Definitions

County of Sonoma

The following definitions apply to Historic Landmarks, Historic Districts, and undesignated historic resources in Sonoma County.

Building: A “Building”, such as a house, barn, church, hotel, or similar construction is created principally to shelter any form of human activity. The term "Building" may also be used to refer to an historically and functionally related unit, such as a courthouse and jail or a house and barn.

Structure: The term "Structure" is used to distinguish from a “Building” those functional constructions made usually for purposes other than creating human shelter.

Object: The term "Object" is used to distinguish from “Building” and “Structure” those constructions that are primarily artistic in nature or are relatively small in scale and simply constructed. Although it may be, by nature or design, movable, an “Object” is associated with a specific setting or environment.

District: A “District” possesses a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings, structures, or objects united historically or aesthetically by plan or physical development.

Site: A “Site” is the location of a significant event; a prehistoric or historic occupation or activity; or a building or structure, whether standing, ruined, or vanished, where the location itself possesses historic, cultural, or archaeological value regardless of the value of any existing structure.

State of California

California Department of Parks and Recreation, Office of Historic Preservation
California State Law and Historic Preservation: Statutes, Regulations and Administrative Policies Regarding Historic Preservation and Protection of Cultural and Historical Resources

National

Secretary of the Interior
Standards and Guidelines for Preservation Terminology

National Park Service
Historic Preservation Fund Grants Manual, Glossary

Smithsonian Institute
Historic Preservation Terms

National Trust for Historic Preservation
Glossary of Selected Index Terms

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