SurveyLA FAQs

What is a historic resources survey?
A historic resources survey is a process of systematically identifying, researching and documenting properties that reflect important themes in the city's growth and development such as architecture, city planning, social history, ethnic heritage, politics, industry, transportation, commerce, entertainment and others. Historic resources include buildings, structures, objects, cultural landscapes, natural features and groupings of resources or areas known as historic districts. Examples of types of resources, or "property types," that may be included in the citywide survey are residential subdivisions, banks, bridges, religious buildings, courtyard apartments, canneries, motion picture studios, and parks.  

How is a historic resources survey conducted?
A survey typically begins with background research on a property, area or district to provide a basis to evaluate significance. Survey teams then conduct field inspections in order to identify the resource’s architectural, physical, and visual qualities and characteristics; assess the impacts of changes or alterations; and document overall condition through photography. These field inspections assess the exterior of resources and are conducted from the public right of way. Survey teams do not need to obtain access to private property, nor do they ask questions of property owners or residents.

How are resources evaluated?
Individual resources and districts are evaluated for significance in accordance with criteria established for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and California Register of Historical Resources as well as for local designation as City Historic-Cultural Monuments or Historic Preservation Overlay Zones (historic districts). Survey results will identify resources eligible for designation as well as those that do not meet criteria for designation.

Do surveyed resources automatically become designated?
No. Although surveys identify and evaluate resources that may be eligible for designation, no actual designation results directly from survey activity. Designation by the City of Los Angeles and nominations to the California or National Registers are separate processes which include property owner notification and public hearings.

How will survey information be recorded?
Information about properties and districts will be recorded electronically in the SurveyLA database and documented on the State Department of Recreation Historic Resources Inventory forms, in accordance with the procedures established by the State Office of Historic Preservation. Copies of these forms are sent to the State Office of Historic Preservation. Information on surveyed properties is accessible from the Department of City Planning ZIMAS web site and the Office of Historic Resources and SurveyLA web sites. Data will be added to the web sites as survey work progresses over the five-year project.

What type of information will be in the SurveyLA database?
The database includes various types of information on individual properties and historic districts relating to construction history, architecture, significance and relevant evaluation criteria. The database will also include photographs, maps and other locational information. Once the database is launched, it will be possible, for example, to search for single-family residences designed by an architect in a particular architectural style, or to search for all properties associated with an ethnic group in a specific geographical location.

Who will conduct the surveys?
The survey and resource evaluations will be completed by consultant teams that meet professional qualification standards as historians and architectural historians. The teams will work under contract to the City of Los Angeles and the supervision of the Office of Historic Resources.

When will the surveys begin?
Survey consultants are currently completing pilot surveys to test the tools and methodologies needed to complete the citywide survey. This includes a citywide Historic Context Statement which will provide the framework within which properties can be identified and evaluated according to important themes in the city’s development history. Pilot surveys will continue to mid-2009 and the citywide surveys will be conducted from 2009 through 2012.

What resources will be surveyed?
The survey will cover the entire city and identify resources dating from approximately 1865 to 1980. This period will encompass the earliest extant built resources in Los Angeles and will ensure that, when the project is completed in 2011, resources 30 years of age or older have been surveyed.

Can resources that are less than 50 years old be considered “historic”?
The National Register, California Register, and City of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument criteria differ somewhat in how they address properties of the “recent past.” A resource that is less than 50 years old may not be considered eligible for the National Register of Historic Places unless it is of “exceptional importance.” Such a resource may be considered eligible for the California Register if it can be demonstrated that sufficient time has passed to understand and gain a scholarly perspective on its historic significance. It does not need to meet the National Register’s “exceptional importance” test. The City of Los Angeles’ Cultural Heritage Ordinance does not have a minimum age threshold for Historic-Cultural Monuments.

Will archaeological resources be surveyed?
Archaeological resources will not be surveyed as part of the SurveyLA project but will be included in a future survey phase.

How soon will my neighborhood be surveyed?
The sequencing and timing of the actual survey work is not known at this time but will be detailed in a Survey Recommendations Report, which will be finalized as part of the pilot survey process. As the project progresses, the SurveyLA website will provide regular updates to keep the public informed regarding when specific areas of the city and/or topics will be covered by the surveys.

How can I participate?
The SurveyLA website will regularly post opportunities for volunteers to participate in the citywide survey. Volunteers may range from neighborhood residents to members of heritage organizations to students majoring in disciplines related to architecture, history and preservation. It is anticipated that volunteers may assist in community outreach activities and provide valuable information about resources located throughout the city, particularly those of social and cultural significance. Find out more information on how to get involved.