La Verne | Los Angeles Conservancy
Photos (l-r): F.E. Weymouth Treatment Plant by Jesus Lopez/cptdrinian on Flickr; Weber House by Melanie Kaminski/la-explorer.com; Old Town La Verne courtesy Old Town La Verne Business District

La Verne is an example of a city that has an alternate approach to historic preservation. It has no true historic preservation ordinance, yet can still protect identified historic resources throughout the city. 

Individual properties can be designated as local landmarks by council resolution, with landmark nominations initiated by either property owner or the City.  However, City-initiated nominations are limited to commercial buildings and owner consent is required.

The City creates specific plan areas that work as historic districts with design review protection.  There are currently two: the Lordsburg Specific Plan and the Old Town La Verne Specific Plan created in 2013.

There is no historic resource survey for the entire city, but there is one for the city’s Old Town area, completed in 1986.

As a preservation incentive, La Verne offers the popular Mills Acts property tax abatement program.

The scoring details for this community appear below. To see scores for all communities, compare specific communities and categories, and learn more about the Report Card, visit our Report Card microsite.

Category (points available)
Score
Total Score (out of a possible 245, plus Extra Credit): 
190
Historic Preservation Ordinance (150) / Honorary Ordinance (10): 
150
Notes: 
The city doesn't have a true preservation ordinance, but it can designate landmarks through council resolution.
Dedicated Historic Preservation Commission (5): 
0
Dedicated Preservation Staff (15): 
0
Ability to Designate Historic Districts (15): 
15
Notes: 
The city creates specific plan areas that work as historic districts with design review protection.
Owner Consent Not Required for Designation (10): 
0
Active Landmark Designation (at least annually) (5): 
0
Survey of Historic Resources: Citywide (15) / Partial (10): 
10
Notes: 
1986
Survey Updated Within Past 5 Years (5): 
0
Mills Act Incentive Program (10): 
10
Additional Incentives (5): 
5
Certified Local Government (5): 
0
Historic Preservation Element or Plan (5): 
0
Extra Credit (1-25): 
0

If you'd like to get involved in preservation in La Verne, we suggest the following resources:

City Representative

Candice Bowcock
Senior Planner
cbowcock@cityoflaverne.org
(909) 596-8706

Express your interest and ask about opportunities, particularly in helping to create a preservation ordinance if the city doesn't have one.

Local Group

La Verne Historical Society

Visit their website to learn more about their work and find direct contact information.

If any of this information is out of date, or to suggest additional ways to get involved, please contact us at info@laconservancy.org or (213) 623-2489.

In addition to the documents linked at left, La Verne has a Specific Plan for Old Town La Verne available for downloading on its website. Please note that it is a very large file (45 MB).

If you know of other preservation resources specific to La Verne, please let us know.

For general information about using the California Environmental Quality Act to protect historic places in your community, you can download our Guide to CEQA in English or Spanish.

For other resources, including a model ordinance and glossary of basic preservation terms, please see the Resources tab on our Report Card microsite.