The ordinance codified in this article shall be known as the "Placer County Cultural Resources Preservation Ordinance."
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020)
The board of supervisors finds that the protection, enhancement, perpetuation, and use of structures and districts of historic, archaeological, tribal, architectural and/or engineering importance (collectively, "cultural resources"), located within the county are of cultural and aesthetic benefit to its communities. It is further found that respect for and understanding of the heritage of the county will enhance the economic, cultural, and aesthetic standing of the county. The purpose of this article is to promote the general welfare of the public through one or more of the following:
A.
The protection and enhancement of cultural resources: (1) that represent past eras, events, and persons important in prehistory or history; (2) that provide significant examples of architectural styles of the past or are landmarks in the history of architecture; (3) that are unique and irreplaceable assets to the county and its communities; or (4) that provide for this and future generations examples of the physical surroundings in which past generations lived;
B.
The development and maintenance of complementary settings and environment for cultural resources;
C.
The preservation and encouragement of the county's varied architectural styles, reflecting the cultural, social, economic, political, and architectural phases of its history;
D.
The enhancement of property values, the stabilization of communities and areas of the county, the increase of economic and financial benefits to the county and its inhabitants, and the promotion of the tourist trade and interest;
E.
Where feasible, the integration of the preservation of cultural resources into public and private land use management and development processes;
F.
The educational and cultural enrichment of this and future generations by fostering knowledge of our heritage;
G.
The promotion and encouragement of continued private ownership and utilization of historic buildings and structures so the objectives listed above can be attained under this policy;
H.
The identification, and resolution of conflicts between the preservation of cultural resources and alternative land uses, as early as possible in the planning process;
I.
The promotion of public awareness of the benefits of preservation and the encouragement of public participation in identifying and preserving cultural resources, thereby increasing community pride in the county's cultural heritage; and/or
J.
The establishment of a basis for coordinating the goal of the preservation of cultural resources, with the need to set and implement standards for other elements of the county's plans, policies, and programs.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020)
A.
There is established an advisory board in the county known as the Placer County historical advisory board (HAB), which was provided for by the county board of supervisors through Resolutions #83-104 and #86-499. These resolutions created the HAB to advise and make recommendations to the board of supervisors regarding: (1) the operation of the Placer County Museum and its related sites; and (2) all matters related to historic, prehistoric, archival, and museum planning and policy matters.
B.
To the extent such individuals are available in the community, the members of the HAB shall include persons who have demonstrated special interest, competence, experience, or knowledge in history, prehistoric and/or historic archaeology, architecture, architectural history, historic preservation, American Studies, folklore, cultural anthropology, ethnography, cultural geography, curation, conservation, landscape architecture, or other preservation-related disciplines.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020)
The HAB shall act in an advisory capacity to the board of supervisors, the department of general services/museums division, and the Placer County planning commission in all matters relating to the identification, protection, retention and preservation of historical resources within the county and duties shall include the following, when applicable and at the discretion of the HAB:
A.
Review and recommend cultural resources for placement in the county's official register of cultural and historic resources (designated as the "official register"), including historic districts, landmark sites, and landmarks within the county including all information required for each designation as specified in Section 15.60.080(C).
B.
Recommend to the board of supervisors: (1) the purchase of interests in property, including less than fee interests; (2) the transfer of development rights; (3) the holding of easements, or other mechanisms, for the purpose of cultural or historic preservation.
C.
Participate in, promote, and conduct public information, educational, and interpretive programs pertaining to cultural or historic resources preservation.
D.
Review and comment on applications submitted to the State Historical Resources Commission to designate a cultural resources in the county on the National Register of Historic Places, California Register of Historical Resources, California Historical Landmarks, and/or California Points of Historical Interest, and provide comments to the State Historical Resources Commission on whether each property meets the criteria for the various programs.
E.
Advise and make recommendations to the board of supervisors on how it can best promote the preservation of cultural resources of the county.
F.
Advise and make recommendations to the board of supervisors on the formulation, implementation, and review of all programs, policies, procedures, services, facilities, and other matters relating to the preservation of the cultural resources of the county, including matters subject to review pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the provisions of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, when applicable.
G.
