L.A. County Establishes First-Ever Historic District in Altadena (Photo – Graphics Dept.)
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday completed the final administrative step required to establish the County’s first-ever historic district and landmark designation in Altadena, approving an ordinance that formally creates the Historic Highlands Historic District.
By News Desk
The action follows the completion of legal review and due diligence by County Counsel and amends Title 22 (Planning and Zoning) of the Los Angeles County Code to include the new district.
The Historic Highlands Historic District encompasses 77 parcels of predominantly early-20th-century single-family residences located in the northern portion of the Historic Highlands neighborhood. The ordinance comes after recommendations from the Historical Landmarks and Records Commission and the Regional Planning Commission, as well as years of community engagement and preservation advocacy.
“Today’s action marks the completion of a significant effort to formally recognize and protect one of Altadena’s most historically significant neighborhoods,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “With County Counsel’s review now complete and the ordinance approved, we have taken the final step necessary to preserve the Historic Highlands’ unique character and architectural heritage for future generations.”
The Historic Highlands neighborhood is known for its collection of Craftsman, Spanish Colonial Revival, Tudor, and other period architectural styles that reflect Altadena’s growth during the economic boom of the 1920s. The district represents the transformation of former orange groves into a thriving suburban community and remains one of the area’s most intact historic residential neighborhoods.
County officials noted that the designation comes as Altadena continues to recover from the devastating Eaton Fire. Although the Historic Highlands district was not affected by the fire, its historic homes, streetscapes, and architectural character provide an important connection to the community’s past during a period of rebuilding and recovery.
“The Eaton Fire changed Altadena forever, destroying thousands of structures and dramatically altering parts of our community,” Barger said. “Preserving neighborhoods like the Historic Highlands helps maintain the sense of place that makes Altadena special. As residents rebuild and recover, these historic homes serve as a reminder of our community’s resilience and enduring identity.”
More than 50 percent of affected property owners supported the designation. The new historic district will establish guidelines designed to protect defining architectural features while allowing appropriate property improvements and continued community growth.
The Historic Highlands Historic District designation will take effect on July 9, 2026. Following that date, the district will be entered into the County Register, and affected property owners will be formally notified of the designation.
Map of First-Ever Historic District Designation (Photo – L.A. County)
I’m sorry but this is not Altadena, it is Pasadena. New York drive as I understand is the border and this designation is south of the that.
The Border Setup: The south side of New York Drive typically marks the northern border of Pasadena, while the north side of the street lies in Altadena.The Intersections: The street runs continuously, but crossing it signals the transition from Pasadena’s Historic Highlands neighborhood into the unincorporated Los Angeles County jurisdiction of Altadena
That has been my understanding for the last 50+ years!
– Steve Bostwick