aring for your
Historic Home
Preserving L.A.’s Legacy
Table of Contents
USING THE GUIDE 4
WOOD SIDING 6
STUCCO & MASONRY 8
PAINT 10
WINDOWS 12
DOORS 16
ROOFS & CHIMNEYS 18
PORCHES & BALCONIES 20
FENCES & GATES 22
LANDSCAPING & HARDSCAPE 24
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES 26
INCENTIVES 28
HISTORIC RESOURCES 30
LOS ANGELES CITY
PLANNING
DEPARTMENT
2 3
Using The Guide
While many outsiders view Los Historic Resources. The first nine
Angeles as an imposing metropolis, it chapters explain what is historically
is truly a city of great neighborhoods. appropriate (Do) and what is
Just slightly off the beaten path, inappropriate (Don’t), and offer
in communities throughout the basic tips on simple maintenance
city, are remarkably intact historic and repairs. The remaining chapters
neighborhoods. The historic include general information about
architecture of Los Angeles is one of its Los Angeles’ architectural history,
most important resources. This guide commonly found styles, preservation
has been designed to educate property incentives, and historic rehabilitation
owners, contractors, and residents contacts and resources.
on how to best maintain and repair a
historic property in order to ensure that Although this guide was developed to
it is preserved for future generations. help property owners, contractors, and
residents living in the City’s Historic
Rehabilitation (or “rehab”) is Preservation Overlay Zones (HPOZ),
making the necessary changes to where many kinds of rehab work
allow a building to be usable again, require City approval, it may also be
incorporating or recycling as much used by any property owner hoping to
of the original and existing building maintain or rehab a historic building.
Acknowledgments material as possible.
This guide does not address every
Department Of City Planning Many people believe that old houses problem that comes up in home
S. Gail Goldberg, AICP, Director have too many problems and are rehabilitation projects, but focuses on
Ken Bernstein, Manager, Office Of Historic Resources difficult to maintain. But it doesn’t some of the most common problems.
Shakeh Boghoskhanian, Graphic Designer II have to be this way if you keep up
Edgar Garcia, Preservation Planner with maintenance to avoid problems. If you have any other questions
Melinda Gejer, AICP (Former Staff), City Planning Associate Quality home maintenance improves or need additional information,
Matthew Glesne, Planning Assistant property values, promotes pride in please visit our website at http://www.
Megan Hunter*, City Planning Associate the neighborhood, and saves time and preservation.lacity.org
Blake Kendrick*, AICP, City Planning Associate money in the long run.
Louisa Ranick*, Graphic Designer II
Michael Uhlenkott, Graphic Designer III This guide includes the following
twelve chapters: Wood Siding,
Support from Stucco & Masonry, Paint, Windows,
City Of Los Angeles Construction Services Committee Doors, Roofs & Chimneys,
Community Redevelopment Agency Porches & Balconies, Fences &
Gates, Landscaping & Hardscape,
*Project lead Architectural Styles, Incentives, and
4 5
Wood Siding
Wood Siding, its scale, texture, and finish are important to the look and Basic Tips On Wood Siding • Use a different type of wood only
character of your building. Most wood siding in Los Angeles is either weatherboard You may not have to replace your when the historic material is not
(lap siding) or shingle, and usually made of Douglas Fir or old growth Redwood. available. The new material should
wood siding. Try cleaning it first. look the same as the original.
These woods are more resistant to termites. In some buildings, vertical siding Mildew and many stains can be
may be used. Be sure to preserve wood siding first before adding new materials or • Use aluminum or stainless steel
removed with 25% bleach in water and nails. They do not stain the siding
replacing it. a small amount of detergent. A fresh or break as easily.
coat of paint can protect your house
Do Don’t
and improve how it looks. Sometimes,
coMMon typeS
minor damage can be fixed with epoxy
of WeatheRboaRd
or similar filler.
Beaded Weatherboard
Common Weatherboard
Maintaining Siding
• Fix leaks around gutters, chimneys,
The decorative detail of the wood shingles The brick veneer alters the look of this roofs, and windows. Water leaks lead
has been preserved, and highlighted by clapboard sided home. to wood damage and can attract pests
change in color.
like termites.
• Use caulking and paint to fill in
holes, cracks, joints, and seams to
seal out water and insects.
• Paint to protect wood siding. It can
last a long time if cared for properly.
• Treat wood with pesticide to protect
it from insects and fungus. coMMon pRobleMS
With Wood Siding
The siding added to the bottom of the window
RepaiRing/Replacing Siding Drywood and subterranean
does not match the original shingle siding. • Test for dry rot by pushing a nail termites. Be sure to store any wood
Some buildings like this one have two types into the siding by hand. If the nail product 20 feet away from your
of siding, lap siding on the bottom and goes in easily, it is dry rot. The home. Stop water from building up
shingles on top.
• Don’t cover wood siding or wood will have to be replaced. around the foundation. Seal all cracks
• Clean wood siding regularly. details with vinyl, stucco, or other • Save wood that isn’t rotten. and holes around the foundation.
