state regulations - incompatible exterior developments, alterations and additions are regulated to protect the neighborhood’s aesthetic. By comparison, non-residential historic properties enjoy more freedoms in zoning and building regulations. (Specifically, non-conforming uses of historic buildings may be permitted to allow more productive use of them). Finally, historic neighborhoods and districts build community pride because they can bring residents together and help neighborhoods resolve other issues (such as blight and crime).

Which areas and buildings in Long Beach are historic?

Click here for a map of all historic neighborhoods in the City of Long Beach.
Click here for a list of all historic homes and landmarks in Long Beach.

How can I designate my home or neighborhood as historic?

To get started, call the City’s Historic Preservation Officer at (562) 570-6864. You can also speak with the Cultural Heritage Commission. The Cultural Heritage Commission is charged with identifying and recommending historic properties and neighborhoods. The Commission meets the third Wednesday of each month at 8:30 AM in the Main Library Conference Room at 101 W. Pacific Avenue.

More resources

Click here for a list of frequently asked questions about historic preservation.

Click here for more help for the home builder.

The National Park Service provides Technical Preservation Services (TPS) newsletters, easy-to-read guides that explain how to preserve and restore historic buildings, and federal tax incentives for historic preservation. Also, the National Park Service offers grants for historic preservation of parks, buildings and historic neighborhoods.