Encourage recognition of the owners of landmarks or property or structures within historic districts by means of certificates, plaques, or markers, and, from time to time, issue commendations to owners of cultural resources who have rehabilitated their property in an exemplary manner.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020; Ord. 6336-B, 8/19/2025)
The following responsibilities and duties shall be carried out by the county museums administrator or other authorized and qualified designee identified by the director of the department of general services:
A.
At the direction of the board of supervisors, perform, supervise, or review the preparation of cultural resource surveys in the county. Review, update, and/or distribute the Historical, Architectural, and Archaeological Resources of Placer County, California, an inventory of cultural resources in the unincorporated areas of the county, in conformance with state standards and in accordance with confidentiality restrictions in Sections 6254(r) and 6254.10 of the California Government Code, as may be authorized by the board of supervisors;
B.
Cooperate with and assist federal, state, and local government entities in the pursuit of cultural and historic preservation objectives of the county;
C.
Participate in county-wide open space planning efforts as they relate to the protection and/or preservation of cultural resources;
D.
Advise and assist property owners, on request, on the restoration, rehabilitation, alteration, decoration, landscaping, or maintenance of any cultural resource. If requested, negotiate with property owners who propose to extensively remodel, demolish or relocate designated landmarks and/or significant properties in designated districts, in an effort to find a means of preserving the properties;
E.
Encourage and render advice and guidance to property owners or occupants on procedures for inclusion of a cultural resource on the county's official register, National Register of Historic Places, California Register of Historical Resources, California Historical Landmarks, California Points of Historical Interest, or any other state or local historic listing that may be appropriate;
F.
Upon request, investigate and report to the board of supervisors on the use of various federal, state, and local or private funding sources and mechanisms available to promote cultural resource preservation in the county;
G.
Review and comment on the decisions and documents (including environmental assessments, initial studies, environmental impact reports, environmental impact statements, development applications, building permits and other similar documents) of the county and other public agencies when such decisions or documents may affect cultural resources within the county, using as guidelines the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Archaeology and Historic Preservation;
H.
Cooperate with, and assist county staff in, the implementation of the procedures for managing cultural resources under the Placer County Conservation Program.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020; Ord. 6336-B, 8/19/2025)
Those cultural resources officially designated by the board of supervisors shall collectively be known as the Placer County Official Register of Cultural and Historic Resources ("official register"). The official register shall be kept on file with the museums administrator, who shall transmit copies to the county clerk-recorder-registrar for recordation in the official records of the county, the director of the community development resource agency, the director of library services, and to other such entities as the museums administrator deems appropriate. The county clerk-recorder-registrar shall record the document pursuant to the requirements of this code. The process to designate a cultural resource in the official register may be initiated by the property owner, as provided by Section 15.60.070. Confidential archaeological site location information shall be restricted from public distribution or access pursuant to Sections 6254(r) and 6254.10 of the California Government Code.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020)
A.
Individual Resources or Sites. The process to consider the designation of individual cultural resources in the official register may be initiated upon application of the owner of the property for which such designation is requested (or the authorized representative of the owner). Any such proposal shall be filed with the planning services division on forms prescribed by the planning director and shall be accompanied by the following information (as appropriate):
1.
The county assessor's parcel number of the site or the property whereon the structure or resource proposed for designation is located and the legal description of the property proposed for designation;
2.
A descriptive narrative detailing the structure or resource proposed for designation;
3.
A description of special aesthetic, cultural, architectural, or engineering qualities that justify such designation;
4.
Sketches, drawings, photographs, or other descriptive material;
5.
A statement of the condition and/or integrity of the structure or resource, as defined in Section 15.60.080(E);
6.
A statement of architectural and/or historic significance of the structure or site as discussed in Section 15.60.080;
7.
Any other information determined to be appropriate by the planning director and in consultation with the museums administrator; and
8.
Written authorization of the property owner(s) of record (or an authorized agent).
B.
Districts. The process to consider the designation of a cultural or historic district may be initiated upon application of a simple majority of the owner(s) of the property for which designation is requested (or the authorized representative(s) of such owner(s)). Any such proposal shall be filed with the planning services division on forms prescribed by the planning director, in conformance with Sections 17.52.070 and 17.60.090 of the Placer County Code.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020)
Any improvement, natural feature, structure, or site may be designated as a cultural resource, and any area within the county may be designated a historic district by the board of supervisors upon application if such improvements, natural features, structures, sites, or areas meet one or more of the following criteria and retain sufficient integrity, as defined in Section 15.60.080(E):
A.
National Register of Historic Places. As determined by a qualified professional who meets the applicable Secretary of the Interior's professional qualifications standards, it meets the criteria for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, as follows:
1.
It is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history;
2.
It is associated with the lives of a person or persons significant in our past;
3.
It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic value, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
4.
It has yielded or may be likely to yield information important in prehistory or history.
B.
California Register of Historical Resources. As determined by a qualified professional who meets the applicable Secretary of the Interior's professional qualifications standards, it meets the criteria for listing on the California Register of Historical Resources, and retains sufficient integrity (as defined in Section 15.60.080(E)) as follows:
1.
It is 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;
2.
It is associated with the lives of persons important to local, California, or national history;
3.
It 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; or
4.
It has yielded, or has the potential to yield, information important to the prehistory or history of the local area, California, or the nation.
C.
Local Significance. It meets the criteria for significance due to community and geographic setting in one of the following ways:
1.
The proposed resource materially benefits the historic character of the community;
2.
The unique location or singular physical characteristic of the resource or district proposed for designation represents an established and familiar visual feature of the community, area, or county;
3.
The district is a geographically definable area, urban or rural, possessing a significant concentration or continuity of site, buildings, structures, or objects unified by past events, or aesthetically by plan or physical development;
4.
The preservation of a resource or resources is essential to the integrity of the district;
5.
The resource or district proposed for designation is connected with a business or otherwise, which was once common but is now rare.
D.
Tribal Cultural Resource. It meets the definition of a tribal cultural resource, as defined in Section 21074 of the California Public Resources Code.
E.
Integrity. Any cultural resource meeting one or more of the criteria in subsections A, B, or C of this section shall also retain sufficient "integrity" such that the resource possess aspects of integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, association, as exemplified in one or more of the following ways:
1.
The resource retains the authenticity of physical identity evidenced by the survival of characteristics that existed during the resource's period of significance;
2.
The resource retains enough of its historic character or appearance to be recognizable as a historic resource and to convey the reasons for its significance;
3.
The resource has been rehabilitated or restored to reflect the qualities specified in subsections (C)(1) and (C)(2) of this section;
4.
The resource has been altered over time and the alterations themselves have historical, cultural, or architectural significance;
5.
The resource has lost its historic character or appearance, but still has sufficient integrity to yield significant scientific or historical information or specific data.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020)
A.
An application for inclusion in the official register must be submitted to the museums administrator by the property owner whereon such cultural resource exists or by a simple majority of the property owners if more than one parcel is involved in the request.
B.
The form and content of the application shall be as determined by the museums administrator, or an authorized designee, in consultation with the HAB. Such forms, and the instructions for their filing, shall be available to the public upon request, with the exception of confidential information subject to withholding pursuant to Sections 6254(r) and 6254.10 of the California Government Code.
C.
Applications for inclusion in the official register may be categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the provisions of Section 18.36.100 of this code and Section 15308, Title 14, Chapter 3, California Administrative Code [Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act]. Appropriate findings shall be developed by the planning division and adopted by the board of supervisors if such applications are approved.
D.
Applications shall be processed by the museums administrator or a designee as follows:
1.
The application shall be reviewed within 30 days after it is submitted to the museums administrator in order to determine if all necessary information is contained within the application to allow the analysis required by Section 15.60.070;
2.
If all of the necessary information specified in Section 15.60.070 is included within the application, the museums administrator or a designee shall accept the application as being complete and shall notify the applicant, in writing, of such a determination. If all of the necessary information is not included with the application, the museums administrator or a designee shall provide to the applicant a written request for all such additional information as is required in order for the museums administrator or a designee to complete the analysis specified in Section 15.60.070;
3.
Additional information provided by the applicant shall be reviewed by the museums administrator or a designee within 15 days of the date of resubmittal to the general services department/museums division. The same process as described in subsections (D)(1) and (2) of this section shall be followed. If, after three attempts to obtain the additional information necessary to process the application, the requested information is not provided by the applicant to the satisfaction of the museums administrator, the application shall be deemed withdrawn and no further processing will take place. Each attempt shall be afforded 30 days for the applicant to respond;
4.
