California Points of Historical Interest

California Points of Historical Interest are sites, buildings, features, or events that are of local (city or county) significance and have anthropological, cultural, military, political, architectural, economic, scientific or technical, religious, experimental, or other value.

Points of Historical Interest designated after December 1997 and recommended by the State Historical Resources Commission are also listed in the California Register.

No historical resource may be designated as both a Landmark and a Point. If a Point is subsequently granted status as a Landmark, the Point designation will be retired.

Criteria for Designation

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

  • The first, last, only, or most significant of its type within the local geographic region (City or County).
  • Associated with an individual or group having a profound influence on the history of the local area.
  • 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 the local region of a pioneer architect, designer or master builder.

Effects of Designation

  • Limited protection: Environmental review may be required under 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 is recorded on property deed.
  • A small enamel directional sign (no text) is available through local Caltrans district office. Owner may place his or her own marker at the site.

How to nominate a resource as a California Point of Historical Interest

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 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 a Nomination to the 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 Point of Historical Interest submittals include 
      1. Written consent from the owner
      2. Application cover sheet and 
      3. completed DPR form with maps and JPEG photographs 

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

Local government will be given 60 days to comment on application before the nomination is considered by the State Historical Resources Commission.