The City of Carlsbad’s Historic Plaque Program was established on May 20, 2025 (Resolution No. 2025-110) to increase public awareness of history and highlight the importance of local landmarks and historical resources. The Plaque Program is a great way to recognize and commemorate places, people or events of historical significance. 

Some of the program highlights are provided below.  

Eligibility

The city’s historic resource or heritage tree must meet one of the following eligibility criteria to be eligible for a plaque. 

• Listed in the local, state, or national register
• Designated by resolution as a heritage tree in the city’s Heritage Tree Inventory
• Identified as having a unique historical significance
  • Qualifying as the “first” of its kind (i.e., first post office, first school); and
  • Be of a significant age relative to the founding of the city; and
  • Represent the cultural history of the region or the city

Plaque selection process

• Community members may nominate sites by submitting recommendations in writing to the Historic Preservation Commission. The property owner must consent to the nomination. 
• Consideration of nominated sites will be grouped together to be considered by the commission at the end of each calendar year.
• The commission may identify up to two sites to be presented to the City Council for approval each year.

Under the city’s plaque program, the city is responsible for paying the full cost of the fabrication and shipping of the plaque, and the property owner is responsible for paying for the cost of installing and maintaining the plaque. 

If you are interested in learning more about the plaque program or would like to submit a nomination, please contact Mike Strong, Assistant Director of Community Development at mike.strong@carlsbadca.gov.