“Over 45” Ministerial Applications
The NHCPG provides input on historic preservation with the City. The map below shows the projects involving structures over 45 years of age as of Aug 8, 2024 as posted by the city.
What is 45 Year Historical Review? Aka “45 Year Review.”
It is a well established part of City of San Diego’s Planning Department and Development Services Department to help manage the City’s historic preservation program.
It was implemented to help prevent historic and potentially historic resources from “falling through the cracks” when development projects are proposed or moving forward.
Essentially it allows “more eyes” to take a look at potentially historic resources, allowing the public and historic preservation advocates to submit comment and information about listed properties published on the City’s website. Postings may appear weekly if not daily.
https://www.sandiego.gov/planning/work/historic-preservation-planning/reviews-over-45
Clarification of what 45 Year Review is or isn’t.
The review not a final judgment or determination of whether a site is historic or not. It is only part of an Information gathering and evaluation process that MAY ultimately be reviewed by the staff of the City’s Historical Resources Board. It is the Historical Resources Board itself that exclusively determines whether a resource is historic or not . City Staff will produce a
research report in advance as part of the process. That report includes Staff’s evaluation and conclusion of whether they contend if a site qualifies for designation.
The final decision on a whether a site historic or not is exclusively the function of HRB itself.
- Not every project is sent to HRB for designation consideration.
- Projects involving potentially historic resources may move forward with construction under City Staff’s advisement to adhere to rules pertaining to treatment of historic resources.
- Rules that are referred to a “Secretary of Interior Standards For Treatment of Historic Property.”
Not all properties are being listed on the 45 year review website involve application for permits that would warrant a determination of whether a building is potentially historic or not. Foundation repairs, a back yard shed, or kitchen remodeling are examples of activity not requiring rigorous evaluation. City publishes 45 year review properties on its website without indication of what permits are being pulled. It’s always wise to weigh in regardless.
What does the NHCPG look for?
Good examples of architectural styles. For instance Victorian, Craftsman (Arts and Crafts), Spanish Revival, Mission, Mid Century Modern, to name a few. Of great importance is “original integrity.” If the building’s “historic fabric” is mostly intact. The main culprits that ruin a building’s integrity are visible modifications. Changes to the street facade. (Changes at the back of the building are not usually a problem). Non original siding (stucco covering original wood siding) Reconfiguration of porches and entrances. Replacement of original wood windows with vinyl. Just a few examples that can kill a building’s chance at being historic.
There are instances when a building completely conveys it original street view but has severe maintenance issues, condition of the building can’t be used against it. Bad or ugly colors can’t be part of the evaluation either.
When a property owner seeks Historic Designation, that is different process, usually involving an application for the City’s Mills Act Program.
There is a detailed and precise set of criterion used by the Historic Resources Board applied to determining what is historic. Knowledge of the criterion is needed when evaluating a potentially historic site for 45 year review.
The incentive to restore a home to historical accuracy, besides a love for a particular style of architecture or pride of ownership, is The Mills Act incentive. It provides a property tax break for home owners who invest in restoration of historic property.
The Mills Act was an initiative by State Senator James R. Mills of San Diego in response to the common belief that older homes are too expensive to repair and maintain.
Driving through San Diego’s historic neighborhoods, the program’s success is very apparent. Especially for those of us who remember how rough looking these neighborhoods once were.