Landmarks and Landmark Districts are unique and irreplaceable assets to the city and its neighborhoods and provide examples of the surroundings in which past and recent generations lived. The intent of Landmark designation is to protect, preserve, enhance and encourage continued utilization, rehabilitation and, where necessary, adaptive use of significant cultural resources.
To be recommended by the Historic Preservation Commission for landmark designation, buildings, districts, places, structures, or objects must demonstrate value as an example of city, state or national heritage such as: a site of a significant historic event, identification with a significant culture or person, exemplary architecture, work of master architect or designer, representation of a significant theme, and a unique or distinctive visual feature. Since 2012, the HPC has prioritized inclusion on the current Landmark Work Program for properties that represent underrepresented communities – with strong cultural and/or social associations, property types including landscapes, buildings of Modern design, and sites located in geographically underrepresented areas of the city. In 2020, the HPC adopted Resolution No. 1127 Centering Preservation on Racial and Social Equity, which states goals for how the Commission and the Planning Department can develop proactive strategies to address structural and institutional racism and center their work and resource allocation on racial and social equity, focused on preservation, and applies to prioritization of Landmarks.
Designation Process
The landmark designation process can be initiated by the HPC, through its Landmark Designation Program, by community nominations, or by the Board of Supervisors.
The process involves a series of public hearings held both by the Historic Preservation Commission and the Board of Supervisors, with opportunities for public comment at each hearing. Final approval of a Landmark or Landmark District requires a majority vote by the Board of Supervisors and signature by the mayor.
Community-sponsored Landmark Designation
A landmark designation can be submitted by the community. Planning Department staff will make an initial recommendation in consultation with the applicant and may bring forward the nomination to the HPC for their review and approval.
Review the requirements to submit a community-sponsored Landmark designation. Questions can be answered by emailing CPC.Landmarks@sfgov.org.
Designated Landmarks and Landmarks Districts
Proposed Individual Landmarks and Landmark Districts
The Department and HPC regularly review the status of individual Landmarks and Landmark Districts.