Do you have a passion for historic preservation? Are you interested in helping to celebrate and maintain the architectural and cultural heritage of Los Angeles’s historic districts? If so, please consider joining an Historic Preservation Overlay Zone Board.
The HPOZ Program aims to identify and protect the distinctive architectural and cultural resources of Los Angeles’s historic neighborhoods. In HPOZs, all exterior work requires review for historic compatibility based on guidelines in the adopted Preservation Plan. Depending on the HPOZ, projects reviewed by the Board may range from smaller projects such as window rehabilitation work to larger projects such as additions and infill developments. HPOZ Boards also serve as informal sources of technical expertise and guidance. Board members often offer excellent advice on cost-effective ways to remodel properties that will maintain and enhance the building's historic character. Other Board duties include community education and outreach to promote the HPOZ Program.
Each HPOZ Board consists of five or seven members. The Mayor, the City Councilmember representing the area, the Cultural Heritage Commission, and the Board itself appoint the members, a majority of whom must live in the HPOZ. One member of the Board must have extensive real estate or construction experience, one must be a licensed architect, and all members should have knowledge of and interest in the culture, history, and architecture of the HPOZ area. Candidates that own or rent property in an HPOZ are preferred, but not required.
Board meetings occur twice monthly and are subject to cancelation if a quorum cannot be met or if no agenda items are pending. Board members are eligible to serve up to two consecutive four-year terms. Currently, all meetings are held virtually via Zoom.
Interested candidates are invited to send a cover letter/summary of interest in serving, along with a resume or short bio to Planning.OHR@lacity.org. To see a full list of the City’s 35 HPOZs and learn more about the program, please visit: Local Historic Districts
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