California Register of Historical Resources

The State Historical Resources Commission has designed this program for use by state and local agencies, private groups and citizens to identify, evaluate, register and protect California's historical resources. The Register is the authoritative guide to the state's significant historical and archeological resources.

The California Register program encourages public recognition and protection of resources of architectural, historical, archeological and cultural significance, identifies historical resources for state and local planning purposes, determines eligibility for state historic preservation grant funding and affords certain protections under the California Environmental Quality Act.

Note: Please feel free to contact OHP Registration Unit staff for advice and consultation regarding the components necessary to nominate a property to the California Register of Historical Resources.

Criteria for Designation

  • Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of California's history and cultural heritage (Criterion 1).
  • Is associated with the lives of persons important in our past (Criterion 2).
  • Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic values (Criterion 3).
  • Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history (Criterion 4).

Effects of Designation

  • Limited protection: Environmental review may be required under CEQA if property is threatened by a project. Contact your local planning agency for more information.
  • Local building inspector must grant code alternatives provided under State Historical Building Code.
  • Local assessor may enter into contract with property owner for property tax reduction (Mills Act).
    Owner may place his or her own plaque or marker at the site of the resource.

How to Nominate a Resource to the California Register of Historical Resources

1. Download the Nomination Packet, including all appropriate DPR 523 forms. Only use the DPR 523 Forms that are applicable to the nominated resource (generally, one DPR 523A, one DPR 523B, and, if needed, the DPR 523L Continuation Sheet) If you need assistance, contact Registration Unit staff. 

2. Complete application, including all necessary supplemental forms, according to instructions. If you need assistance, contact Registration Unit staff. Note: Applicants are no longer required to submit 35mm slides as part of California Register nominations. You may follow the National Park Service Photo Policy for photos included with the DPR forms. 

3. Notify the clerk of the local government in whose jurisdiction the resource is located by certified mail that an application will be filed with the OHP and request that the local government provide written comments within 90 days. The notification must include a copy of the application. 

4. At the end of the 90 days, you may submit the completed application and any comments to the OHP. 

5. OHP staff will send notification to the property owner (if the applicant is not the property owner) and ensure that the nomination packet is complete. Please include the Property Owners Excel Template.

How to submit a Nomination to the OHP:

As of September 1, 2026, nominations and supporting documents can be submitted to the OHP electronically. The OHP will provide each applicant with a secure folder to upload the nomination and supporting documents.

To request a nomination folder:

  1. Email calshpo.registration@parks.ca.gov with the subject line "Request for nomination folder link."
    • In the body of the email, include the
      • The name, address, city, and county of the property
      • Include the email addresses of applicants needing access to the folder.

  2. A hyperlink to the folder will be emailed back to the original sender.

  3. Upload a Complete Nomination Packet with the following documents:
    1. Cover letter identifying 
      1. which registration program is being pursued, 
      2. the property being nominated, 
      3. all property owners and their complete contact information, 
      4. the applicant and their complete contact information, and 
      5. any person or organization on whose behalf the nomination is being submitted

    2. Excel spreadsheet with email and mailing addresses for all owners and applicants; and

    3. California Register of Historical Resources submittals include 
      1. Certified Mail receipt indicating that the nomination was submitted to the local jurisdiction 90 days prior to submittal to the OHP and any subsequent comment received, 
      2. Application cover letter, and 
      3. Completed DPR form(s) with maps and photographs

The OHP will contact the applicant if the documentation is not complete.

If the link to the upload folder does not work,email calshpo.registration@parks.ca.gov and a new link will be sent.

Alternatively, a USB drive with the above documentation may be sent to:

Office of Historic Preservation 
ATTN: Registration
1725 23rd Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95816

Owner Consent

Consent of owner is not required, but a resource cannot be listed over an owner’s objections. The SHRC can, however, formally determine a property eligible for the California Register if the resource owner objects.


Local Government Notification

Local government must be given 90 days in which to comment on the application before it is sent to OHP.