Once accepted as complete, the application shall be evaluated by the museums administrator or a designee for compliance with the provisions of Section 15.60.070. As a part of such review, the museums administrator or a designee shall seek the recommendation of the HAB. The museums administrator may consult with any appropriate historical society, the planning services division, the building division, with any individual who may have special knowledge about the resource that is the subject of the application under consideration, and/or with any public agency to assist in the preparation of a written report to the board of supervisors. If the resource in consideration for listing is associated with Native American culture, then the county shall carry out meaningful consultation with the most likely affiliated tribe and seek assistance in identifying such from the California Native American Heritage Commission if unknown.
The museums administrator or designee may conduct any public meetings, workshops, tribal consultation, etc., determined to be necessary to provide adequate information for inclusion in the report to the board of supervisors. A report shall be prepared by the museums administrator or a designee and transmitted to the clerk of the planning commission for scheduling not later than 90 days after the application is determined to be complete. This period may be extended upon written request by the applicant.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020; Ord. 6336-B, 8/19/2025)
A.
The HAB shall conduct a public hearing prior to the planning commission hearing required by this section for the purpose of providing a recommendation to the planning commission on the application for inclusion into the official register. The hearing shall be conducted as required by Sections 17.60.090 and 17.60.140 of this code.
C.
At the conclusion of the public hearing, the planning commission may recommend to the board of supervisors that the application be approved for inclusion in the official register.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020)
A.
The sole authority to designate a cultural resource in the official register shall be vested in the board of supervisors.
B.
The board shall schedule a public hearing to consider any application to include a cultural resource in the official register that is recommended to them by the planning commission. Notice of such hearing shall be given pursuant to the requirements of Section 65090 et seq., of the California Government Code. At such hearing, the board of supervisors may adopt, modify, or reject the designation recommended by the planning commission. In the alternative, the board of supervisors may continue its consideration of the matter, or refer the proposed designation to the museums administrator, HAB, planning director, or the planning commission for further hearings, consideration, or study within a period of time established by the board. Approval of the application and inclusion of the designated cultural resource in the official register, as well as any collateral rezoning actions, shall be by ordinance.
C.
Within 30 days of the board of supervisors' decision, notice thereof shall be mailed by the clerk of the board of supervisors, to the record owner(s) of the property proposed for designation at the address shown on the application, to the planning director, to the museums administrator, and to any other such persons as may be deemed appropriate by the clerk of the board. Such notice shall include the basis for any historic designation and a summary of any special requirements that result from such designation.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020)
When a designated cultural resource on the official register has been demolished or otherwise destroyed pursuant to the appropriate legal procedures established in Section 15.60.180, the museums administrator, upon notice thereof and after consultation with the director of general services or other authorized designee, shall file with the director of general services or other authorized designee and with the HAB a notice to remove such resource from the official register. Such notice shall also be filed with the county clerk-recorder registrar's office.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020; Ord. 6336-B, 8/19/2025)
The museums administrator or other authorized designee, in consultation with the HAB, shall, as time and budget permit, develop and promulgate historic preservation plans, which may be used in conjunction with this article for the management of cultural resources on the official register and to meet the goals and policies of the Placer County general plan.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020)
Except as provided in Section 15.60.160, no permit or entitlement shall be issued for any construction work or demolition on a cultural/historic resource, its site, or within any cultural/historic district or design historical combining zone district that is designated in the official register, unless and until the issuance of an appropriate permit occurs pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 15.60.180 of this article.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020)
The provisions of this article shall not be construed to prevent any construction, alteration, or demolition necessary to correct the unsafe or dangerous condition of any structure, or part thereof, where such condition has been declared unsafe or dangerous by the county building division, the county fire chief or any local fire chief, and where the proposed measures are necessary to correct such condition, or in instances of natural disaster, where the State Office of Historic Preservation determines, pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 5028, as amended, that a structure should be demolished, destroyed, or significantly altered.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020)
A.
