Historic homes in Monrovia: the local rules

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

What Monrovia's code says

Monrovia code What Monrovia's code adds
Changing a historic home	A certificate of appropriateness from the Commission is required first Applies: Applies to alteration or demolition at Historic Landmarks or in Historic Districts § 17.40.090 · code text No alteration or demolition may be conducted at Historic Landmarks or Historic Districts, without first obtaining a certificate of appropriateness from the Commission. The Department reviews the work and Commission review is not required Applies: Non-contributors in Historic Districts; remodeling and single-story additions to existing structures, garages and guest houses § 17.40.090 · code text The Department shall review the following exceptions to the certificate of appropriateness requirement for non-contributors in Historic Districts, and review by the Commission is not required:
Demolishing an older or historic home	A certificate of appropriateness from the Commission is required first Applies: Applies to Historic Landmarks and Historic Districts § 17.40.090 · code text No alteration or demolition may be conducted at Historic Landmarks or Historic Districts, without first obtaining a certificate of appropriateness from the Commission. The provisions of this chapter do not apply; the Commission decides, or specified officials if there is no quorum Applies: Structures severely damaged by earthquake, fire or other natural disaster that need immediate demolition because of an imminent threat to public safety § 17.40.120 · code text Structures that are Historic Landmarks or included in Historic Districts that have been severely damaged as a result of an earthquake, fire or other natural disaster, and which require immediate demolition because the building presents an imminent threat to public safety, shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
Work that needs no review	The Department reviews these and Commission review is not required: remodeling, single-story additions, garages and guest houses Applies: Non-contributors in Historic Districts § 17.40.090 · code text (1) The remodeling of and the single story additions to existing structures;
Mills Act tax incentive	The City Council may enter into Mills Act contracts at its sole discretion § 17.40.140 · code text The City Council authorizes the use of contracts pursuant to Cal. Gov’t Code §§ 50280 et. seq., alternately know as Historical Property Contracts or the Mills Act.

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Frequently asked questions

What rules apply to a historic home in Monrovia?

Monrovia's code: A certificate of appropriateness from the Commission is required first (Applies to alteration or demolition at Historic Landmarks or in Historic Districts) (§ 17.40.090); The Department reviews the work and Commission review is not required (Non-contributors in Historic Districts; remodeling and single-story additions to existing structures, garages and guest houses) (§ 17.40.090).

Historic homes in Monrovia

What Monrovia's code says

Who this affects

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