The Cultural Heritage Commission is responsible for review of all exterior physical changes to designated historic landmarks and properties in historic districts, whether or not a building permit is required. This pertains to re-painting, re-stuccoing, and fences. Interior alterations are not reviewed, nor is ordinary maintenance and repair with no physical changes.
Please use the application form to describe your project. Your description should include every alteration, as well as specifications as to materials and color.
Your application shall contain the following information: (we will accept digital files)
Photograph of the subject property
Photograph of adjacent properties
Photograph of specific areas of the building to be modified
Site plan
Clear description of modification(s) proposed, with specifications of material and color
Drawing or photograph of the modification(s) proposed
Copy of catalogue depiction of modification, if available
Sample of colors proposed, from paint supplier
Environmental regulations according to the California Environmental Quality Act may also require an additional review. Depending on the scope of work, some projects can be approved adminstratively by staff, while others may require review by the Cultural Heritage Commission.
Questions? Call the Historic Preservation Office at (562) 570-6864.
The Cultural Heritage Commission is responsible for review of all exterior environmental changes to designated historic landmarks and properties in designated historic districts. Interior alterations in properties with public access as specified by ordinance may also be reviewed. Review pertains to all alterations, additions, re-habilitation, demolition or re-location, whether or not the project otherwise requires a City permit.
The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the proposed project conforms to the City's zoning and building regulations prior to Cultural Heritage Comission review. Environmental regulations according to the California Environmental Quality Act may also require additional review.
The applicant, with completed application, shall include the following packet: (we will accept digital files)
1. Photographs
Show the subject property by itself and in the context of adjacent properties.
Key photograph view on site plan.
2. Site Plan
Drawn to scale indicating the property line, building and setback dimensions.
Delineate new and existing structures.
Identify streets, North and significant landscape features.
3. Floor Plans
Scales drawings with dimensions indicating the overal plan and clearly delineating existing and new exterior walls, doors, windows, patios and stairs.
This plan can be combined with the site plan on small projects.
4. Roof Plan
5. Exterior Elevations
Scale drawings with a dimensions of all sides of the building indicating new and existing height, floor lines and finish grade.
Delineate and identify all exterior finish(es) type, texture and color.
Delineate and identify all windows and doors including type, materials and detailing.
Delineate and identify all special or historic features and details.
6. Building Section
Required in large buildings or additions for clarification.
For minor alterations or additions that are consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings, and with the Standards and Guidelines adopted by the City in the designation ordinance, the Historic Preservation Officer may approve such requests administratively.
For Major Projects
For major projects, projects that are inconsistent with the previously referenced guidelines or projects requesting demolition of a historic resource, the Certificate of Appropriateness application shall be placed on the agenda of the Cultural Heritage Commission. Applications need to be submitted at least three (3) weeks prior to the Cultural Heritage Commission Meeting, which is the third Wednesday of each month. If the application is considered complete, it will then be place on the next agenda. The Comission meeting takes place at the Main Library Meeting Room, lower level across from the Auditorim, at 8:30 A.M.
Decisions on Certificates of Appropriateness may be appealed to the Planning Commission. Action by the Planning Commission on appeal is final and cannot be further appealed to the City Council. Environmental review in compliance with CEQA requirements may also be required.
Submitting Your Application for COA
Submit the completed application with appropriate fee to:
City Hall, Historic Preservation Office 333 West Ocean Boulevard, 7th Floor Long Beach, CA 90802
Applications will be given a preliminary review by the Historic Preservation Office prior to any decision being granted.
Short Form (Minor Work)
