Fullerton’s Historical Resources and Preservation is dedicated to protecting the city’s unique historical and cultural assets, ensuring they are preserved for future generations. The Planning Division plays a key role in this effort by identifying and designating historic sites, developing preservation policies, and guiding property owners and developers in maintaining the city’s historical character. The division also oversees the review of modifications to historic properties, ensuring compliance with preservation standards.

Special requirements apply to modifications of historic structures. Fullerton’s historic districts include both residential and commercial areas. For assistance in determining if your property is within a historic district and understanding the applicable requirements, please contact the Planning Division at (714) 738-6559.

Historic Resources in Fullerton

The most current list of Historic Resources and Designations are included in The Fullerton Plan below:

Historic Preservation Element - Master Plan of goals and policies for historic preservation.

Historic Preservation Table & Maps - Names, addresses, current historic designations associated maps.

Mills Act Program

At its meeting on April 21, 2020, the City Council adopted a Mills Act Program for the City of Fullerton.  Enacted in 1972, the Mills Act grants participating local governments the authority to enter into contracts with owners of qualified historic properties who actively participate in the restoration and maintenance of their historic properties in exchange for receiving property tax reductions.  The Mills Act is codified in both the California Government Code (Article 12, Section 50280-50290) and the California Revenue and Taxation Code (Article 1.9, Sections 439-439.4).

• 2024 Mills Act Guidelines and Application
• Mills Act Annual Survey Form
• OC Tax Assessor Mills Packet

Preservation Zones & Central Business District Guidelines

• Residential Preservation Zones - Guidelines for construction and improvement of properties in Preservation neighborhoods. Includes maps.
• Central Business District Guidelines - Guidelines for development within Downtown Fullerton (building materials, signage, lighting, etc.). Includes maps.
• Pico-Carhart Rural Street Design Guidelines - Guidelines for construction or remodeling in this Rural Street Overlay area. Includes maps.

Historic Resources

• Local History Room - Filled with newspapers, maps, photographs, even early phone books from Fullerton this room is located at the Fullerton Public Library Main Branch at the Civic Center. If you enjoyed the photo slides on this page, view more online at the Fullerton Public Library.
• Fullerton Heritage - Non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to preserving Fullerton's cultural history and architecture.
• History of Fullerton - Find links to local history of Fullerton's development and historic buildings.
• Window Repair and Retrofit: Studies and Research - Link to the California Office of Historic Preservation's page regarding preservation of historic windows.