Los Angeles County is pleased to announce the County’s first historic preservation ordinance is now official. The Board of Supervisors approved the ordinance on Jan. 27, 2015 and it became effective on Oct. 1, 2015.

“Our cultural and historic resources define the character of our communities across Los Angeles County. This Ordinance will enable the County to protect irreplaceable treasures for future generations while balancing the needs of today’s residents and property owners,” said Stephen J. Sass, Chair of the Historical Landmarks and Records Commission. “We applaud the Board of Supervisors and the Regional Planning Commission for their actions and Department of Regional Planning’s hard work in creating this important process and their commitment to historic preservation.”

“The Historic Preservation Ordinance is another important policy tool we can use to improve the quality of life in our communities,” Planning Director Richard Bruckner said. “Historic preservation does more than just save old buildings. It recognizes that our built history connects us with our past, enhances our sense of community, conserves resources, and fosters economic growth and job creation.”

The Historic Preservation Ordinance will enable the Board of Supervisors, after a public hearing before the Historical Landmarks and Records Commission, to designate landmarks and historic districts in the unincorporated communities of the County.

Please contact the Department of Regional Planning with any questions regarding potential nominations. Nomination forms and instructions are available on the Department of Regional Planning website at http://planning.lacounty.gov/apps or by calling (213) 974-6411.

About the Historical Landmarks and Records Commission

The Historical Landmarks and Records Commission is a five-member Commission appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The Commission advises the Board of Supervisors and recommends the designation of properties that are architecturally, historically, and culturally significant. It also reviews development activities affecting designated properties and informs the public on matters related to preservation. The current Commissioners are Mr. Stephen J. Sass, Third District, Chair; Ms. Yolanda Duarte-White, First District, Vice Chair; Ms. Elysha Dory, Second District; Mr. Louis E. Skelton, Fourth District; and Ms. Ivy Sun, Fifth District.

About the Regional Planning Commission

In December 1922, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted ordinances establishing the Regional Planning Commission, and in January 1923, appointed the first Regional Planning Commissioners to provide planning services to the unincorporated areas of the County and to coordinate plans among cities. It is the first regional planning commission in the United States. The five-member Commission is the advisory body to the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to land use planning and zoning in the unincorporated territory of Los Angeles County. The current Commissioners are: Mr. Pat Modugno, Fifth District, Chair; Ms. Stephanie Pincetl, Third District, Vice Chair; Mr. Doug Smith, First District; Mr. David W. Louie; Second District; and Mr. Curt Pedersen, Fourth District.

About the Department of Regional Planning

The Department of Regional Planning is responsible for the strategic growth and development of the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County through the preparation of the Los Angeles County General Plan. Mr. Richard J. Bruckner is the Director of the Department.

CONTACT: Phillip Estes, Department of Regional Planning, (213) 974-6425 pestes@planning.lacounty.gov.