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Historic homes in Brea

Brea'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 Brea Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Brea's code says

Brea code What Brea's code adds
Changing a historic home
  • Plan review is required.
    Applies: Exterior alterations to a designated historic resource.
    § 20.60.060 · code text
    Exterior alterations, including but not limited to restoration, rehabilitation, remodeling, additions, demolition, relocation, or subdivision of a designated historic resource shall require a plan review in accordance with § 20.408.040 of this title.
  • The Planning Commission reviews the work in a public hearing.
    Applies: Major alterations to a historic resource.
    § 20.60.060 · code text
    The Planning Commission shall review any major alteration to a historic resource in a public hearing in accordance with the procedures established in § 20.60.050.C.
Demolishing an older or historic home
  • No discretionary or ministerial permit that may affect the resource is issued.
    Applies: A resource under consideration for listing in, or removal from, the Historic Resources Register, while that process is pending.
    § 20.60.050 · code text
    No discretionary or ministerial permit shall be issued which may affect a resource under consideration for listing in the Historic Resources Register or for which may be removed from the Register while the designation or removal process is pending.
Mills Act tax incentive
  • Owners may qualify for a Mills Act contract.
    Applies: Properties officially listed on the federal, state or city historic register. Owner-occupied and income-producing properties both qualify.
    § 20.60.120 · code text
    Mills Act Contract is a voluntary program and only applicable to properties that are officially listed on the federal, state and/or the city's historic register. Both owner-occupied and income-producing properties qualify.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What rules apply to a historic home in Brea?

Brea's code: Plan review is required. (Exterior alterations to a designated historic resource.) (§ 20.60.060); The Planning Commission reviews the work in a public hearing. (Major alterations to a historic resource.) (§ 20.60.060).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Brea's historic homes rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Brea Municipal Code — full text