As part of the goals and policies of the Historic Preservation Element of the General Plan, Riverside maintains an active and systematic program to survey cultural resources citywide. Surveys are completed for a variety of reasons. They tell us what properties are architecturally and historically significant and what properties are eligible for designation. They also facilitate environmental review processes, promote heritage tourism initiatives, and serve as the basis for establishing historic districts and developing design guidelines. Finally, surveys foster civic and neighborhood pride and further knowledge of, and appreciation for, Riverside’s cultural heritage.

Each year the Planning Division applies for grant funding to complete survey work. A survey includes a field inspection, photography and research on a property to establish historic and architectural significance. Properties and districts are then evaluated for eligibility for designation in accordance with local, state, and national criteria. State Historic Resources Inventory forms are completed for each surveyed property. Copies of these forms are sent to the State Office of Historic Preservation and are on file in the Planning Department.

For information on current survey projects in Riverside please refer to the Preservation News and Events section of this web page. Information on properties that have been surveyed can be accessed from the Historic Resources Database.

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