A multi-parcel Historic District is a specific area of the County in which there is a significant concentration or continuity of historic sites, buildings, structures, and objects of historic merit or which represent an historic theme important to Sonoma County, the State of California, or the nation. Each of the existing five multi-parcel Historic Districts have also been designated as a County Landmark.
The purpose of a Historic District is to preserve the historic character and integrity of the exterior of existing structures and regulate the design of the exterior of new structures. This is accomplished through "Historic District" (HD) Zoning of all parcels in the District and approval of a Historic Design Review Permit that complies with the applicable Historic District Design Guidelines for that area. Within a Historic District, structures are determined to be “contributing” or “non-contributing” to the historic significance with different design criteria for each category.
The purpose of HD Zoning is to preserve the historical character of existing structures in a multi-parcel Historic District. HD Zoning requires that the Landmarks Commission review the design of alterations to the exterior of an existing structure or construction of a new structure. Review of new structures by the Commission includes applying the pertinent Historic District Design Guidelines and ensuring that the design of new development is compatible with the historic character of existing structures in the District.
Sonoma County has five multi-parcel Historic Districts – Bodega, Duncans Mills, Freestone, Occidental, and Penngrove.
Bodega Historic District
The County adopted Ordinance No. 3217 establishing the Bodega Historic District on October 31, 1983, and designated it as County Landmark #136. The boundary of the Bodega Historic District (PDF: 168 kB) encompasses primarily the downtown section of Bodega, along both sides of Bodega Highway from about Bodega Calvary Cemetery northeast to about Salmon Creek, including the north and west sides of Bodega Lane.
Properties within these boundaries are subject to the Bodega Historic District Survey and Design Guidelines (PDF: 7.56 MB).
Duncans Mills Historic District
The County adopted Ordinance No. 2949 establishing the Duncans Mills Historic District on March 2, 1982, and designating it as County Landmark #139. The boundary of the Duncans Mills Historic District (PDF: 171 kB) encompasses the area on the west side of State Highway 116 from the intersection with Moscow Road to about 1,500 feet northwest; and along the east and west sides of State Highway 116 from the intersection with Moscow Road to about 700 feet southwest.
Properties within these boundaries are subject to the Duncans Mills Historic District Design Guidelines (PDF: 6.39 MB).
Freestone Historic District
The County adopted Ordinance No. 1849 establishing the Freestone Historic District on December 17, 1974, and designating it as County Landmark #1. The boundary of the Freestone Historic District (PDF: 171 kB) encompasses primarily the downtown section of Freestone along Bohemian Highway from Bodega Road to the northern limits of town. Five buildings in the Freestone Historic District are designated as Historic Landmarks: an 1867 Greek Revival Schoolhouse, 1872 Greek Revival Hotel, 1876 Italianate General Store, and two Greek Revival private residences.
The "Design Review Policy Guidelines for the Freestone Historic District" were first adopted on November 21, 1974 subsequent to a petition in 1973 from 22 Freestone property owners to establish an Historic District.
Properties within these boundaries are subject to the Freestone Historic District Design Guidelines (PDF: 5.96 MB).
Occidental Historic District
The County adopted Ordinance No. 2611 establishing the Occidental Historic District on March 4, 1980, and designating it as County Landmark #137. The boundary of the Occidental Historic District (PDF: 184 kB) encompasses generally downtown Occidental, the east and west sides of both Bohemian Highway and Main Street between 1st Street and Graton Road; and extends along the west side of Bohemian Highway from the intersection with Graton Road to about 1000 feet northwest, and along both sides of Coleman Valley Road from the intersection with Bohemian Highway to about 400 feet northwest.
Properties within these boundaries are subject to the Occidental Historic District Design Guidelines (PDF: 4.91 MB).
Penngrove Historic District
The County adopted Ordinance No. 3273 adopting the Penngrove Specific Plan and establishing the Penngrove Historic District on April 10, 1984, and designating it as County Landmark #138. The boundary of the Penngrove Historic District (PDF: 185 kB) encompasses generally the east and west sides of Main Street from the intersection with Old Redwood Highway to Adobe Road. In two locations, the Historic District is only on the west side of Main Street.
Properties within the Penngrove Historic District boundaries are subject to the Penngrove Main Street Design Guidelines (PDF: 3.41 MB).