• Paint or stain exposed wood siding materials. • Replace rotten wood siding by Maintain a one-inch gap between
• Don’t replace wood siding with “piecing in” like materials. the soil and wood sections of your
to protect it.
siding that doesn’t look the same as • Check for wood siding at local building.
• Repair damaged siding by “piecing
in” with materials that match the the original. lumberyards.
• Be sure that siding material is the Dry Rot is a fungus and is found
original. where water doesn’t drain well like
same size, profile, detail, and finish
window and door sills. Be sure to
as the original.
repair water leaks right away.
6 7
Stucco & Masonry
Stucco is plaster applied in two or three coats to brick, metal or wood lath. Basic Tips on Stucco RepaiRing MaSonRy
Because it is durable and less costly than stone, stucco became widely used Check the mortar between your brick
beginning in the 1890s. In California, where Spanish Colonial Revival and Mission Maintaining Stucco/MaSonRy or stones regularly. Mortar that has
Revival architecture became popular, stucco was one of the most commonly used The best way to preserve historic worn way from the brick or stone
building materials. Original stucco was never sprayed on, but applied by hand. stucco or masonry is to prevent water face to a depth of about ¼ inch or
leaks. Check for leaks around the has many vertical cracks should
Masonry binds together individual units like stone, brick, or concrete block with roof, chimney, windows, doors, and probably be replaced. Removing
mortar. This type of construction was less common in Los Angeles and usually foundation. Water leaks cause wood damaged mortar and replacing it with
saved for more important apartment and commercial buildings. A few popular framing to rot and stucco to loosen. compatible mortar is called re-pointing.
styles like Tudor Revival and Craftsman were built with brick or stone. Los Angeles They also causes mortar to weaken You may need to hire a professional
was also famous for using local river rock as a building material. and bricks or stones to fall out. Be sure to do the work. The mortar mixture
to repair water leaks and direct water must be just right or it will damage the
Do Don’t
runoff away from the building. brick or stone. Only re-point the areas
that need it. Never throw away stone or
RepaiRing Stucco brick that isn’t broken.
Make sure the walls are strong and do
not have structural problems. It may
be best to hire a professional when you cleaning Stucco
have large cracks. Bad stucco repair Mix two gallons of hot water, a squirt
can cause more damage. of dish soap, a cup of washing soda,
• Preserve as much of the historic and a cup of borax. Use a power
The stucco of this home is subtly textured The heavily textured stucco The river rock on the base washer with low-pressure to soak the
to add visual interest. attracts dirt. of the columns should not stucco as possible.
be painted. house. A common garden hose with a
• Don’t use commercial caulk to patch pressure sprayer can work. Make sure
• Don’t cover original stucco with cracks. to rinse well.
other building materials like wood, • Seal hairline cracks with a thin slurry
brick or stone veneer. coat (the finish coat of the stucco cleaning MaSonRy
• Don’t change the stucco texture mixture). Only clean masonry when it is really
and finish. Stucco was never heavily • Only mix enough stucco that can be dirty because cleaning can cause some
textured, but troweled by hand. used in 1½ to 2 hours. Do not over- damage. Use water in a low to medium
• Don’t paint brick or stone that was mix stucco mortar. pressure power washer to remove dirt
The stucco and brick work are key features
of this Tudor Revival home. originally unpainted. • Wet the underlying structure and lath. without harming the brick or stone.
• Check stucco or masonry for water • Don’t sandblast brick or stone to • Keep wet stucco shaded or damp. If For tougher stains ask for a non-ionic
damage. Preventing water leaks can remove dirt or paint. the stucco dries too fast it will crack. detergent at a hardware store. Add the
preserve stucco and masonry. • Don’t overlap the new patch and the detergent to water and use a gentle
• Repair damaged stucco and old stucco. It can lose its bond. brush to clean, and then rinse.
masonry before replacing it.
• Only replace damaged stucco
or masonry by patching in new
materials that match the original.
8 9
Paint
Exterior paint was and still is used to protect wood siding, windows, and framing Basic Tips on Painting paint coloR & building Style
from water damage and to accent a building’s architectural features. Original paint Sometimes you do not need to re-
color was often a reflection of a particular period of time and architectural style. paint. If the paint is dirty, try cleaning Victorian Era (1880-1900)
For example, most post-World War II American Colonial Revival buildings were it first. Mildew stains may be cleaned The use of paint is an important feature
painted white. Although many historic districts don’t require the use of certain colors, with a common household cleaner. of a Victorian-era house. Victorians were
your building will look better if you use colors that are compatible with its style. Remember, many buildings built typically painted in four or more colors
Do Don’t before 1978 have lead paint. Removing with accent details that were darker or
lead paint can be dangerous and can lighter versions of the trim or body color.
damage woodwork. Consider hiring a Use at least three paint colors.
professional painter. Craftsman (1895-1925)
Sometimes known as Arts & Crafts
doing it youRSelf Bungalow, this style was meant to blend
Peeling or cracking paint: in with nature. Paint your Craftsman in
Earth-tone colors complement this High gloss, bright paint overpowers this small home. • Read a pamphlet on lead-safe painting. neutral earth-tones, browns, red-browns,
Craftsman’s stained door, and limestone and • Don’t remove a lot of paint. Don’t greens, and grays.
brick masonry.
dry scrape or sand.
