BEVERLY HILLS – The city of Beverly Hills has received an A+ rating from the Los Angeles Conservancy for its historic preservation program. According to a press release from the City of Beverly Hills,
Beverly Hills has continued to excel in categories considered which include having a Cultural Heritage Commission, a historic preservation ordinance, dedicated staff, a survey of historic resources and Mills Act incentive program.

The City was also praised for being one of the three “most improved” cities for preservation since the last Preservation Report Card in 2008.

“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.”

Back in January 2012, the BH City Council passed a detailed Historic Preservation Program where activities under the program 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 Beverly Wilshire Hotel, and some private homes. A complete list can be found at: www.beverlyhills.org/landmarks.
  • 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.

To see how the L.A. Conservancy Report Card examines local governments’ goal to ensure preservation of historic and cultural resources visit https://www.laconservancy.org/communities/beverly-hills. To learn additional details about the City’s historic preservation program please visit the following site www.beverlyhills.org/preservation.