District Question & Answer
Q: What is a historic district?
A: A historic district creates an overlay zone on top of the existing
zoning. Within these zones, the guidelines will supplement zoning rules and take precedence over existing design guidelines. Click
here for a map of Pomona's historic districts.
Q:What are the historic district design guidelines?
A: The guidelines give suggestions
on how to handle maintenance, repair and additions to residential buildings in adopted historic districts. When a historic district
is proposed, the guidelines give property owners some sense of the restrictions and protections that come with historic districts.
Q: What do the guidelines cover?
A: The guidelines apply only to alterations to single and multi-family residences visible from
the street immediately adjacent your property and cover:
- Siding and exterior finishes
- Doors and windows
- Roofs and porches
- Garages and outbuildings
- Streetscapes
Q: What do the guidelines not cover?
A: The guidelines do not apply to:
- Paint color
- Interiors
- Routine maintenance and repair
Q: If I remodel, will I be forced to remodel more than I
want to?
A: Only in unusual circumstances. The guidelines say that the Historic Preservation Commission can ask you to remodel more
than what you had intended only if the extra remodeling is reasonably related to your proposed project. Even then, the Commission
must take into account the relative cost of the extra remodeling versus your original project.
For instance, if you remodel your windows,
you will not be required to remodel your roof. However, if you are putting in new windows, you may be asked to put in historically
accurate window frames, as well.
Q: How do I know if my home is historic?
A: To find out if your home already has landmark status,
contact your city’s planning department for a list of local historic sites. Some cities post their designated landmarks online through
the city’s planning department webpage. Of course, your home doesn't need official designation in order to be significant. You can
research your home's history to find out if it has architectural or cultural significance.
Q: How can I get money to restore
my property?
A: The state’s Mills Act Program (linked on our resource page) implemented by local governments, allows historic
property owners to take often-significant property tax reductions. Pomona Heritage also offers a grant program, please see the Grants
page.
Q: I want to have my wedding/special event at a historic site. What sites are available?
A: Pomona has many beautiful facilities
for rent, please visit the Pomona Historical Society for more information.