• Cover your entire body including Spanish Colonial Revival (1895-1940)
A terra cotta tile roof and light colored
hands, eyes, nose, and mouth.
stucco are important features of this
• Wet the paint first, and then gently style. Stucco should not be painted, but
hand scrape or sand. can be colored through the stucco mix.
• Remove the first layer only. Consider staining window and doors or
• Seal peeling and cracked paint by painting trim rust, brown or gray.
The decorative details in this all-white house painting over it.
are not visible. Painting it in two or more
colors will make the features stand out. American Colonial Revival (1880-present)
Using four paint colors and darker hues for Improving the look of your building: Unlike earthy Craftsman colors, Colonial
the accent bring out the details of this Queen • Don’t use bright colors and high • Don’t paint the entire house. Try
Anne. Revival buildings were typically painted
gloss paint for the body of the house. cleaning the paint first and then in light colors like yellow, white, tan, pale
• Clean and maintain paint regularly. • Don’t paint over decorative details, just change the accent color and blue or gray. Paint accents such as doors and
• Paint in three colors for the body, plaster or unpainted brick or stone. trim. shutters in dark colors to add contrast.
trim, and window sashes and accents. • Don’t paint the entire building in
• Use quality paint because it will last Tudor Revival (1905 to 1940)
one color. hiRing a painteR Tudor buildings were designed with
longer. A professional painter may save time steeply pitched roofs, half-timbering,
• Stain unpainted wood. buying paint and money. When a house is painted and a mix of unpainted stucco, brick, or
Buy the best quality paint you can afford; properly, the paint lasts a lot longer. stone. Because of the variety of materials
lead hazaRd it covers better and lasts longer. Many Also, a professional painter should used, Tudors should have a limited color
Reduction pRogRaM paint companies, like Sherwin-Williams know how to safely remove lead paint. range. Paint trim dark brown (almost
The City’s Housing Department offers or Benjamin Moore, have catalogs with Hire a painter who is black) and use lighter colors like tan or
money to re-paint older buildings that historic paint colors. Most paint or
1) licensed, cream for the stucco body.
may contain lead paint. hardware stores can mix paint to match
the colors in the catalog.
2) experienced with lead paint,
Call (213) 808-8935 3) recommended by someone you trust.
10 11
Windows
Most historic windows in Los Angeles are wood frame, true divided light Basic Tips on Windows. Unlike large cracks and major bulges (more
windows with multiple panes of glass that are separated by wood dividers. Typically, new windows, most historic windows than 1½ inches) may need to be fixed.
these windows are double-hung, fixed, or casement. Both parts of a double-hung can be easy to fix and maintain. While some minor repairs can be
window slide up and down. Casement windows swing out or in from the wall. In done in place, major repairs require
some areas, metal frame casement windows or fixed divided light windows can be the removal of the window.
found. These windows can be simple one pane windows, have special shapes, or Maintaining Wood WindoWS
contain leaded or stained glass. Wood windows are durable and easy
to work with. Usually, wood windows typeS of WindoWS
Do Don’t stick because of dirt and excess paint.
Clean your windows regularly. You
can remove excess or peeling paint
(see paint guidelines) and re-touch it
with more paint. Always make sure
your windows are painted or stained.
Exposed wood is prone to water
damage. Oil hinges, joints, and cranks
The original arched opening has been filled in
The trim and true-divided light double-hung with an air conditioner and smaller windows. (mechanism to open and close the
windows are functional and decorative. window), and tighten screws on the Leaded Glass
hinges of casement windows. Casement
Maintaining and RepaiRing leaded,
Stained glaSS oR Steel-fRaMed
WindoWS
Simple cleaning can renew the look
of leaded, stained, and steel-framed True Divided Light Fanlight
windows. Use water first before trying
These wood casement windows have thin, The tinted projecting window is not compatible
delicate grids and are recessed in the openings. with the Spanish Colonial Revival style home. cleaners. If water doesn’t work, try
a non-ionic detergent. Check with
• Preserve historic windows including • Don’t fill in or alter historic window your hardware store for this type of
the window trim and hardware. openings. detergent. For stubborn stains, try eneRgy efficiency
• Repair historic windows instead of • Don’t add new windows to the mineral spirits or alcohol. Be sure to Many people replace their historic
replacing them. It usually costs less to building façade especially to the rinse these chemicals off with water. windows because they think they aren’t
repair windows than to replace them. front. energy efficient. Yet most air or heat
• Match replacement windows to • Don’t put in a new window that Consult a professional before trying to escapes through the walls and roof.
the original in size, design, and looks different from the original. repair leaded, stained glass or steel- Adding insulation between walls and
material. • Don’t put security bars on street framed windows. These windows are in the attic can save on energy costs.
• Check salvage yards or building facing windows. delicate and can break easily. Minor Weather stripping can be added or storm
supply companies for a match. • Don’t place air conditioners in cracks and sagging are common and windows can be installed. Throwing out
You may have to custom make a street facing windows. probably don’t require repair. But historic windows that will probably end up
replacement window. in a landfill is worse for the environment.
