California Historical Landmarks Registration

California Historical Landmarks are sites, buildings, features, or events that are of statewide significance and have anthropological, cultural, military, political, architectural, economic, scientific or technical, religious, experimental, or other value. The specific standards now in use were first applied in the designation of Landmark # 770.  California Historical Landmarks #770 and above are automatically listed in the California Register of Historical Resources.

To be designated as a California Historical Landmark, a resource must meet at least one of the criteria listed below; have the approval of the property owner(s); be recommended by the State Historical Resources Commission; and be officially designated by the Director of California State Parks.

If a site is primarily of local interest, it may meet the criteria for the California Points of Historical Interest Program.

Criteria for Designation

To be eligible for designation as a Landmark, a resource must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • The first, last, only, or most significant of its type in the state or within a large geographic region (Northern, Central, or Southern California).
  • Associated with an individual or group having a profound influence on the history of California.
  • A prototype of, or an outstanding example of, a period, style, architectural movement or construction or is one of the more notable works or the best surviving work in a region of a pioneer architect, designer or master builder.

Effects of Designation

  • Limited protection: Environmental review may be required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) if property is threatened by a project. Contact your local planning agency for more information.
  • Local assessor may enter into contract with property owner for property tax reduction (Mills Act).
  • Local building inspector must grant code alternative provided under State Historic Building Code. Registration will be recorded on the property deed.
  • Automatic listing in California Register of Historical Resources.
  • Bronze plaque at site (underwritten by local sponsor) ordered through OHP; highway directional sign available through local Department of Transportation (Caltrans) district office.

How to Nominate a Resource as a California Historical Landmark

1. Download a nomination packet, including Technical Assistance Series (TAS) Bulletin 13, a Cover Sheet, and the appropriate DPR 523 forms as outlined in Bulletin 13. Only use the DPR 523 Forms applicable to the nominated resource. If you need assistance, contact Registration Unit staff.

2. Obtain written consent from the property owner(s) for the nomination. Written consent from the property owner(s) is required for designation. If a plaque is requested, written permission of the property owner(s) to place the plaque on his or her property must be stated in the letter.

3. Complete the nomination packet.

 

How to submit the Nomination packet to OHP

As of September 1, 2026, nominations and supporting documents can be submitted to the OHP electronically. The OHP will provide each applicant with a secure folder to upload the nomination and supporting documents.

To request a nomination folder:

  1. Email calshpo.registration@parks.ca.gov with the subject line "Request for nomination folder link."
    • In the body of the email, include the
      • The name, address, city and county of the property
      • Include the email addresses of applicants needing access to the folder.

  2. A hyperlink to the folder will be emailed back to the original sender.

  3. Upload a Complete Nomination Packet with the following documents:
    1. Cover letter identifying 
      1. which registration program is being pursued
      2. the property being nominated
      3. all property owners and their complete contact information
      4. the applicant and their complete contact information, and
      5. any person or organization on whose behalf the nomination is being submitted

    2. Excel spreadsheet with email and mailing addresses for all owners and applicants; and

    3. California Historical Landmark submittals include 
      1. Written consent from the owner 
      2. application cover sheet and 
      3. completed DPR form with maps and JPEG photograph

The OHP will contact the applicant if the documentation is not complete. If the link to the upload folder does not work, email calshpo.registration@parks.ca.gov and a new link will be sent.

Alternatively, a USB drive with the above documentation may be sent to:

Office of Historic Preservation
ATTN: Registration
1725 23rd Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95816

 

Owner Consent

Written consent of property owner(s) is required for designation.

Local Government Notification

The local government in whose jurisdiction the resource is located will be given 60 days to comment upon the application before the nomination is considered by the State Historical Resources Commission.