Historic homes in Salinas: the local rules

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

What Salinas's code says

Salinas code What Salinas's code adds
Changing a historic home	A certificate of approval is required before altering or demolishing a historic resource § 3-02.06 · code text No person may alter or demolish an historic resource within without first obtaining a certificate of approval appropriateness as provided for in this section. The community development director may approve or conditionally approve; otherwise it goes to the board Applies: Minor alteration consistent with applicable design standards § 3-02.06 · code text If in the judgment of the community development director or his designee the proposed minor alteration is consistent with the applicable design standards prescribed in this section, the community development director or his designee may approve or conditionally approve the application. The board reviews and may deny, approve or conditionally approve Applies: Major alteration: additions over 500 square feet, a new structure, exterior materials other than minor items, grading, or renovation or restoration § 3-02.06 · code text All proposed major alterations shall be forwarded to the board which will review the project design and conditions of approval and may deny, approve, or conditionally approve the application.
Demolishing an older or historic home	A certificate of approval is required; the board reviews and may deny or approve the demolition § 3-02.06 · code text All proposed demolitions shall be forwarded to the board which will review the application and may deny or approve the proposed demolition. Demolition is prohibited until designation is considered and determined Applies: Property proposed for historic-resource designation, during designation proceedings § 3-02.05 · code text The property owner and/or any authorized representative shall be prohibited from undertaking any alteration, construction, demolition, grading, or removal of such property, and no permit to undertake such work shall be issued, until the proposed designation has been considered and a determination on the matter made by the city council.
Work that needs no review	Ordinary maintenance and repair without a change in exterior design, material or appearance Applies: Any exterior feature of a structure or property covered by the article § 3-02.10 · code text Nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance and repair of any exterior feature of any structure or property covered by this article, so long as such maintenance and repair does not involve a change in exterior design, material, or appearance.
Mills Act tax incentive	The city council may establish a Mills Act Program allowing a property-tax reduction Applies: Owner of a historic property designated by the city council or listed on an official federal, state or county register § 3-02.14 · code text The terms of the Mills Act Agreement allow the owner to receive a reduction in property taxes in exchange for the property owner's commitment to specific repair, rehabilitation improvements and satisfactory maintenance of the historic property.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

What rules apply to a historic home in Salinas?

Salinas's code: A certificate of approval is required before altering or demolishing a historic resource (§ 3-02.06); The community development director may approve or conditionally approve; otherwise it goes to the board (Minor alteration consistent with applicable design standards) (§ 3-02.06).

Historic homes in Salinas

What Salinas's code says

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