The Los Angeles Conservancy has awarded the City of Beverly Hills an A+ rating for its historic preservation program – the highest rating possible. Beverly Hills excelled in all categories considered, including having a Cultural Heritage Commission, a historic preservation ordinance, dedicated staff, a survey of historic resources and Mills Act incentive program. The Conservancy also recognized Beverly Hills as one of the three “most improved” cities in terms of preservation since the release of the last Preservation Report Card in 2008.
Image courtesy of Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau.
“I would like to thank the members of the Cultural Heritage Commission and City staff, especially Urban Designer Bill Crouch, for taking this program from zero to hero,” said Mayor John Mirisch. “In two short years, and just in time for the Centennial Celebration, the City has created an innovative program that will protect and preserve our most beautiful and important architectural treasures for generations.”
The L.A. Conservancy Report Card assesses local governments’ efforts to ensure the preservation of historic and cultural resources.
Details can be found at www.laconservancy.org
In January 2012, the Beverly Hills City Council passed an extensive Historic Preservation Program. Activities undertaken since the program’s inception include:
- Establishing a Cultural Heritage Commission that advises the City Council on policy, projects and landmark nominations.
- Nominating and designating potential landmark properties. To date, 19 properties have been have listed on the Local Register of Historic Properties, including the Beverly Hills Hotel, City Hall, Greystone Mansion, the BeverlyWilshire Hotel, and some private homes.
- Applying for Certified Local Government (CLG) Status with the State Historic Preservation Office, which will enable the City to access funding for historic preservation and other benefits. Certification is pending.
- Administering a pilot Mills Act program, by which owners of historic single-family homes or commercial theaters can receive property-tax abatement in exchange for preserving a historic property.
- Undertaking the first citywide survey of historic resources to identify potentially historic properties.
- Conducting a public outreach and education campaign to inform and engage members of the community.
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