Historic Resources Inventory

Updated 8/19/2025

The City’s Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) is an informational document that identifies potential historic resources throughout the City. The HRI is a limited review (windshield survey) of every property in the City and contains specific information about a property’s buildings and structures, including the date of construction, architectural style, architect and builder if known, historic status code, and a statement of the structure’s potential significance.

The HRI is a tool to inform property owners, members of the public, and decision makers during various planning review processes, such as Landmark applications or modifications to the exterior of a building.

Owning a Property Listed on the HRI

A property listed on the HRI may require additional review when a building permit is submitted to the City. This is to limit the impact of proposed additions, remodels/renovations, preservation, demolition, and property sale. Examples of this include:

Additions: Additions are permitted, but there may be restrictions that apply based on single vs multifamily listings, the location of the property, and development standards.

Single Family Dwellings: Exterior renovations do not require design review and are only subject to the demolition limitations detailed below.
Multifamily Unit Dwellings: Exterior renovations require an additional approval step. If the scope of work includes window replacement, additions, façade changes, materials, landscaping, or similar work that might change the structure’s unique features, a review of the proposed exterior changes is subject to an Architectural Review Board (ARB) review. This review is typically approved at a staff level.

Remodels: If a proposed remodel of the front elevation removes walls or architectural features, it may trigger a demolition threshold and require further staff review.
Preservation: When considering how best to maintain an HRI property, an important factor is the structure’s integrity, or the intact unique physical and material characteristics that existed during the resource’s period of significance. Please see the FAQ’s below for information on Historic Preservation.
Demolition: Properties listed on the HRI have a lower demolition threshold compared to properties that are not listed. Specifically, demolition of the front elevation is limited to no more than 25% of the existing façade area and 50% of the full building perimeter. See: demolition defined.
Sale: Existing and prospective property owners should be aware that the City requires HRI, Landmark, and Structure of Merit property statuses to be disclosed at the time of sale.

A Realtor Transfer Disclosure Form is required at the time of sale.
A Residential Building Report, required at time of sale, identifies a property listed on the HRI per Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.29.060.

List of HRI Properties

Want to know if your property is listed on the HRI? Check both links below to see if your property is a potential individual and/or a district resource:

Structure of Merit and Landmarks

Unlike properties listed on the HRI, Landmarks and Structures of Merit are both designated resources. The process for additions, remodels and demolition is entirely different for designated resources compared with a listed HRI property.

Status Codes

Along with a brief description, each property on the HRI receives a ‘Status Code’. A Status Code is a starting point for an evaluation of the property’s potential historical significance and eligibility for local, State or Federal Landmark designation. Status Codes also identify whether the property has individual historic value or is a contributor to an existing or potential historic district. See a list of all Status Codes here.

For additional information regarding Santa Monica’s Historic Preservation program, please see the following resources:

Visit the Santa Monica Historic Preservation webpage
Use the interactive map of Landmarks, Structures of Merit, and Historic Districts
Review the Secretary of the Interior’s universal standards for rehabilitation and restoration of historic properties
Visit criteria from the National Register.

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FAQ

What is the difference between an individual HRI listing and a District Resource listing?

If a property is listed on the HRI, its historical or architectural significance is ranked. Individual Resources or Structures of Merit (status code 5S3*) are eligible for designation as standalone structures. A District Resource, located within the boundaries of a historic district, could contribute as one of many structures grouped in a potential Historic District.

Can a property on the HRI be demolished?

A property, regardless of its status on or off the HRI, may be demolished by filing a demolition permit application. For a property more than 40 years old, there is a 75-day waiting period from the date the demolition application is filed before any action may be taken. During this waiting period, any member of the public may file a Landmark, Structure of Merit, or Historic District designation application for the subject property.

When was the HRI adopted and has it been amended?

The City’s first HRI was adopted in 1983 and was subsequently updated in 2006 and 2011. The most recent HRI adoption was completed in 2018.

What does an HRI update entail?

An HRI update is a detailed undertaking that:

Considers properties that may have achieved potential significance since the last survey was conducted;
Incorporates properties that may have been previously overlooked;
Reassesses properties that may have been inaccurately evaluated in the prior survey;
Identifies sites where buildings and structures have been moved or demolished;
Reassesses properties that have been physically altered by renovations and additions since the prior survey;
Ensures the planning decisions are based on the most current information.

Can I add or remove my property from the HRI?

Properties are removed from the HRI only when an updated HRI survey occurs AND it is determined that the property has been either altered to the point that there is no longer enough historical integrity, moved, or demolished since the prior HRI update.

How is the HRI listing used when a Landmark designation is filed?

A property nomination includes the subject address’ HRI listing to create a Historical Resources Assessment (HRA). The HRA is a comprehensive historical analysis of a structure and/or property. Once complete, the HRA is presented before the Landmarks Commission, which determines if a Landmark designation is warranted.