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Alameda County · Building on your lot

Historic homes in Alameda County

Alameda County's own rules on historic homes, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Alameda County Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Alameda County's code says

Alameda County code What Alameda County's code adds
When a building counts as historic
  • A building at least 50 years old is screened before a demolition or relocation permit.
    Applies: Not on the register and not the subject of a pending nomination.
    § 17.62.150 · code text
    If a permit is sought to demolish or relocate a building or structure that was constructed at least fifty (50) years prior to the date of application for demolition or relocation
Demolishing an older or historic home
  • The permit application goes to the planning director for a preliminary decision on eligibility for the register.
    Applies: Building at least 50 years old, not on the register, with no pending nomination.
    § 17.62.150 · code text
    the permit application shall be referred to the planning director to allow the director to make a preliminary determination of whether the structure meets the criteria of a landmark.
  • A certificate of appropriateness is required.
    Applies: The planning director finds the building eligible for consideration for listing on the register.
    § 17.62.150 · code text
    If the planning director determines that the building or structure is eligible for consideration for listing on the register, the applicant shall be informed that a certificate of appropriateness is required for such demolition.
  • The demolition or relocation permit is issued without further restrictions under this chapter.
    Applies: The planning director finds the building not eligible for the Alameda County Register.
    § 17.62.150 · code text
    If the planning director determines that the building or structure is not eligible for listing on the Alameda County Register, the permit to demolish or relocate the building or structure shall be issued without further restrictions under this chapter.
  • The Board of Supervisors may impose a waiting period of up to six months from the commission hearing.
    Applies: Demolition of a designated resource when no feasible alternative avoids a significant adverse effect on its integrity.
    § 17.62.190 · code text
    In the case of demolition, up to a six-month waiting period may be imposed by the Board of Supervisors from the date of the commission hearing at which the commission recommendation was made.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What rules apply to a historic home in Alameda County?

Alameda County's code: A building at least 50 years old is screened before a demolition or relocation permit. (Not on the register and not the subject of a pending nomination.) (§ 17.62.150); The permit application goes to the planning director for a preliminary decision on eligibility for the register. (Building at least 50 years old, not on the register, with no pending nomination.) (§ 17.62.150).

General information, not legal advice.

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Alameda County Municipal Code — full text