The county building official, the county fire chief, or any local fire chief shall notify the general services director or authorized museums administrator or other authorized designee whenever such official declares a historic resource or structure within a historic district or design historical combining zone district to be a substandard or dangerous building.
B.
Upon receipt of notice from the county building official, the county fire chief, or any local fire chief, the general services director or authorized museums administrator or other authorized designee shall evaluate the historic and architectural merit of the resource or structure, and shall submit an advisory report to the building official, the county fire chief, or any local fire chief within 30 days. If the advisory report concludes that the building or structure is historic and significant, then review under CEQA shall be required prior to approval of the demolition. Historic age may be determined through a review of county assessor parcel data or architectural review by a qualified professional.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020; Ord. 6336-B, 8/19/2025)
A.
The alteration, reconstruction, demolition, or destruction in whole or part, of a designated cultural resource or a site in a designated historic district is prohibited unless written permission is granted by the planning director or designee pursuant to this section. The property owner of such structure, or an authorized agent, must give the planning director 90 days prior written notice that such act is planned for such structure. The planning director shall give notice to the museums administrator and HAB within 10 days of receiving notice of such planned action. Subject to the provisions of this subsection, no application for a permit to carry out such alteration, reconstruction or demolition will be deemed complete until the notice has been provided and the 90 day period has been completed. Following the receipt of such notice, the planning director may require that the property owner take such steps as are deemed to be necessary to make a good faith effort to preserve the structure concerned. The planning director and/or the director of general services or authorized museums administrator or other authorized designee shall, among other things, require that the applicants seek, in good faith, local land trusts and other organizations that may be willing to purchase or contribute funding for the purchase of the resource for restoration, publicize the availability of the resource for purchase for restoration purposes, and investigate possible sites for relocation of the resource.
The planning director and/or the director of general services or authorized museums administrator or other authorized designee may, based on information provided by the property owner:
1.
Make recommendations to the board of supervisors concerning the acquisition of development rights or facade easements and the imposition or negotiation of other restrictions for the preservation of the resource;
2.
Recommend to the board of supervisors that the county purchase the resource where it does not appear that private preservation is feasible; and/or
3.
Seek counsel from the HAB and/or California Office of Historic Preservation regarding alternatives and incentives;
4.
Deny the issuance of the demolition permit.
B.
The planning director may extend the required 90 day period for good cause, not to exceed a total of 120 days, unless a longer period of time is agreed to, in writing, by the property owner.
C.
The prohibitions of subsection A of this section shall not apply to the demolition of a structure that has been damaged due to a natural disaster and the structure presents an imminent threat to the public of bodily harm or damage to adjacent property, as determined by one of the public officials listed in Section 15.60.160; or when the State Office of Historic Preservation determines, pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 5028, as amended, that the structure may be demolished, destroyed, or significantly altered.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020; Ord. 6336-B, 8/19/2025)
The museums administrator, in consultation with the HAB, may render advice and guidance with respect to any proposed work not requiring a permit on a designated historic resource or in a designated historic district. Examples of such work are: painting and repainting of exterior surfaces, fencing, landscaping, and installation of lighting fixtures. In rendering such advice and guidance, the museums administrator and/or the HAB shall be guided by the purposes and standards of this article and not be wholly inconsistent with the Secretary of the Interior's professional qualifications standards.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020)
A.
Fire and Building Codes. Issuance of a permit in conformance with this article shall not alter conformance requirements with the other standards and requirements of other appropriate building, construction or fire codes (including, but not limited to, the Uniform Building Code, the Uniform Fire Code and the Uniform Code for Building Conservation). The county building official, the county fire chief, and any local fire chiefs are encouraged to liberally construe and apply all pertinent codes so as to effectuate the purposes of this article.
B.
State Historical Building Code. The California State Historical Building Code (SHBC) provides alternative building regulations for the rehabilitation, preservation, restoration, or relocation of structures designated as historic resources. The California SHBC shall be used for any designated site/historic resource in the county's building permit procedure.
C.
Preservation Easements/Acquisition of Property. Preservation easements on the facades of buildings, or elsewhere on any site, or acquisition of property deemed valuable as a cultural resource may be acquired or held by the county or an appropriate nonprofit group through purchase, donation, or condemnation pursuant to California Civil Code Section 815.