12 13
Windows
RepaiRing Wood WindoWS Step 7: Install the glass and press it
firmly into the putty. Insert the push parting bead What iS title 24?
points starting a couple of inches from pullies & cords
paRtS of Title 24 requires that new windows
each corner, and add push points every
double hung WindoW
meet certain energy efficiency
a 6 to 8 inches. weights standards. Although Title 24 does not
TRIM Step 8: Add finishing putty by drawing require dual glazed windows, it is
HEADER
TOP SASH
a straight line with a putty knife. difficult to meet the standards without
STOP Remove excess putty. them. Buildings that are Historic -
TOP RAIL OF BOTTOM SASH
BOTTOM RAIL OF TOP SASH
Step 9: Once the putty is dry, seal the Cultural Monuments or located in a
seams between the glass and putty with weight pocket
historic district may be able to use the
BOTTOM SASH
PARTING BEAD
paint. staff bead/ window stop
California Historical Building Code to
avoid Title 24. However, the best way
SILL
Fixing the Sash Cord of a Double- to get out of Title 24 is to preserve
Hung Window your original windows.
The reason your double hung window
Fixing Broken Glass Step 6: Tie the end of the twine to
may not open or shut properly is SecuRity baRS
Broken glass is one of the most common because the sash cord is broken. It the new sash cord and then pull the
window problems. With a little patience, takes more time than fixing broken fishing weight until you can see the Before adding security bars, consider
you could repair it yourself. Window glass glass, but you could repair it yourself. sash cord in the pocket. other ways to improve safety like
is held in place by the sash (see diagram) Step 7: Tie the new sash cord around installing a burglar alarm. If you
push points (small metal fasteners spaced Step 1: Use a putty or utility knife to the weight. Pull the new sash cord decide to add security bars, place
6 to 8 inches apart), and putty. remove the window stop. Work from until the weight is inside the frame and them on the sides or rear. This is the
the bottom to the top. can’t move any further. most likely location of a “break in.”
Step 1: Remove the window from the Step 2: Remove the bottom sash from Step 8: Place the window on the sill Fit the security bars to the shape of
and cut the cord three inches beyond your windows and match the muntins
opening. For a double hung window, the frame.
the hole in the sash. Tie a knot around and mullions (the grid pattern) on the
remove the window stops from the Step 3: Look toward the bottom of the
windows. Paint the security bars in a
bottom sash, and the parting bead frame for a wood or metal panel called the hole. (Repeat these steps as needed
dark color or match the color of the
from the top sash. a pocket. Remove the panel to see the to repair both the bottom and top sash.)
window trim.
Step 2: Carefully loosen the putty sash cord weights. Step 9: Put the window sashes back in
against the wood with a paint scraper Step 4: If the top sash cord is broken, place and check if the window moves
or putty knife. Remove the old putty. you must also remove the parting up and down properly.
Step 3: Wiggle the push points and bead and take out the window. If the Step 10: Replace panels on pockets
remove them. top sash cord is not broken, raise the and all moldings around the window.
Step 4: Carefully remove the broken glass. window and prop it with a stick.
Step 5: Use sandpaper to remove any Step 5: Tie twine to a fishing weight
putty or paint residue. Paint exposed and insert it on top of the pulley and
wood with a primer. into the window frame until the weight
Step 6: After the primer is dry, add a is visible in the pocket.
thin line of putty about 1/8 inch into
the groove between the sashes.
14 15
Doors
The Front Door is one of a building’s most important architectural features, Basic Tips on Doors Replacing dooRS
typically highlighted by its central location and decorative surrounds, sidelights, It is always better to repair your door,
or fanlights. Because it is difficult to find “off the shelf” doors that match historic Maintaining dooRS rather than replace it. If you must
doors, replacements must often be custom built. Maintaining historic doors makes • Paint buildup will prevent doors replace your door, choose a door that
good economic sense. Most problems, like draftiness and sticking, are easy to repair from shutting. Remove extra paint matches the original in size, detail,
by applying weather stripping or sanding down the bottom of a door. with a heat gun, a scraper, or and style. Painted wood doors should
chemical remover. Be careful not to complement existing exterior paint
scratch wood surfaces. color. Use high quality paint and
Do Don’t • Loose screws can also cause a door primer so your door won’t chip. Many
to stick. Open the door part way, doors were originally stained. This is
and then shake the door toward true in many Craftsman residences.
and away from the hinges to see if It is best not to paint a door that was
you have loose hinges. If the hinges originally stained.
move, they are loose. Tighten
the screws against the hinges. paRtS of a dooR
Sometimes, the hinges are worn fanlight casing pediment
This wide door with square panes of glass &
This door opening has been altered to install out or bent and should be replaced.
sidelights is typical of Craftsman architecture.
double doors.
RepaiRing dooRS
• Open joints can widen your door rail
so it won’t shut. Doors are made capital
of stiles (the vertical boards), rails glazed
light
(horizontal boards), and panels.
Tenons are projecting pieces of wood jamb
that connect the rails and stiles. The
tenons stay in place with glue. When stile column
the glue wears out, the tenons move.
The narrow door with a transom window This causes a gap between stiles and
above is common in Victorian architecture.
