Historic homes in Fairfield: the local rules

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

What Fairfield's code says

Fairfield code What Fairfield's code adds
Changing a historic home	A permit from the Department of Planning and Development is required. Applies: Applies to restoring, altering, constructing, demolishing or changing the exterior of a designated Historic Landmark, or its designated interior features. § 25.1907 · code text No person shall restore, rehabilitate, alter, develop, construct, demolish, remove or change the exterior appearance of any Historic Landmark or any interior features that are subject to the resolution designating the Historic Landmark without first having been granted a permit from the Department of Planning and Development. Referral to the cultural heritage commission is required. Applies: Applies to demolition, substantial alteration or removal of a building, structure or site on the preservation list. § 26.207 · code text No permit for the demolition, substantial alteration, or removal of any building, structure, or site contained in such list shall be issued, and no such site, building or structure shall be demolished, substantially altered or removed by the cities or county, without first referring the matter to the cultural heritage commission, except where the county or city agencies having jurisdiction determine that the demolition, removal or substantial alteration of any such building, structure or site is immediately necessary in the interest of public health, safety, or general welfare.
Demolishing an older or historic home	Written notice to the Department of Planning and Development is required at least 180 days before demolition or removal. Applies: Applies to a structure on the Inventory of Historic Resources. § 25.1908 · code text Written notice shall be provided to the Department of Planning and Development at least 180 days prior to demolition or removal of any structure included on the Inventory of Historic Resources. The 180-day delay is waived if the Chief Building Official finds demolition is required for public safety. § 25.1908 · code text The requirements for delay of demolition shall be waived if the City’s Chief Building Official determines that demolition is required for the safety of the public.
Work that needs no review	Ordinary maintenance or repair is exempt. Applies: Applies when it does not change design, material or external appearance. § 25.1907 · code text Nothing in this Article shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance or repair of any preserved character-defining feature that does not involve a change in design, material or external appearance.

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Frequently asked questions

What rules apply to a historic home in Fairfield?

Fairfield's code: A permit from the Department of Planning and Development is required. (Applies to restoring, altering, constructing, demolishing or changing the exterior of a designated Historic Landmark, or its designated interior features.) (§ 25.1907); Referral to the cultural heritage commission is required. (Applies to demolition, substantial alteration or removal of a building, structure or site on the preservation list.) (§ 26.207).

Historic homes in Fairfield

What Fairfield's code says

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