Historic homes in West Covina: the local rules

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

What West Covina's code says

West Covina code What West Covina's code adds
Changing a historic home	A certificate of appropriateness is required. Applies: Landmarks and properties within a historic district. § 17-141 · code text For landmarks or properties within a historic district, no person shall alter, restore, reconstruct, demolish, remove, replace, or relocate any exterior improvement or architectural feature that is either a contributing characteristic of the resource or visible from any public right-of-way; alter, restore, reconstruct, demolish, remove, replace, or relocate any permanent sign visible from a public right-of-way; or alter, restore, reconstruct, demolish, remove, replace, or relocate any interior characteristic that was identified as contributing during the designation without being granted a certificate of appropriateness Reviewed by the minor alterations subcommittee. Applies: Applications involving only minor alterations. § 17-142 · code text Applications for certificates of appropriateness involving only minor alterations shall be reviewed by the minor alterations subcommittee of the commission Reviewed by the planning commission. Applies: Applications for certificates of appropriateness other than for minor alterations. § 17-142 · code text Applications for certificates of appropriateness other than for minor alterations shall be reviewed by the planning commission
Demolishing an older or historic home	Discretionary demolition permit review is required; subject to CEQA and the Permit Streamlining Act. Applies: Demolition of a historic landmark, a building in a historic district, or a potential historic resource. § 17-144 · code text The demolition of a historic landmark, buildings in a historic district, or potential historic resource as described by this article is considered to be a discretionary permit and subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Permit Streamlining Act. Referred to the planning commission for review and conditions. Applies: Demolition of a landmark or structure located within a historic district. § 17-144 · code text The demolition of a landmark or structure located within a historic district shall be referred to the planning commission for review and conditions. A demolition permit may not be issued until the building permit for the replacement structure is issued. Applies: Wholly or partially demolishing, removing or relocating a historic landmark, building in a historic district, or potential historic resource. § 17-144 · code text A demolition permit may not be issued until the building permit for the replacement structure is issued. An exception to demolition review requirements may be granted. Applies: When compelled by public safety due to eminent hazard as determined by the public works director. § 17-144 · code text Exceptions may be granted to this section when compelled by public safety due to eminent hazard as determined by the public works director.

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Frequently asked questions

What rules apply to a historic home in West Covina?

West Covina's code: A certificate of appropriateness is required. (Landmarks and properties within a historic district.) (§ 17-141); Reviewed by the minor alterations subcommittee. (Applications involving only minor alterations.) (§ 17-142).

Historic homes in West Covina

What West Covina's code says

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