The central door opening has been filled-in rails. You can try to add wood glue
• Preserve your existing historic door & a new door has been placed off-center. to fix, but it may be best to hire a panel sill
opening and original door. carpenter.
• Match the new door to the original • Don’t fill in or alter the size of a • Cutting your door should be a last
door and the style of your building. historic door opening. resort. Trim your door from the coMMon pRobleMS
• Keep the original hardware, including • Don’t replace a historic door with bottom. Special equipment like a With dooRS
hinges, doorknockers, latches and an “off the shelf” door, especially circular saw may be needed. Use fine
locks. in a different style. sandpaper to clean up the cut edge of • Paint Buildup
• Match the new hardware to the • Don’t install a metal security door that the door. Then, apply clear finish to • Open Joints
original if you have to replace them. blocks your door from view. the edge so water isn’t absorbed. • Loose Screws
• Water Damage or Humidity
• Termites
16 17
Roofs & Chimneys
Roof form & material are often identified with a particular architectural style. A Basic Tips on Roofing &
clay tile roof is a key feature of a Spanish Colonial Revival style residence. A long, Chimneys
low gable is common in a Craftsman residence. A change in roof form can break up
massing or highlight a building’s style. Historic roof details may include dormers, hiStoRic Roof StyleS
vents, eaves, gutters, and downspouts. EL D
ED
BLE BR S AR
SH GA AM P AN
Many chimneys in Los Angeles have been lost over the years, mainly due to G HI M
earthquake damage. Although early chimneys were more about function, chimneys Maintaining and RepaiRing
in popular styles like Tudor and English Revival were an important decorative the chiMney
feature. Whenever possible preserve your original chimney. If your chimney has to Maintaining the Roof Water can cause damage to stucco or
be re-built, be sure to match its original form and detail as closely as possible. Check the roof at least twice a year. the mortar between the chimney’s
Gutters and downspouts need to be bricks. To prevent this, repair water
Do Don’t leaks, especially around the chimney
cleaned regularly so water doesn’t back
up and damage the roof. Remember to flashing. Historic chimneys damaged
check the flashing for wear and tear. in an earthquake can be braced. If
the chimney has to be rebuilt, take a
pRepaRing to Re- Roof photo to show how it looked originally.
Before starting work on the roof, take Save the brick or stone on a masonry
pictures of the area where work will be chimney. The original brick can be
Part of the original clay tile roof has been done. If anything must be removed to installed as a veneer. City regulations
changed to asphalt shingle.
do the work, like gutters or fascia, the require that a spark arrestor be
The large gable roof with rafters and fascia photos will help to put them back. installed. Use a low profile spark
detail distinguishes this home as a Craftsman. arrestor with a powder black finish.
chooSing Roofing MateRialS
Use high quality materials. They may
cost more to install, but will cost less hiRing a contRactoR
over time. The most commonly used It is important to contact a
roofing materials in Los Angeles are professional, licensed contractor
The altered chimney detracts from this who is familiar with historic roofs
charming Craftsman home. asphalt, composite shingle, and clay tile.
and chimneys. The contractor
The varying roof forms, including a turret • Don’t change the original roof form. should check the condition of the
(round tower), set this home apart.
• Don’t add or remove roof dormers paRtS of a Roof
roof to see if it can be repaired.
to visible areas of the roof. UNDERLAYMENT Ask if historic materials such as
• Preserve the original roof form and clay tile can be reused. Get quotes
roof details like eaves and gutters. • Don’t locate satellite dishes, SHINGLE
antennas and skylights where they RAFTER from at least three people before
• Use roof replacement materials that hiring someone to do the work.
match the original. are visible from the street.
• Preserve the chimney first. If it • Don’t change the original roof EAVE SOFFIT
must be re-built, match the original material. For example, don’t change FASCIA
as closely as possible. from asphalt shingle to clay tile. OUTSIDE WALL
18 19
Porches & Balconies
Historic porch & balcony design, scale, and detail vary with the architecture Basic Tips on Porches & Balconies poRch StyleS
of its building. Victorian porches usually had a lot of decorative detail and a delicate
and airy appearance. Craftsman porches were often less detailed, extending the entire Maintaining and RepaiRing poRcheS
length of the building and supported by large columns. In contrast, other styles & balconieS
such as Spanish Colonial and English Revival may not have a porch, but rather an Porches & balconies should be
overhang over the front door. Many Mediterranean or Monterey Revival buildings maintained. Protect masonry,
also did not have porches. Instead, front facade balconies or balconettes (decorative wood and metal porch or balcony
balconies that are too small to be used) were one of the main featured elements. elements by cleaning, removing dirt,
rust and paint, and repainting as
Do Don’t needed. When cleaning the porch or Craftsman
balcony, keep an eye out for termites,
dry rot, or other porch or balcony
damage. If you find porch or balcony
decay, repair what you can. Only
replace those parts if it is absolutely
necessary. Replacement parts should
match the original porch or balcony
The original Craftsman porch was materials.
This late Victorian/Queen Anne porch inappropriately filled in. Victorian
has interesting and intricate detail.
