Working toward official historic district designation
The City's 2025 historic survey identified our neighborhood as potentially eligible for historic district status. Here's what that means — and what it doesn't.
Please review the City of Ventura 2025 Historic District Survey here. If you believe that you have been mislabeled as a "non-contributor," please contact us at info@buenaventuratract.org.
What is a Historic District?
A historic district in California is a clearly defined geographic area with a meaningful concentration of buildings, structures, or sites that share a common history, architectural style, or development pattern. Under California Public Resources Code, a district is recognized for the way its homes and streets relate to one another as a unified historic environment.
Properties are called "resources" that form that district. Some properties within it are considered contributors when they help reflect that shared character. Other properties are considered non-contributors because they don't match the era, style, or history.
Please check the 2025 Historic Survey to ensure the city is correctly reflecting your property.
Why become a Historic District?
SBTN is working toward official historic district designation for the San Buenaventura Tract. The City's 2025 historic survey identified the neighborhood as potentially eligible for historic district status. Designation would add neighborhood-specific review and design standards so future development is evaluated for compatibility with the area's historic character, scale, and setting.
What Can a Historic District Designation Do?
Add guardrails for future development
New buildings and major exterior changes would be reviewed under adopted historic district design guidelines.
Protect neighborhood scale and character
District guidelines can address height, materials, roof forms, site planning, and compatibility with surrounding historic resources.
Give the neighborhood a stronger voice
Historic district review adds another layer of public process when development could affect historic resources or the district's character.
What It Does NOT Mean
MYTH: You won't be able to change your home.
FACT: Historic district designation does not freeze homes in time. Owners can still repair, remodel, and add to their properties. Exterior work may receive historic design review and must follow the district's adopted guidelines. Historic district status is not the same as individual landmark designation.
FACT: Tax incentives are not automatic.
Some individually designated historic landmark properties may be eligible to apply for Mills Act property-tax relief. Being within a historic district by itself does not guarantee a tax reduction.
Why This Matters Now
We need 51% of property owners to agree to the submission to the National Register of Historic Resources.
Ventura is seeing continued infill and redevelopment pressure. The former Washington School site on MacMillan Avenue has been sold for housing redevelopment, and any future project will still need to go through the City's planning and entitlement process. SBTN believes this is an important time for neighbors to understand the historic district process and participate in decisions that shape the neighborhood's future.