FAQs
Q: I have a lot of questions about how my home will be affected by being a part of a historic district, where can I find out more official information?
A: Please click HERE and be sure to follow the pages relating to the style of your home.
Q: Will my property increase in value if it is a part of the Historic District?
A: Historic districts generally improve property values.
Q. Will the designation of a historic district raise my property taxes?
A: No. Your property taxes are not affected by designation of a historic district, but you may be eligible for a Mills Act historic property contract. See Incentives | City of Glendale. Property tax increases are limited by Prop 13.
Q: Is the process for getting permits from the City of Glendale going to be different or more difficult?
A: The filing process is the same. The difference is that on larger projects, decisions are made by the City Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) rather than the Design Review Board (DRB). Many permits can be granted over the counter just like in non-designated neighborhoods.
Q: What if I want to change the exterior of my house, am I allowed to do it?
A: Historic districts have some level of protection and oversight in order to maintain their integrity and significance, but paint color, alterations not visible from the street, interiors and routine maintenance and repair are not affected.
Historic district ordinances are not rigid, but they enable the city to deny inappropriate alteration or demolition of historic structures within district boundaries. The Historic District designation gives buyers assurance that the unique character and ambiance that attracted them to the area in the first place will endure over time, which actually creates economic value.
Q: Are Historic Districts protected from up-zoning allowed under SB9?
A: Yes, Historic Districts are specially protected from the statewide allowances embedded in CA. Senate Bill 9 (SB9), for multi-family zoning of up to four units (duplex + 1 ADU + 1 Jr. ADU) on a single-family lot.
This law went into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.
Under the law, property owners may also split (aka “Urban Lot Split”) the original single-family lot into two lots, and build another four units for a total of 8 units (2 duplexes + 2 ADUs + 2 Jr. ADUs) across the two lots.
Historic Districts are protected from these zoning changes.
Q: What if I want to install solar panels on my house, can I do that?
A: Solar panels are permitted under a state law that does not allow local governments to limit their use. It is recommended that the solar panels not be visible from the street. They will still require building permits and inspections.
Q: What if I want to demolish my house, can I do that?
A: It may be possible, but if your property is a contributor to a designated or city-identified historic district, environmental clearance may require preparation of a study to analyze its impact on the environment.
The point of having a Historic District is to prevent destruction of historic resources. Like any construction project, residents must file for demolition permits with the City of Glendale Planning office.
Q: What if I want to add an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit or “Granny flat”) to my property, can I do that?
A: Yes. For properties listed in an adopted or nominated historic district overlay zone, or any property identified as significant or potentially significant on a historic survey meeting the requirements of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1(g), any exterior changes to an existing property to create accessory dwelling units shall not be visible from the public street or sidewalk right-of-way immediately adjacent to the property and shall not alter any defining historical characteristic.
Q: Do historic district guidelines for remodeling my house include interior remodeling?
A: No. The interior of your home is not affected.
Q: Can I add to my home?
A: Yes. The historic design guidelines do not prohibit you from enlarging your home.
Q: Do historic district guidelines for my house include landscape changes?
A: In most areas of Glendale, landscaping on private property will not be a significant historic feature, unless there is a prominent, planned, and uniform planting pattern that is an identified part of the historic fabric of the district. Historic retaining walls should be preserved where they exist.
Q: Will I ever be forced to remodel?
A: No. You will never be forced to remodel your home if you are not planning on remodeling it.
Q: If I remodel, will I be forced to remodel more than I want to?
A: Only in unusual circumstances. The guidelines say that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) can ask you to remodel more than what you had intended only if the extra remodeling is reasonably related to your proposed project. Even then, the Commission must take into account the relative cost of the extra remodeling versus your original project.
For instance, if you remodel your windows, you will not be required to remodel your roof. However, if you are putting in new windows, you may be asked to put in historically accurate window frames, as well.
Q: What CAN’T I do to my house?
A: The purpose of the guidelines is to inform owners of the important features typically found in various architectural styles, and to offer solutions to common conditions that may be encountered while rehabilitating historic residential buildings. Often repairs are encouraged over replacement.
The Guidelines are not meant to dictate design solutions or stifle creative design, but structural changes visible from the public right of way must be reviewed. Review the information for the style of your home in the Guidelines (pages 29 - 132).
Q: Can I still pursue a Mills Act contract for my house if it's in a historic district?
A: Yes, local historic district contributors are eligible for Mills Act contracts. You will find useful information HERE. The City of Glendale is in the process of updating their Mills Act application and information.
Q: What if my house is not historic, or has been significantly remodeled, will it still be a part of the district?
A: Yes. Some properties within a designated historic district will be identified as non-contributing (non-historic) because they either date from outside the district's period of significance or they have been dramatically altered.
If the historic resources survey determines that your home is non-contributing, you will not be required to restore your home to its original design. If you decide to remodel, you are encouraged to make your home no less historic and to maintain the visual coherence of the district as a whole.
Q: What if I simply don’t want to be included in the Historic District, can I opt out?
A: You are free to withhold your signature, but if the neighborhood gains enough support (petition signatures) from residents, the proposal will go forward. There will be public hearings at Glendale City Council, and you will be free to voice your dissent.
Q: What if I am in favor of historic district designation, but my spouse or co-owner won't agree to it?
A: If you own the property together, your signed approval would be canceled by your spouse or
co-owner's disapproval.
Q: If I’m a renter (not a property owner), can I sign the petition(s) to support the proposed Historic District?
A: No. The city requires signatures of property owners only.
Q: How can I get more involved as a volunteer to help support this project?
A: If you are a resident within the proposed Bellehurst Historic District, please see the Contacts page and write to us with your information and interest. You may also email us directly at:
BellehurstHistoricDistrict@gmail.com
Q. Are there more FAQs provided by the City of Glendale?
A. Yes. Please click HERE for more information.