Submittal Requirements & Designation Guidelines

This section contains information and links to various forms necessary for historical designation, and is generally intended for designation of sites that are not associated with a construction project. If you have been informed by the Developmental Services Department that you need to prepare a historical study in association with a construction and/or discretionary project, you need to meet the Development Services Department's submittal requirements.

This section is still under development, so check back periodically for updated information. Until all of the submittal requirements and forms are linked from this page, you may use the contact information at the bottom of this page to request a designation package.

Historical Resource Research Report Guidelines and Requirements

Anyone submitting a site for a determination by the Historical Resources Board regarding the historical significance of the property must provide a Historical Resource Research report consistent with the adopted Historical Resource Research Report Guidelines and Requirements (PDF: 560K)

Designation Criteria for City of San Diego Historical Sites

Any improvement, building, structure, sign, interior element, fixture, feature, site, place, district or object may be designated as historical by the City of San Diego Historical Resources Board.
Information about the criteria for the Historical Resources Board.

Handout on Historical Plaques

After your site is designated, this historical plaque handout (PDF: 492K)shows the specifications for historical plaques. Plaques that meet these specifications are approved for placement on designated historical sites. Owners are responsible for purchasing and installing a plaque.

Historical District Policy on Establishing Historical Districts

This Historical Resources Board Policy (PDF: 198K) contains important information for those wishing to pursue a historical district designation submittal.