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Historic homes in Rancho Mirage

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

What Rancho Mirage's code says

Rancho Mirage code What Rancho Mirage's code adds
When a building counts as historic
  • 50 years.
    Applies: Qualifying for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
    § 15.27.070 · code text
    The city may determine whether a particular structure or site qualifies for listing with the National Register of Historic Places upon a finding that the structure or site is at least 50 years of age and the following criteria are met:
Changing a historic home
  • An application is required for major exterior alterations.
    Applies: Major exterior alteration of a historic resource, or a structure under consideration for designation.
    § 15.27.130 · code text
    Applications for major alterations, as that term is described in this chapter, to the exterior of a historic resource or a structure under consideration by the historic preservation commission or city council for designation as a historic resource, shall be submitted to the city manager or designee on a form prescribed by the city.
  • An application is required for minor exterior alterations.
    Applies: Minor exterior alteration of a historic resource, or a structure under consideration for designation.
    § 15.27.120 · code text
    Applications for minor alterations, as that term is described in this chapter, to the exterior of a historic resource or a structure under consideration by the historic preservation commission or city council for designation as a historic resource, shall be submitted on a form prescribed by the city to the city manager or designee for his or her review.
  • Up to a 21-day stay on further processing.
    Applies: A major alteration determined to detrimentally affect a defining character or architectural style.
    § 15.27.130 · code text
    If the historic preservation commission determines that the requested alteration will detrimentally affect a defining character and/or architectural style of the exterior of the subject historic resource, or one in the nomination process, then the commission with the consent of the city manager or designee may order up to a 21-day stay on further processing of the subject permit application
  • Up to a 21-day stay on further processing.
    Applies: A minor alteration determined to detrimentally affect a defining character or architectural style.
    § 15.27.120 · code text
    If the city manager or designee determines that the requested alteration will detrimentally affect a defining character and/or architectural style of the exterior of the subject historic resource, or one within the nomination process, then the city manager or designee may order up to a 21-day stay on further processing of the subject permit application
Demolishing an older or historic home
  • An automatic 21-day stay.
    Applies: A complete demolition application involving a historic resource or one in the nomination process.
    § 15.27.140 · code text
    All building permit applications for demolition involving a historic resource, or one in the nomination process, shall be subject to an automatic 21-day stay
  • An additional 21-day stay.
    Applies: The city council extends the stay period for further consideration.
    § 15.27.140 · code text
    The city council may extend the stay period an additional 21 days for further consideration or ratify, modify or reject the historic preservation commission's recommendation.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What rules apply to a historic home in Rancho Mirage?

Rancho Mirage's code: 50 years. (Qualifying for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.) (§ 15.27.070); An application is required for major exterior alterations. (Major exterior alteration of a historic resource, or a structure under consideration for designation.) (§ 15.27.130).

General information, not legal advice.

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