Redondo beach was incorporated April 29, 1892 and was the ninth city officially established in Los Angeles County. Its rich history includes Native American sites, an ambitious working seaport that rivaled the best in Southern California, the beach where surfing was introduced to the west coast, numerous recreational facilities, and oceanfront residences. Redondo Beach is also the oldest city in the South Bay, the southern portion of the Santa Monica Bay coastal area.

By encouraging the protection of historically significant landmarks, Redondo Beach’s community heritage is preserved.

Historic Preservation Plan

redondo preservation plan

The purpose of the Preservation Plan is to provide a proactive means of planning for the continued protection of our community's character and heritage. Goals include teaching and informing citizens of Redondo Beach about the City's history as reflected in the built environment, increase the community's awareness of preservation issues, provide a guideline for growth and development, create a plan for the continued identification and designation of historic properties, develop new incentives for preservation, strengthen the support for preservation policies, and promote Redondo Beach as a city sensitive to the preservation of historical resources for the future. This plan also addresses the need for continued cooperation between City departments, community heritage organizations, and the public to ensure that the preservation goals and objectives are carried out.

City of Redondo Beach Historic Preservation Plan

Since 1989 Redondo Beach’s Historic Preservation Commission has also maintained a register of individual historic resources and historic districts within the City.

Historic Context Statement

Redondo Historic Context Statement

In 1995 Redondo Beach’s Historic Context Statement [link] was completed. The purpose of the Historic Context Statement was to develop a sound understanding of the major themes of Redondo Beach history, with special attention to the development of the built environment.

Serving as a frame work into which the City's cultural and architectural resources may be placed and interpreted for the future benefit of the community-at-large, this Context Statement also serves as the foundation for:

• The update and completion of the 1986 Redondo Beach Historic Resources Survey;
• The re-evaluation of building ranking, including the large percentage of buildings currently holding a "C" ranking. Those holding "A" or "B" rankings may also be re-evaluated for possible landmark or National Register listing;
• The identification of historic landscapes;
• The establishment of goals and priorities for the incorporation of the City's historic resources into a city-wide plan;
• The expansion of the City's volunteer landmark program by providing an incentive which enhances the attractiveness of this program to potential participants;
• The future publication of materials highlighting the unique aspects of the community's heritage;
• The creation of training material for City staff and Commission Members.

 
Historic Preservation Incentives Programs

Mills Act

The Mills Act is a state tax incentive law that allows cities to enter into contracts with the owners of historic structures. This contract provides a method of reducing property taxes in exchange for the continued preservation of the property. Property taxes recalculated using the special Mills Act assessment method can be reduced 50 percent or more!  

National Register

The National Register of Historic Places functions as the keystone of the nationwide movement to preserve our historic resources. Properties listed on the National Register have significance in American history, architecture, engineering, archeology, and culture. Owners who rehabilitate income- producing National Register properties are eligible for special tax incentives. In addition, listed properties are protected by an environmental review process if a federal undertaking is involved.

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission implements the Historic Preservation Regulations, including designation of historic resources, issuance of certificates of appropriateness, and designation of historic districts.

For information about commission meetings, agendas, minutes, and a list of commissioners, please click Preservation Commission.