Sonoma County Landmarks Commission

Purpose and Establishment

The Sonoma County Landmarks Commission was established on April 23, 1974 under Ordinance No. 1768, the same ordinance that provided the procedure for designation of Historic Structures (i.e., Historic Landmarks) and Historic Districts. The Ordinance establishes that the Commission shall consist of one resident from each Supervisorial District, appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The County Permit & Resource Management Department (PRMD) assigns one Staff to the Commission.

As stated in the By-Laws, the purpose of the Landmarks Commission is:

"To protect those structures, groups of structures, sites, and areas that are reminders of past eras, events and persons important in local, state, or national history, or which provide significant examples of architectural styles of the past, or which are unique and irreplaceable assets to the County and its communities."

By-Laws

The Landmarks Commission By-Laws address the purpose of the Commission, the frequency of meetings, the conduct of business at meetings, the election of officers, the duties and obligations of officers, and the conduct of Commissioners.

Programs and Services

Designation of Historic Landmarks

The Landmarks Commission:

• evaluates the property and determines whether it is a significant historic resource, and identifies the physical and other characteristics that convey that significance
• makes a recommendation to the Planning Commission as to whether the property is a significant historic resource and qualifies as an Historic Landmark

More information: Designation of Historic Landmarks and Historic Districts

Designation of Historic Districts

The Landmarks Commission:

• evaluates the group of properties proposed and determines whether they qualify as an Historic District
• proposes the boundary of the Historic District
• identifies the architectural and design characteristics of the properties which need to be preserved
• proposes design guidelines that would apply to new construction in the Historic District
• makes a recommendation to the Planning Commission on all of the above

More information: Designation of Historic Landmarks and Historic Districts

Architectural and Design Review of Proposed Projects

Historic Landmarks and Historic Districts. The Landmarks Commission reviews the design of proposed projects and approves, approves with conditions, or denies building permits to:

• repair, alter, or add to the exterior of an existing structure
• construct a new structure
• demolish an existing structure

Other Historic Resources - Not Historic Landmarks or in Historic Districts. The Landmarks Commission reviews the design of proposed projects and makes recommendations to the appropriate decision-making body whether to approve, approve with conditions, or deny building permits to:

• repair, alter, or add to the exterior of an existing structure
• construct a new structure
• demolish an existing structure

More information: Architectural and Design Review of Proposed Projects

Historic Preservation Grants

The Landmarks Commission applies for grants for historic preservation projects which promote and advertise Sonoma County under the Advertising Program, administered by the County Administrator’s Office.

For grants for historic resource surveys and evaluations, the Landmarks Commission:

• identifies the area of the County for which surveys are needed, and identifies the historic properties for which evaluations are needed
• manages the consultant contracts
• uses the results of the surveys and evaluations to designate additional Historic Landmarks and Historic Districts

For grants for historic rehabilitation or restoration projects, the Landmarks Commission:

• reviews the applications to determine whether the applicant, property, and project qualify
• manages the contracts for approved projects
• reviews the projects after they have been constructed to ensure they been completed according to approved plans and specifications

More information: Historic Preservation Grants

Historic Resources Inventory and Records

Staff compiles and maintains records on historic resources in the County.

Public Information/Staff Contact

For information related to Historic Landmarks, Historic Districts, and other County historic resources, contact Lisa Posternak at (707) 565-7383.

For information related to Landmarks Commission meetings visit the Landmarks Commission agenda page.

Members of the Landmarks Commission

For a list of current Landmarks Commission members visit the Landmarks Commission agenda page.

Founding Members of the Landmarks Commission (1974)

• 1st District: JoAnne Mitchell
• 2nd District: John Eliasson
• 3rd District: Dan Petersen
• 4th District: Jim Voss
• 5th District: Tom Golden
• Staff: Nina Liston

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