Historic homes in La Mesa: the local rules

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

What La Mesa's code says

La Mesa code What La Mesa's code adds
Changing a historic home	A Certificate of Appropriateness is required. Applies: Alteration to any exterior architectural feature of a designated landmark or in a designated historic district. § 25.03.040 · code text No person shall carry out or cause to be carried out on a designated landmark or in a designated historic district any alteration to any exterior architectural feature of such structures, improvements, or sites, including construction or relocation, without a Certificate of Appropriateness. A 30-day permit hold and a possible landmark designation procedure apply. Applies: A proposed building permit for an alteration of a resource is inconsistent with the purposes of the chapter. § 25.02.022 · code text If the proposed building permit for an alteration of a resource is determined to be inconsistent with the purposes of this chapter, the planning Department will refer the building permit to the Historic Preservation Commission, and no permit shall be issued for thirty (30) days. A 30-day permit hold and a possible landmark designation procedure apply. Applies: The proposed action is inconsistent with the purposes of the ordinance. § 25.02.020 · code text If the proposed action is inconsistent with the purposes of this Ordinance, the Planning Department will refer the permit application to the Historic Preservation Commission, and no permit shall be issued for thirty (30) days.
Demolishing an older or historic home	No demolition permit without prior approval of a new development and issuance of building permits. Applies: Resources listed in the Potential Landmark Registry. § 25.02.022 · code text No demolition permit shall be issued for a resource listed in the Potential Landmark Registry without prior approval of a new development on the site and the issuance of building permits for the new project in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section. The demolition permit is not issued for 6 months from the first notice, unless the Historic Preservation Commission approves. Applies: Potential Landmark Registry resource; a new project is approved that requires demolition. § 25.02.022 · code text The demolition permit shall not be issued for a period of six (6) months from the date the first notice is published unless approved by the Historic Preservation Commission.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What rules apply to a historic home in La Mesa?

La Mesa's code: A Certificate of Appropriateness is required. (Alteration to any exterior architectural feature of a designated landmark or in a designated historic district.) (§ 25.03.040); A 30-day permit hold and a possible landmark designation procedure apply. (A proposed building permit for an alteration of a resource is inconsistent with the purposes of the chapter.) (§ 25.02.022).

Historic homes in La Mesa

What La Mesa's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific La Mesa property

More on building on your lot in La Mesa