Landmarks and Historic Districts are irreplaceable assets that reflect the historical character of the City and its neighborhoods to showcase the best of the past and recent generations. The goal of Landmark designation is to protect, preserve, and enhance these significant cultural resources, encourage their continued use, and manage change for future generations.
To qualify for landmark designation by the Historic Preservation Commission (“HPC”), buildings, districts, places, structures, or objects must hold historical significance at the city, state, or national level. This could include being the site of a significant historic event, association with a notable culture or individual, embodying exemplary architecture or the work of architect or designer of merit, or representing a significant theme of San Francisco’s history.
Since 2012, the HPC has prioritized properties in the Landmark Designation Program that reflect underrepresented communities, strong cultural and/or social connections, landscapes, and sites from geographically underrepresented areas of the city. In 2020, the HPC adopted Resolution No. 1127 Centering Preservation on Racial and Social Equity, which outlines strategies to racial and social equity in the HPC’s preservation efforts.
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.