Registering a Landmark

The process of registering a Nevada County Historical Landmark begins with an application, usually from the current owner of the historical resource or of the property on which the proposed landmark is located. An application may be obtained at this link: Landmark Application

or by an email request to: info@nevadacountylandmarks.com.

or by writing to:

Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission,
P.O. Box 1014, Nevada City, California 95959

By completing the application, the owner authorizes the landmark request and the Commission to proceed. The Commission will then research the proposed landmark and verify its historical significance and the application's accuracy. The Commission will also evaluate the proposal against the various criteria to determine the resource's or property’s historical significance.

The Commission’s evaluation is informed by the historic registration guidelines issued by national, state and private commissions. As examples, the Commission looks for sites that are historically rare or unique, (e.g., first of its kind), significant, (e.g., played important role in historical event) or superlative (e.g., biggest of its kind).

If the Commission is satisfied that the proposed landmark meets the registration criteria, it will recommend to the Board of Supervisors that the landmark be designated officially as a Nevada County Historical Landmark, sometimes called a Local Point of Historical Interest.

If the Board accepts the recommendation, it will pass a resolution containing the official designation. For some owners, receiving the County’s designation is the first step of a process that may include seeking state and national recognition.

California law requires that the County notify the Nevada County Recorder within 90 days after a property has been designated as having an historical landmark. The County Recorder must then index the Board resolution, listing the Commission as “Grantor” and the current owner as the “Grantee.” The County has advised that registration does not impose any additional restrictions on historically significant property and is recorded for informational purposes.

After receiving their designation, many property owners erect a plaque or other marker commemorating the designation. This is not a requirement of the registration process, and is customarily paid for by the property owner.