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

What defines a historic resource?
A historic resource is typically a building, structure, site, or place that is at least 50 years old and has significance based on its architecture, history, or association with important events, people, or cultural patterns. The Sacramento Register includes nearly 900 landmarks and over 30 Historic Districts.

Not all older properties are designated as historic, but they may still be eligible or subject to review depending on the proposed project.

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.

What are the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards?
The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards are national guidelines used to evaluate changes to historic properties. They are intended to help preserve the key features and character of a building while still allowing for repairs, updates, and new additions.

These standards guide how preservation staff nationwide review projects and help ensure that changes are appropriate without requiring buildings to remain unchanged.

What types of changes require review?
In most cases, preservation review applies to exterior changes to historic buildings, such as alterations to windows, siding, roofs, or additions.

Interior work is typically not reviewed, unless it involves publicly accessible spaces such as theaters, lobbies, or other designated interiors.

If you are unsure whether your project requires review, staff can help you determine next steps.

How do I apply for building permits for my historic building?
You can follow the City's step-by-step guide for applying for permits on historic properties, which outlines when preservation review is required and how it fits into the overall permitting process.

If you have questions, contacting staff early can help streamline the process.

Can my property become a landmark on the Sacramento Register?
Yes! Property owners can nominate their property for listing on the Sacramento Register by preparing a historic evaluation completed by a qualified architectural historian.

Preservation staff can help guide you through this process and may provide recommendations for consultants who prepare historic evaluations.

There are no application fees 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.