National Historic Places and Landmarks

The national Register of Historic Places (NRHP) includes over 80,000 listings, of which over 2,400 are designated as National Historic Landmarks.

Landmarks are designated by the Secretary of the interior for their national significance. Historic places are nominated by a State Historic Preservation Office and may have community, state or national importance.

The NRHP focuses on a site's significance in American history, architecture, engineering, or culture. It recognizes structures, buildings, sites and districts associated with significant events, persons, or architectural movements. It is administered by the National Parks Service.

Owners of private property are given the opportunity to concur or object to listing, and a property will not be placed on the Register over the owner's objection. A listings does not restrict a private owner from his or her use of the property, and the owners of listed properties may be able to obtain federal historic preservation funding and tax credits for rehabilitation.

Click Here> for a list of National Register of Historic Places in San Francisco

California Landmarks

California Historical Landmarks are buildings, structures, sites, or places that have been determined to have statewide historical significance. They are designated by the Director of California State Parks and must be approved by the Board of Supervisors in the country in which they are located.

To gain California Historical Landmark status, a property must be the first, last, only, or most significant of its type; be associated with an individual or group that profoundly influenced California history; an/or be an outstanding example of an architectural style or one of the most notable works of an important architect or builder.

The designation is not given over the objection of a property owner and is recorded on the property's deed. The property is eligible for building code alternative and may be eligible for property tax reductions

Click Here> for a list of California Historical Landmarks in San Francisco

San Francisco Landmarks

In San Francisco, landmarks are established through the nine-member San Francisco Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board established in 1967. Landmark designation may be initiated by the owner of a property or the Planing or Arts Commissions. Final designation requires approval from the Landmarks Board, the Planning Commission, and the Board of Supervisors. There are currently 259 landmarked sites and 27 historic districts.