An important part of what makes Riverside a special place to live is its abundance of historic resources. Preservation of these resources fosters civic and neighborhood pride and forms the basis for identifying and maintaining community character. With this understanding, the City of Riverside has developed a historic preservation program which is among the most active and well-respected in the state of California.

Riverside's commitment to historic preservation began in 1969 with the adoption of a preservation ordinance (Title 20 of the Municipal Code) and creation of the Cultural Heritage Board. Since that time the program has grown to include an ongoing process to survey, record and designate historic resources, an award-winning historic resources inventory database, historic district design guidelines, educational programs, and a historic preservation plan.

For over thirty years, the commitment and participation of the City, community organizations, business leaders and homeowners has ensured the success of Riverside's preservation program. The California State Office of Historic Preservation has recognized the program with its designation of Riverside as a Certified Local Government (CLG). This distinction ensures that the City's preservation program meets all state and federal standards.

The Historic Preservation Program is administered through the Planning Division of the Community Development Department. For further information, please contact our Historic Preservation Specialist: