Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors completed the final administrative step required to establish the County’s first-ever historic district and landmark designation in Altadena, approving an ordinance formally creating the Historic Highlands Historic District following the completion of legal review and due diligence by County Counsel.
The Board’s action amends Title 22 (Planning and Zoning) of the Los Angeles County Code to include the Historic Highlands Historic District, which encompasses 77 parcels of predominantly early-20th-century single-family residences in the northern portion of the Historic Highlands neighborhood. The ordinance follows prior recommendations from both the Historical Landmarks and Records Commission and the Regional Planning Commission, as well as years of community engagement and preservation advocacy.
“Today’s action marks the completion of a significant effort to formally recognize and protect one of Altadena’s most historically significant neighborhoods,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “With County Counsel’s review now complete and the ordinance approved, we have taken the final step necessary to preserve the Historic Highlands’ unique character and architectural heritage for future generations.”
The Historic Highlands neighborhood is known for its rich collection of Craftsman, Spanish Colonial Revival, Tudor, and other period architectural styles that reflect Altadena’s growth during the 1920s economic boom. The district exemplifies the subdivision of former orange groves into a thriving suburban community and remains one of the area’s most intact historic residential neighborhoods.
At a time when Altadena continues to recover from the devastating Eaton Fire, the Historic Highlands provides an important anchor for community identity. While the district itself was not impacted by the fire, its historic homes, streetscapes, and architectural character help preserve a tangible connection to Altadena’s past at a moment when many residents are grieving the loss of homes, landmarks, and neighborhood gathering places.
“The Eaton Fire changed Altadena forever, destroying thousands of structures and dramatically altering parts of our community,” Supervisor Barger added. “Preserving neighborhoods like the Historic Highlands helps maintain the sense of place that makes Altadena special. As residents rebuild and recover, these historic homes serve as a reminder of our community’s resilience and enduring identity.”
More than 50 percent of affected property owners supported the designation. The new Historic District will help preserve the neighborhood’s historic integrity by establishing guidelines that protect its defining architectural features while continuing to allow appropriate property improvements and community growth.
The Historic Highlands Historic District designation will become effective on July 9, 2026. Following the effective date, the district will be entered into the County Register, and affected property owners will be formally notified of the designation.