Welcome to the City of Beverly Hills' Historic Preservation page.
An Image of the Historic Greystone Mansion
Use the links to the left to access information and resources on Historic Preservation.
Historic Preservation was approved by the City Council on January 24, 2012. As the City's Historic Preservation Program is developed, additional information, resources and helpful tips will be made available.
City Embarks on Historic Preservation
New Program Preserves Past While Building for the Future
Beverly Hills has always had its own distinctive charm. Now residents and businesses can take pride in a new element of the City’s character – a historic preservation program that affirms and adds to the unique spirit of the community. The City’s historic preservation program is designed to do more than simply pay tribute to the past. By taking care of important landmarks the City of Beverly Hills is also preserving and enriching its renowned quality of life – for both current and future generations. The new program will help protect historic buildings in Beverly Hills. Among other things, it can enhance neighborhoods, add property value and provide learning experiences for students, residents and visitors. If you own a home believed to be historically significant, you can apply to the City’s program through the state Mills Act. The deadline to apply is May 31. Additional incentives for building owners will be shared as the program is further developed.
Major elements of the historic preservation program:
• An ordinance by which the City will meet criteria to become a Certified Local Government. This gives the City access to state funding for historic preservation and other benefits.
• Establishment of a Cultural Heritage Commission, made up of five citizens who will meet quarterly and make recommendations to the City Council on designation of historic properties and applications to the Mills Act program as well as other preservation issues. Former Planning Commissioner Noah Furie will be the founding chair of the new commission.
• Criteria by which property can be designated as a local landmark and be listed on the soon-to-be-created City of Beverly Hills Register of Historic Places. Criteria include architectural significance, association with historic events or people and listing on a state or national historic register.
• Creation of incentive programs, such as the Mills Act, to encourage homeowners to preserve and restore architecturally significant residences.
• Penalties for demolishing historically significant buildings.
• Creation of an urban designer staff position that will help support the work of the Cultural Heritage Commission.