E.
Waiver of Application Fees. Fees for applications and/or permits that are required to comply with the provisions of this article may be waived or reduced by the board of supervisors upon a request from the property owner(s) or an authorized representative if the board determines that such a waiver or reduction of fees would further the intent and purpose of this article.
F.
Development Standards. Development standards associated with the use of any cultural resource, site or district may be waived or reduced by the planning commission or the board of supervisors upon specific application by the property owner(s) or an authorized representative if either body determines that to do so would further the intent and purpose of this article.
G.
Categorical Exemption—CEQA. Projects undertaken within any cultural resource, site or district may be considered categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) so long as such work is in compliance with the provisions of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation.
H.
Expedited Processing. The county shall prioritize the processing of development applications that include historic preservation efforts that are consistent with the historic preservation goals in this article.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020)
Nothing in this article prohibits the ordinary maintenance and repair of any exterior feature of any structure on property listed in the official register; however, such maintenance or repair shall not involve a change in the design or result in the modification, demolition or removal of any architectural feature of the property. Not later than 10 days prior to any maintenance or repairs on an official register building or site, the planning director shall be notified by the property owner or an authorized designee of the proposed maintenance or repair. The planning director or a designee, in consultation with the director of general services or authorized museums administrator or other authorized designee shall take appropriate action to confirm that no adverse effect will result to the cultural resource as a consequence of the proposed maintenance or repair. All repairs and maintenance shall comply with county design review standards (refer to Section 17.52.070 of this code).
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020; Ord. 6336-B, 8/19/2025)
Any person who violates the provisions of this article shall be subject to the provisions of Article 17.62 of this code.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020)
Unless the particular provision or the context otherwise requires, the definitions and provisions contained in this section shall govern the construction, application of words and phrases used in this article.
means any significant change or any substantial structural transformation of any historic or cultural resource. Alteration includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Exterior structural change or modification of a site, fence or structure;
Change or modification of the exterior architectural features of a site, fence, or structure including surface texture and materials (not including paint);
Change or modification of a site, including grading, paving, cutting or removal or modification of significant vegetation, or other natural features;
New structures or fences;
Demolition of structures or fences;
Placement or removal of exterior objects or features such as signs, plaques, light fixtures, street furniture, walls, fences and steps;
Disturbance of any archaeological site; however,
Alteration does not include ordinary maintenance and repair of structures and maintenance of gardens.
means a confidential bounded area of a resource containing archaeological deposits or features that is defined in part by the character and location of such deposits or features.
means the board of supervisors of Placer County.
means a resource, such as a barn, church, factory, hotel, or similar structure, created principally to shelter or assist in carrying out any form of human activity.
means a prehistoric or historic site which has been recommended by the State Historical Resources Commission and designated by the Director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The California Historical Landmark program recognizes properties that are significant at the state level, or within a large geographic region. This program is administered by the State Office of Historic Preservation.
means a site which has been recommended by the State Historical Resources Commission and designated by the Director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The Point of Historical Interest program recognizes properties that are significant within the small local context of a county or community. This program is administered by the State Office of Historic Preservation.
means an authoritative listing and guide to be used by state and local agencies, private groups and citizens in identifying the existing historical resources of the state and to indicate which resources deserve to be protected, to the extent prudent and feasible, from substantial adverse change [Title 14, Chapter 11.5, Section 4859 et seq., California Public Resources Code].
means the county of Placer, state of California.
means related to the origins or history of humans in Placer County.
means buildings, structures, signs, features, sites, places, areas, or other objects of scientific, aesthetic, educational, cultural, archaeological, architectural, or historic importance to the residents of the county.
means a listing of potentially significant cultural resources located in a particular community or region.
means the process of systematically identifying, researching, photographing, and documenting cultural resources within a defined geographic area.
means the criteria that must be followed pursuant to this article to improve or modify a historic resource or structure within a historic district.
means that portion of a parcel on which a significant cultural or historic resource is or has been situated, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historical Resources, the California Historical Landmark Program, California Point of Historical Interest Program, or the Placer County official register of cultural and historic resources.
means the director of the department of general services of Placer County or an authorized designee.
means a resource that meets the definition in CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5(a). as designated by the board of supervisors pursuant to the provisions of this article.
