We help property owners, developers, and community members understand, protect, and thoughtfully improve Sacramento’s historic places.

Sacramento’s historic resources include more than buildings. They encompass landscapes, infrastructure, archaeological sites, and cultural traditions that reflect the city’s history and identity. The Historic Preservation Office works to identify, protect, and integrate these resources as Sacramento continues to grow.

Use the tools and resources below to find out what applies to your property, explore available programs, or get started with a project.

Frequently asked questions

How can I find out if my property is a listed historic building?

Check your address to determine if a property is a historic landmark or contributing resource within a historic district by visiting the Land Information Lookup App. Keep in mind that not all potentially historic buildings are listed on the Sacramento Register, so if you are looking to demolish or alter a building over 50 years old, we recommend contacting preservation staff for consultation.

Can I make any changes to my property if it’s historic?

Yes! It’s a common myth that historic listing prevents owners from making any changes to their property. Our Historic District Plan, which is based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, outlines what we look for in our review. Preservation staff only reviews exterior changes on most buildings - the exception being publicly-accessible areas of buildings like bank lobbies, theaters, and showrooms.

How do I apply for building permits for my historic building?

Visit our step-by-step guide for applying for building permits on historic properties to learn more.

Can my property become a landmark on the Sacramento Register?

Yes! Buildings get older every day, so there are countless potentially eligible historic buildings that are not yet listed on the Sacramento Register. To get your property listed on the Sacramento Register, the property owner would need to produce a historic evaluation of the property drafted by a qualified architectural historian. There are no application fees due to the city for voluntary historic nominations. To learn more, contact preservation staff.

What are the benefits of historic listing?

In addition to the demonstrated long-term cultural and economic benefits of historic preservation, there are several incentive programs that are available for historic properties. Preservation incentives include property tax assistance, state and federal tax credits, zoning flexibility, and eligibility to purchase a historic plaque. To learn more, visit our Incentive Programs webpage.