The foundation of a successful preservation program is an understanding of the location, distribution, and significance of historic and cultural resources, which include buildings, structures, signs, features, sites, places, areas, or landscapes. This understanding is achieved through the historic and cultural resource survey process. In addition to identifying important individual historic or cultural resources and potential districts, a survey can help identify buildings that may be eligible for local or national preservation incentives or inform the development of new projects that protect the integrity of designated properties.
The city’s first Historic Resources Survey was adopted in 1991 (Resolution No. 91-114). The survey evaluated more than 300 sites. At the time it was adopted, there was some confusion about the survey and whether each property listed was a historic resource. In response to community concerns, the City Council deleted the survey and stipulated that inclusion of any historic listing is to be voluntary, by application from the property owner (Resolution No. 93-151).
If you are a property owner and believe your property may qualify to be listed in the City of Carlsbad Historic Resource Register, please take some time to learn how to get your property listed and possibly receive a significant property tax reduction through the Mills Act.
