Remodeling/expanding homes in historic Alameda CA? GET A PERMIT!
Alameda CA is an island on San Francisco Bay, between San Francisco and Oakland. According to the Alameda Museum’s historical account of Alameda, “That Alameda has more Victorian style homes per capita that any other place in the United States is a tribute due largely to the establishment of the Alameda Architectural Preservation Society in the early 1970s and the Alameda Historical Society and Museum founded in 1948.”
Because of the historical significance of many of Alameda’s vintage homes, the community is very protective of maintaining the characteristics of these treasures. People are best advised to refer to the following documents if they are interested in making some improvements in terms of repairs, replacement or remodeling. And the list of historically significant properties isn’t limited to Victorians either.
City of Alameda has several articles that are available on its website.
- Why do I need a permit? This is a good start. This explains that “the permit and inspection process is in place to assure everyone's adherence to minimum standards to safeguard life and limb and property and public welfare and to uphold the design standards of the community.”
- City of Alameda Permit Process
- Although there are exemptions to requirements for a permit, “any change to the exterior of your building, and yes this includes windows, requires a permit and design review approval.”
- Some people were under the erroneous impression that if they merely changed out like-for-like, they don’t need a permit. For example, if you are updating your appliances, will that need a permit? Yes, especially if it involves upgrading the electric outlets which should be done to code.
- Here’s a link pertaining to pedestrian view of the windows and how they should conform to the Window Stylistic Consistency Chart . Here’s an excerpt from the windows guidelines
Homes on this list have notations to indicate how it is recognized by the Historical Preservation. Key to Notation – Historical Building Study List. Each property on the List is preceded by an uppercase letter in parentheses which indicates the type of historic resource located on the property.
N - A historic resource of the highest quality, eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, usually because of its architectural significance. These are of the highest priority for inclusion on the list of Alameda Historical Monuments.
S - A historic resource distinguished by its architectural, historical, or environmental significance, eligible for inclusion in the State Historic Resources Inventory, and of secondary priority for inclusion on the list of Alameda Historical Monuments. Many of these are also eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Others would be eligible if design integrity were restored.
B - A resource which, due to its scale, massing, materials, style, and other features, is similar to a nearby
"N" or "S" resource and serves as Background support for it. These resources are eligible for inclusion in a group or district nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.
E - A resource which, by itself, might be insignificant, but which, together with its neighbors, forms an Environment which is distinguished by its continuity, its setting, its urban design features, and its integrity. This resource derives its significance from its association with neighboring resources.
H - A resource which may have Historical importance because of its apparent age or location, or may have architectural importance because of its similarity to other buildings done by important architects and/or builders. Historic research should precede further evaluation of this resource. Some of the buildings and resources have been further studied by the City or private individuals. The form or report may be on file with the City Planning Department, and is indicated by a lowercase letter following the address.
n - Included on the National Register of Historic Places.
np - Nomination form for National Register of Historic Places designation has been prepared.
s - A State Historic Resources Inventory form has been prepared.
sg - A group State Historic Resources Inventory form has been prepared.
ap - An Alameda Historical Monument report has been prepared.
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