Replacing a MiSSing poRch oR
balcony
If you think your building had a porch
or balcony and you want to replace it:
• Look for old photos of your
building.
• Look at other buildings in your
neighborhood that are similar in
The balcony is unique to Monterey Revival The second story balcony was altered and style and size to your building. Use
homes. filled with materials that are not compatible.
the porch or balcony of a similar Colonial Revival
• Repair porches and balconies by • Don’t fill in your porch or balcony building as an example of how your
reinforcing historic materials first. with solid walls, especially in the porch or balcony should look.
• Replace damaged porch & balcony front. It may be appropriate to enclose a poRch benefitS
• Carefully remove paint where Porches were often designed to save
elements with new elements that balcony or porch with windows that can your porch or balcony used to be. energy, shading the south and west sides
match the original design and be easily removed if the original details Sometimes you can find the outline of the house. Keeping the porch may
material. are preserved. of where the porch or balcony was reduce energy bills. Porches also provide
• Match the size, scale, and style of the • Don’t remove decorative details attached to the house. You can use shelter and outdoor living space.
house when adding a missing porch of the porch or balcony including that outline as a guide for the new
or balcony. columns, railings, and brackets. porch or balcony.
• Use materials that were commonly
20 used at the time the house was built. 21
Fences & Gates
Fences & Gates were not usually placed in the front yard. If historic front Basic Tips on Fencing zoning code RequiReMentS
yard fencing existed, it was used to define the perimeter of the yard and not for Front yard fences are not appropriate for Front yard fences must be less than 42
security. In Los Angeles neighborhoods with sloping yards, concrete or river rock lots that were originally open. Use hedges, inches in height. If the fence is over
retaining walls were often constructed. Today, most fences and gates are added to shrubs, and trees for more attractive this height, you will need to apply
secure a property. Because adding a fence can damage the historic character of your screening. Instead of fencing the entire for a Fence Height Variance from
property, other security options should be considered first. yard for privacy, screen a sitting or patio the Department of City Planning in
area. If a fence is added to the front yard, addition to any HPOZ review. For
Do Don’t make sure it is see-through and does not questions about fence height and the
block the view of the building. zoning code contact the Department of
Building and Safety at (888) 524-2845.
Some fence types should not be built
in the front yard. These include natural location of a fence
wood basket weave, open concrete
block walls, chain link, and split rail
The picket fence is appropriate for this late The stone and wrought iron fence is too fences. Iron fences with brick or stone
Victorian/ Queen Anne home. decorative and modern for this Craftsman home. may not look good on small lots, but don’t
can be considered for larger lots.
fence StyleS
Picket – Wood picket fences were best
fRont yaRd
used with Colonial, Victorian or
Craftsman styles.
Wrought Iron – Simple, dark colored
With a plain simple fence, your building This solid fence with a tall hedge blocks the wrought iron fences were used with better
stands out, not the fence. view of the historic home behind it. Revival Period styles, Craftsman, and
sometimes Victorian styles.
• Try landscaping instead of a fence. • Don’t add a fence in front of your
• Keep historic fences, paths, and stairs. building if you have never had one. don’t
• Match the style of your fence with • Don’t replace a historic fence with typeS of
your building. something that looks different. WRought iRon fenceS
• Select new fences that are simple • Don’t build a fence that doesn’t match
and made of see-through wrought your building. pRobleMS With fenceS
Decorative Fence
Many people build fences for security.
iron. A fence can make you feel boxed in
• Paint wrought iron fencing dark
Plain Fence
and make your yard feel small. Fences
green, dark brown or black. can cost a lot to build and maintain. A
tall fence can cut out light and breezes
to your house. If you feel you need
a fence for safety reasons, consider
securing the rear and side yards first.
22 23
Landscape & Hardscape
Hardscape is the nonliving part of landscape, like concrete, brick or stone. The Basic Tips on Landscape & Hardscape
plants, trees, and grass make up the soft landscape. In Los Angeles the front yard
typically had a lawn and a walkway that led from the sidewalk to the front door. The Reducing paving Reducing yaRd Maintenance
driveway ran alongside the residences to a rear detached garage. Maintaining landscape The City does not allow parking in the Create a native plant garden to
and hardscape is important to the historic character of buildings and neighborhoods. front yard. Remember, when you pave conserve water and reduce yard
over your yard, you increase water run- maintenance. Many garden supply
Do Don’t
off. This can lead to drainage problems stores sell California native plants. Be
and flooding. It also can add to storm sure to select plants according to the
water run off and pollute water sources soil, amount of sun, and how often
and the ocean. If you want to create you can water them. Sort the plants
parking in the rear, consider absorbent by size. Put the shorter plants in front
materials like gravel. Another option is and the taller plants in back. Common
grasscrete. Grasscrete can be driven on, native plant groups include: Sages,
but looks like a lawn. A “Hollywood” Honeysuckles, Manzanitas, Lilacs,
driveway can also reduce driveway Ceanothus, Gooseberries, Currants,
The built - in stairs at the corner provides The paving stone highlights the parked car
a clear path to the door without visually instead of the home. paving and improve drainage. Oaks, and Buckwheats.
competing with the home.
