Alhambra Moves To Protect Historic Resources

Outside of Alhambra Historical Society (Photo – Melissa Michelson

History was made in Alhambra on May 28, 2025, when the city’s recently formed Historic Preservation Commission adopted a resolution recommending approval of a draft historic preservation ordinance. This marks the first step toward final adoption by Alhambra’s City Council.

By Alhambra Preservation Group

The adoption of a historic preservation ordinance is long overdue for Alhambra. Many of you are well aware of the decades of advocacy—22 years, to be exact—that have led to this milestone. Several years ago, the City Council prioritized the development of a three-phase historic preservation program. That effort included the creation of a historic context statement, a citywide survey, and now, a preservation ordinance.

Over the course of three meetings, the Historic Preservation Commission worked through the details of the draft ordinance. The commission ensured that it incorporated best preservation practices and included meaningful incentives for owners of designated historic resources, such as Mills Act contracts, design review exemptions, and the potential for building permit fee reductions.

On the enforcement side, the commission made revisions designed to deter the demolition of historic resources. These include a 60-month permit moratorium, the possibility of additional fines and penalties, and a provision that any new construction cannot exceed the original square footage or footprint of an illegally demolished historic structure.

In crafting this ordinance, Alhambra has struck a balance, offering both incentives (“carrots”) to encourage preservation and penalties (“sticks”) to discourage illegal destruction. This ordinance aims to protect the historic homes, businesses, churches, and schools that contribute to Alhambra’s unique sense of place.

Next Steps for the Ordinance

The next steps include review by the Planning Commission, followed by adoption by the Alhambra City Council. The ordinance is tentatively scheduled for review and consideration by the Planning Commission at their July 8, 2025, meeting. It is expected to go before the City Council for review, consideration, and potential adoption on Monday, August 25, 2025.