means the Placer County historical advisory board as established by the Placer County board of supervisors, Resolutions #83-104 and 86-499.
means soundness or completeness of the qualities that express the significance, importance, or historic nature of the cultural resource, in terms of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and/or association.
means an act that was adopted in 1972 and amended in 1984 to provide for a reduction in property taxes on a historic property when certain conditions are met. Owners of designated historic properties must enter into a preservation contract directly with the local government agreeing to restore the property if necessary, maintain its historic character, and use it in a manner compatible with the historic characteristics (California Government Code Sections 50280—50290 and California Revenue and Tax Code Sections 439—439.4).
means any of the following alterations: the placement, removal, or insignificant change or modification of a fence, sign, plaque, light fixture, street furniture, steps, platforms, walks, driveways, temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage steps and scenery.
means the official inventory of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, and culture which is maintained by the Secretary of the Interior under authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (54 U.S.C, 36 C.F.R. 300101 et seq., Sections 60, 63).
means significant geological, botanical, or paleontological object(s).
means an item of significant historic or cultural value that can be seen or touched, such as an artifact, monument, or work of art.
means those sites and areas officially designated by the board of supervisors as cultural resources and/or historic districts.
means the Placer County Cultural and Historic Resources Preservation Ordinance, codified in this article.
means any work where the purpose and effect of such work is to prevent or correct any deterioration of or damage to a structure or any part thereof and to restore the structure or part thereof to its condition prior to the occurrence of such deterioration or damage.
means a listing of potentially significant cultural and historic resources, located in the unincorporated areas of Placer County, which was developed by the Placer County division of museums as a research tool. Records of the Placer County cultural resources inventory are confidential, pursuant to Sections 6254(r) and 6254.10 of the California Government Code, and maintained in the State Office of Historic Preservation, the North Central Information Center, the county planning services division and the county department of general services.
means those sites and areas officially designated by the board of supervisors as cultural resources and historic districts.
means the planning commission of the county of Placer.
means the director of the planning services division of the community development resource agency of Placer County, or an authorized designee.
means use of a long-term or permanent safeguard to guarantee the viability of cultural/historic resources.
means a legal instrument recorded against a parcel or parcels of real property that limits the property owner's ability to alter, change, modify, destroy or in any way threaten the cultural and/or historic value of a cultural resource without consultation and authorization of the agency to whom the easement has been assigned. Once imposed, such an easement "runs with the land" thereby requiring current and future property owners to abide by its terms.
means Section 27288.2 of the California Government Code and Section 5029 of the California Public Resources Code requiring the county recorder to record in the official records of Placer County a certified resolution of cultural/historic resources designation, containing the name of the current property owner, the historic resources registration program, the designating entity, the specific historic resources designation, and a legal description of the property.
means a permit issued for any work on an officially designated cultural/historic structure, its site, or any resource within an officially designated historic district.
means material published in the Federal Register, with accompanying interpretive guidelines, which are utilized by federal agencies in the preservation of historic properties that are listed, or are eligible for listing, on the National Register of Historic Places. They are also used by the State Historic Preservation Officer, in evaluating projects proposed as historic resources in accordance with federal regulations or by local governments, organizations, and individuals in making decisions about the identification, evaluation, registration, or treatment of historic properties. The Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation is aimed at retaining and preserving those features and material which are important in defining the historic character of an historic resource. Technical advice about archaeological and historic preservation activities and methods is included in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation.
means having important historic, archaeological, architectural, or engineering value under CEQA and the National Historic Preservation Act.
means the State Historical Building Code contained in Part 8 of Title 24 [State Building Standards Code] and applies to all qualified historic structures, districts and sites, designated under federal, state, or local authority. It provides alternatives to the Uniform Building Code in cases consistent with building regulations for the rehabilitation, preservation, restoration, or relocation of qualified historic structures designated as historic buildings.
means a division of the California Department of Parks and Recreation which serves as the staff to the State Historic Preservation Officer, or such other official designated and appointed by the Governor of California to administer the historic preservation programs of the State and which administers the California Register of Historical Resources.
(Ord. 6042-B § 1, 2020; Ord. 6336-B, 8/19/2025)