Historical surveys are inventories of properties that are at least 45 years old and have reasonable architectural integrity. Historical surveys are often used as planning tools as part of redevelopment activities or community plan updates. Surveys may also result in the subsequent preparation of historical district nominations. The City of San Diego has periodically prepared historical surveys for various community areas, either by staff or, more often, through the use of qualified historical consultants. Surveys prepared by professionals on behalf of community/neighborhood groups are also reviewed by Historic Resources Board. Staff determines survey completeness prior to Historic Resources Board review. Grant funding and/or allocation of funds by the City Council, as well as allocation of staffing, is necessary before any survey can be undertaken and processed by staff. Historical surveys that are currently being reviewed by the Historical Resources Board staff, and have been posted to the City's website, are listed below.

• 2004 Draft North Park Historical Survey (PDF)
• African American Heritage Study (PDF)
• Warehouse Thematic Historic District (PDF)
• East Village Historical Survey (PDF)