California Register of Historical Resources facts for kids

The California Register of Historical Resources is a special program in California. It helps people, groups, and government agencies find, study, list, and protect important historical places and items. These are called historical resources.

This program makes sure that California's important buildings, places, and objects are recognized. It helps keep them safe for the future. The Register also helps decide which historical places can get state funding. It also offers special protections under a law called the California Environmental Quality Act.

What Makes a Place Historic?

To be listed on the California Register, a place or item must meet certain rules. These rules help decide if something is truly important to history.

Is it Linked to Important Events?

• It must be connected to big events that shaped local or state history.
• It could also be linked to important moments in the history of the United States.

Is it Linked to Important People?

• The place or item must be connected to people who played a major role.
• These people could be important in local, California, or national history.

Does it Show Special Design or Art?

• It might show a unique style of building or design from a certain time.
• It could also be a great example of a master builder's work.
• Sometimes, it's listed because it has special artistic qualities.

Does it Hold Hidden Information?

• The place might have already given us valuable information about the past.
• It could also have the potential to teach us more about prehistory or history.
• This information could be important for the local area, California, or the nation.

What Happens When a Place is Listed?

Being listed on the California Register brings several benefits and protections. It helps keep these special places safe.

How Does it Protect the Property?

• If a new project might harm a listed property, an environmental study might be needed.
• This study helps make sure the historical site is considered.
• You can contact your local planning office for more details on this.

Are There Special Building Rules?

• The State Historical Building Code allows for some flexibility.
• Local building inspectors can approve different building rules for historical sites.
• This helps preserve old buildings while keeping them safe.

Can Owners Get Tax Help?

• Property owners might be able to get a tax break.
• This happens through a special agreement called the Mills Act.
• It encourages owners to maintain their historical properties.

Can Owners Add a Marker?

• Owners of listed properties can choose to put up their own plaque.
• This marker helps others know that the site is historically important.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places
• List of National Historic Landmarks in California