The generous setback and landscaping enhance The concrete front yard with a tall fence gives
the architectural quality of the home. this historic property a hard, uninviting look. “Hollywood” Driveway
• Retain mature trees and hedges or • Don’t pave over your front yard. iMpRoving acceSS pRobleMS With paving oveR a
replace them with similar plants. • Don’t widen existing walkways and
• Preserve the natural grade of the You can improve access to your fRont yaRd
driveways.
property. • Don’t use colored materials for property for the elderly or disabled.
First, try to fix uneven pavement and Many people pave over the yard to
• If your property has a front lawn, walkways and driveways. Use reduce yard work or increase parking.
keep it or replace it with other neutral concrete instead. add simple railings to stairs. Instead of
This may cause drainage problems and
landscaping like drought tolerant paving over the entire front yard, add
flooding. Planting trees and natural
plants. a walkway from the driveway to the vegetation reduces flooding. Trees also
• Replace damaged historic pathways, front door. Temporary ramps can also provide shade for your property. This
walkways, or stairs with something be added. Temporary ramps cost less can help reduce your energy bill. For
that looks the same. and are easy to remove when they are information on free shade trees, contact
no longer needed. DWP at (213) 367-0668.
24 25
Architectural Styles
VICTORIAN ERA TURN OF THE CENTURY PERIOD REVIVAL EARLY MODERN
(1860 - 1910) (1890 - 1920) (1920-1940) (1920-1945)
Victorian architecture was introduced Many Turn of the Century styles were Los Angeles is home to the largest The period between the World Wars
to Los Angeles by pattern books and built in Los Angeles’ first streetcar collection of Period Styles in the country produced architectural styles based on
experienced builders from the eastern suburbs. Popular styles included Shingle, largely due to the building boom of an aggressively modern aesthetic, with
United States. Popular styles included early Colonial and Neoclassical Revival, this period. Popular styles included clean lines and geometric patterns.
Italianate, Queen Anne, Folk Victorian, Transitional Arts and Crafts, early Colonial Revival, Dutch Colonial Revival, Popular styles included Art Deco,
and Eastlake/Stick. Some surviving Craftsman and Craftsman/Ultimate Spanish Colonial Revival, French Streamline Moderne, Modern, and
examples of Victorian homes can be Bungalow, Foursquare, Mission and Eclectic, English and Tudor Revival, Minimal Traditional styles
found in Angelino Heights, University early Spanish Colonial Revival, Prairie, Mediterranean Revival, Neoclassical
Park, Lincoln Heights, and Highland and Beaux Arts. Revival, and Monterey. The Craftsman
Park. and Craftsman Bungalow styles
continued to evolve through this period.
Art Deco
POST-WORLD WAR II
Early Craftsman Bungalow (1945 - 1965)
Spanish Colonial Revival Development in this period simplified
the architectural vocabulary of the
pre-war years into styles more suitable
Queen Anne for mass development. Popular
post war styles included Minimal
Traditional, Ranch, Post and Beam,
and Contemporary commonly found
in subdivision tracts in Westchester,
West Los Angeles, and the San
Mission Revival English Revival Fernando Valley.
Folk Victorian
Craftsman Colonial Revival Contemporary
26 27
Preservation Incentives
tax Relief California State Office of Historic Preservation The Combined Purchase and The Mom & Pop Program provides
Website: www.ohp.parks.ca.gov Rehabilitation Loan Program assists 3%, no-payment (deferred) loans for
The Mills Act (also known as
Phone: (916) 653-6624 home buyers with buying and low-income, owner-occupied small
Historical Property Contracts) helps
owners of qualified historic buildings rehabilitating some of the area’s older rental buildings (2-4 units). A grant of
offset costs for restoring, repairing, RegulatoRy Relief and run down housing. up to $10,000 per unit is also available
or maintaining their properties by for lead paint hazard removal and/or
The California Historical Building The Move On Program helps new exterior improvements.
providing property tax relief. Code (CHBC) allows owners of a homeowners relocate and restore
Los Angeles Department of City Planning, qualified historic property to use architecturally significant homes that The Handyworker Program provides
Office of Historic Resources alternate construction materials or are in danger of being torn down. free minor repairs to low income
Website: www.preservation.lacity.org standards than would be required senior homeowners or physically
Phone: (213) 978-1200 under the California Building Code. Community Redevelopment Agency (CR A) disabled homeowners.
Website: www.crala.net
A Conservation Easement is a one-time Los Angeles Department of City Planning, Phone: (213) 977-1600
Office of Historic Resources The Lead Hazard Reduction Program
income tax deduction for owners of provides lead hazard grants for owners
Website: www.preservation.lacity.org
historic properties on the National of rental properties built before 1978.
