Historic Resources Board
The Historic Resources Board (HRB) was created on April 27, 2010, by the City Council's adoption of Ordinance #2505. The HRB was tasked by Council to protect Salinas' architectural heritage assets for education, community revitalization, and the promotion of heritage tourism. The Board works to protect Salinas' historic assets listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the State Historic Landmark Register, and the California Register of Historic Resources. The HRB also identifies historic and cultural heritage sites in Salinas which can be featured as visitor or local attractions.
In 2012, the Board was successful in obtaining State designation as a Certified Local Government; such designation can facilitate the receipt of federal and state resources available to encourage historic preservation.
The Board makes recommendations to staff and to the Planning Commission and City Council regarding the designation, preservation, alteration, and demolition of local historic resources. Serving in this role, the Board:
- Implements City policies pertaining to historic resources located in the City.
- Promotes public education pertaining to historic resources.
- Considers the use of economic incentives encouraging investment in local historic resources and promoting heritage tourism.
- Provides guidance to property owners on the restoration, alteration, and maintenance of Salinas' historic resources.
At least two members of the seven-member Board are qualified historians with professional qualifications or credentials in Prehistoric Archeology, Historic Architecture, or Architectural History. Board members are exempt from a residency requirement; however, they should be involved in Salinas through their business or employment. Board members may serve until resignation, until a successor is appointed, or until removed by the City Council.
Applicants for Board membership should have a demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in historic preservation, heritage preservation, or heritage tourism. Members of the local business community are encouraged to apply for their business expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and vision in preserving and promoting Salinas' historic sites and heritage assets.
For more information on the Historic Resources Board, you may contact Grant Leonard at (831) 758-7975.
Meeting Schedule
The Historic Resources Board typically meets the first Monday of each month at 12 p.m. in the City Council Rotunda Building. Call (831) 758-7469 for general information or questions regarding agendas and minutes.
2025 Historic Resources Board Meeting Schedule (PDF)(PDF, 56KB)
Historic Resources Board Agendas and Minutes
View Historic Resources Board Agendas and Minutes
Historic Resources Board Downloadable Documents
- List of Historic Resources (PDF)(PDF, 188KB)
- City General Plan Policies for Cultural Resources (PDF)(PDF, 2MB)
- Ordinance Establishing the Historic Resources Board and Regulations (PDF)(PDF, 5MB)
- 1989 Historical and Architectural Resources Survey by Kent Seavey (PDF)(PDF, 4MB)
- Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties (PDF)(PDF, 476KB)
- Historic Resources Board Application Form (PDF)(PDF, 129KB)
- Public Officials Handbook (PDF)(PDF, 181KB)
- Salinas Art Deco and Moderne: A Wealth of Architecture (PDF)(PDF, 4MB)
- Mobile Ranger Phone App: Downtown Historic Buildings (PDF)(PDF, 404KB)
- 2025 Certificate of Appreciation Recipients (PDF)(PDF, 273KB)
- 2026 Certificate of Appreciation Recipients (PDF)(PDF, 233KB)
Historic Resources Survey Update
The City of Salinas has a rich and diverse history and there are multiple historic building and other resources representing the different elements of the City’s history. Many homes and other buildings provide a physical connection to Salinas’ culture and its literature, agriculture, the labor movement, and other historical moments.
A Historic Resources Survey is a systematic study of buildings, sites, landscapes, and other features within a particular area, in this case, the city of Salinas, to identify historically significant places. A survey can identify individual resources, as well as historic districts.
The last Historic Resource Survey in Salinas was completed in 1989, with a review of downtown properties completed in 2016. An updated Citywide survey of historic resources will identify previously unidentified resources, as well as resources that have become eligible for historic designation since last survey was completed in 2016.
The City welcomes public input on the significant places in Salinas, like buildings, neighborhoods, landscapes, and businesses, as well as important events and historic themes. Share your input and ask any questions you have with City staff.
Frequently Asked Questions(PDF, 182KB)
Preguntas Frecuentes(PDF, 120KB)
Share Your Ideas
¡Comparte tus ideas!
Draft Salinas Historic Context Statement(PDF, 30MB)
Guidance for Rehabilitation of Historic Properties.
As part of the City's efforts to support preservation of historic properties, the City encourages owners of historic properties to properly maintain their historic resources. While the City does not currently have a local guide for rehabilitation of historic properties, the following resources are available for owners to review for guidance on how to correctly rehabilitate historic resources:
Certificate of Appreciation Program
As part of the City’s ongoing efforts to preserve, improve, and enhance the historic resources located within the city of Salinas, the Historic Resources Board seeks to recognize individuals and organizations that have preserved, restored, rehabilitated, or reconstructed a historic resource within the City of Salinas. Recognition may also be given to programs or activities that support historic preservation in Salinas or to individuals who through special efforts advance the understanding and appreciation of the City’s history and historic resources.
Program Guidelines(PDF, 122KB)
Nomination Form PDF(PDF, 38KB)
Online Nomination