Santa Monica Historic Resources Inventory

Click here to view the City of Santa Monica Historic Resources Inventory
Click Here to Use the New Searchable Historic Resources Inventory Database

Q: What is the Historic Resources Inventory?

The Inventory is a database used by the City to identify properties of potential historic significance.  Each property listed on the Inventory was evaluated by preservation professionals using nationwide standards and criteria.  For each property listed on the Inventory, the City Planning Division has an information sheet, known as a “DPR” sheet that follows the format developed by the United States Department of Parks and Recreation. Copies of these sheets are available from the Planning Division upon request.

Q: When did the City of Santa Monica develop its Historic Resources Inventory?

In 1980, the City Planning Division staff began the process with a study of the Central Beach Tract neighborhood.  In 1982-83, the City authorized a citywide survey, which became Phase I of the Historic Resources Inventory, identifying 2,775 sites of potential significance city-wide and documenting 555 of those sites, mostly located in a strip along the western City boundary, on inventory forms. In 1985-86, the City obtained a matching grant from the California Office of Historic Preservation to continue the process; Phase II of the survey documented the sections of the City north of Montana Avenue not previously inventoried and produced an additional 162 inventory forms.

Phase III of the Santa Monica Historic Resources Inventory was completed in May of 1994, and encompassed the remaining 75% of the City. An additional 660 properties were recorded on inventory forms, bringing the total number of documented historic resources to 1377.  Soon after, the Inventory was reevaluated and updated with the specific purpose of determining the Northridge Earthquake’s overall effects on historic resources. The survey utilized the existing list of previously inventoried properties and associated inventory forms and City records to assess those properties that were damaged by the earthquake.

The next update, completed in 1998 focused on the Third Street Promenade and Central Business District, two potential historic districts surveyed in Phase I that together comprise Santa Monica’s downtown core. The objective of the update was to re-survey the area and document altered and demolished buildings, identify potential additions to the districts, reevaluate National Register status codes, and make recommendations for the restructuring of the districts where appropriate. The survey found that there had been a significant loss of historic resources in Santa Monica’s downtown area, particularly within the Third Street Promenade.

In 2002, the residential area north of Montana Avenue to the City borders was updated.  Adjustments were made to the Inventory and the loss of resources in some areas led to the elimination of some potential historic districts.  The Inventory now includes approximately 1300 properties.

Q: Are any more updates planned?

Yes.  In 2001, the Council authorized the City Planning Division to undertake a five-year cycle to update the Inventory in all parts of the City.  The north of Montana Avenue update was the first part of this cycle, and the City Planning Division is currently working with consultants to update the Inventory in the Ocean Park area.  When this study is completed in 2004, another area will be selected for the next phase of the update. 

Q: What do the Evaluation Codes mean?

The evaluation codes indicate whether a resource is eligible for historic designation either individually or as part of a historic district.  They also indicate whether the significance is at the local (Santa Monica) level or whether it might be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.  In some cases, a resource is individually eligible as well as a district contributor.

Click here to review Evaluation Codes

Q: If a property is not on the list, does that mean that it cannot be designated as a Landmark?

No, not necessarily.  Although the City has regularly updated the Inventory, there are parts of the City that have not been updated since the 1980s.  In addition, the perspective on the significance of historic resources changes over time.  It is important to remember that the Inventory is a database but it is not a conclusive list of all potential historic properties.  Staff conducts more thorough research at the time that a property is nominated for designation in order to provide a recommendation for the Landmarks Commission’s consideration.

Q: Are Realtors required to disclose whether a property is on the Inventory to a prospective buyer?

Yes.  In December 2003, the Council adopted an ordinance that requires that Realtors disclose whether a property is listed on the Historic Resources Inventory prior to any sale of a property in the City of Santa Monica.  A form for this purpose will be made available prior to January 15, 2004, the effective date of the ordinance.

For more information, please call the City Planning Division at (310) 458-8341, or visit the Planning Counter at City Hall, 1685 Main Street, Room 111.