Phone: (213) 978-1200 houSing depaRtMent loanS and
Register of Historic Places or in a To qualify, a child under age 6 must
National Register Historic District. The
gRantS
Housing programs available citywide in live in or “substantially use” the
coMMunity RedevelopMent agency order to “promote, develop, and pre-
easement is usually entered into by a property. Call (213) 808-8935 for more
qualified nonprofit historic preservation loanS and gRantS serve decent affordable housing.” information.
organization such as the Los Angeles Listed below are the programs
Conservancy and property owner. The available to low and moderate income The Comprehensive Single Family Los Angeles Housing Department
easement remains on the property even property owners in a Los Angeles Rehabilitation Program provides 3%, Website: www.lacity.org/lahd
if the owner changes. Redevelopment Project Area. There no-payment (deferred) loans for low- Phone: (866) 557-RENT or
are 32 identified redevelopment project income, owner-occupied, single-family (866) 557-7368
Los Angeles Conservancy areas in the city. homeowners who want to rehabilitate
Website: www.laconservancy.org their homes. There is a grant of up to
Phone: (213) 623-2489 Home Improvement Loans offer $10,000 available for lead paint hazard
homeowners a grant of up to $7,500 removal and/or exterior improvements.
The Federal Historic Tax Incentive for small exterior improvements such
Program provides a credit equal to 20% as landscaping or fencing. The Small Rental Rehabilitation
of substantial rehab costs on a certified Program provides 3% loans to owners
historic structure listed in the National The Residential Facade Grant Program of primarily low-income occupied
Registry of Historic Places. The 10% is developed specifically for property rental properties up to 28 units to
rehabilitation tax credit provides a credit owners within the Pico Union 1 & correct Systematic Code Enforcement
2 Redevelopment Project Areas and Program (SCEP) citations and make
equal to 10% of substantial rehab costs
provides qualified residential property other building improvements. Grants
of a nonresidential, non-historic building
owners of 1 - 4 units with grants up to of up to $5,000 per unit for lead paint
that was constructed before 1936.
$25,000 for exterior projects such as hazard removal and/or visible exterior
painting and window repair. improvements are also available.
28 29
Historic Rehabilitation Resources
The City of Los Angeles makes no claims or endorsements of businesses offering any products or services listed below. foR liStS of ReStoRation The National Trust
The directory is not comprehensive and there may be other businesses just as qualified. Be sure to ask for and verify for Historic Preservation
references, appropriate licenses, and insurance coverage. contRactoRS/SupplieRS
www.nationaltrust.org
city contactS Salvage Yards Pest Control
Pasadena Architectural Salvage National Pest Management Assn. Detroit Historic District Commission
Department of City Planning (626) 535-9655 www.pestworld.com Style and Color Guide Key
(213) 978-1200 www.pasadenaarchitecturalsalvage.com www.ci.detroit.mi.us/historic/colorguide/
www.preservation.lacity.org technical aSSiStance & hiStoRic color.htm
Santa Fe Wrecking
infoRMation
Community Redevelopment Agency (213) 623-3119 foR a liSt of hiStoRic pReSeRvation
(213) 977-1600 www.santafewrecking.com Preservation Directory incentiveS
www.crala.org www.Preservationdirectory.com
Silver Lake Salvage
Getty Conservation Institute
Department of Building & Safety (323) 667-2875 California Preservation Foundation www.getty.edu conservation/publications/pdf_
Single-Family Code Violations www.californiapreservation.org publications/historic-homes.pdf
(888) 524-2845 New Products
www.ladbs.org Stock Window and Door Historic Charleston Foundation Los Angeles Conservancy
(818) 881-8738 (843) 723-1623 www.laconservancy.org
Housing Department www.stockbuildingsupply.com www.historiccharleston.org/preservation/ (Under “Preservation Resources”, Incentives
Multi-Family Code Violations tech.html for Preserving Historic Buildings link)
(866) 557-7368 Taylor Brothers
www.cityofla.org/LAHD/ Architectural Products United States, hoMe inSpectionS foR hiStoRic
(323) 805-0200 Department of The Interior
foR liStS of contRactoRS/SupplieRS www.taybros.com pRopeRtieS
Secretary of The Interior Standards for
Rehabilitation www.cr.nps.gov/hps/TPS/ American Society of Home Inspectors
Los Angeles Conservancy Landscaping tax/rhb/ (under “Illustrated Guidelines”). (800) 743-ASHI
www.laconservancy.org California Native Plants Society
(Under “Preservation (916) 447-2677 Preservation Briefs www.ashi.org/find/
Resources” link) www.cnps.org www.cr.nps.gov/hps/TPS/briefs/ select “Historic Homes” under “By
presbhom.htm Additional Services Offered”
West Adams Heritage Association El Nativo Growers, Inc
www.westadamsheritage.com/resources.html
This Old House California Real Estate Inspection
(626) 969-8449
www.elnativogrowers.com www.thisoldhouse.com Association (CREIA)
Historic Echo Park (800) 848-7342
www.historicechopark.org Theodore Payne Foundation Old House Web http://creia.findlocation.com
(818) 768-1802 www.oldhouseweb.com Scroll down the page to “Inspector Services
American Bungalow www.theodorepayne.com Directory,” and check “Historic Home
www.ambungalow.com City of Riverside Inspections” under “Specialty Condition
(Under “Useful Resources” link) www.riversideca.gov/historic/pdf/rrrentire.pdf Assessments.”
Restoration Trades PreserveLA.Com
www.restorationtrades.com/artisans/zip9.shtml www.PreserveLA.com
30 31
LOS ANGELES CITY
PLANNING
DEPARTMENT