Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Many residents have asked if an HPOZ is the same as a HOA (homeowners association). They are not the same. In fact this should have been listed in myths. Here is the link to a HOA definition. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeowners

You can find the HPOZ definition below or at the Office of Historic Resources site.

These FAQs were taken directly from the Carthy Circle HPOZ site. They have only been edited where their information did not apply to us. Check it out for yourself. http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/la/carthaycircle/genpage/448409662.html

• WHAT EXACTLY IS AN HPOZ? Simply put, an HPOZ is a HISTORIC district. Technically defined, a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) is a city-designated historic district composed of a group of buildings (either an entire neighborhood or part of a neighborhood) that are related to one another historically, architecturally, and/or culturally. Individual buildings within an HPOZ need not be of “landmark” quality— the cohesiveness, uniqueness, and architectural integrity of the area as a whole serves to make it eligible for HPOZ status. The protection of Los Angeles’ historic neighborhoods is not a new phenomenon. Since 1979, when the Los Angeles City Council adopted the city’s first HPOZ Ordinance, 15 diverse and wonderful neighborhoods representing many aspects of the city’s cultural and architectural history have become HPOZs. Grassroots efforts of neighborhood residents drive the creation of these historic districts.Recently, interest in this approach to the protection and preservation of historic neighborhoods has accelerated with at least 13 new HPOZ's in the initial stages of formation.

•WHICH OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE CITY OF L.A. have an HPOZ designation? There are currently several: Angelino Heights, South Carthay, Melrose Hill, Miracle Mile North, Whitley Heights, Spaulding Square, Highland Park, Van Buren Place, Carthay Circle and Lafayette Square.

•WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO OWN A HOME IN A HPOZ? Residents and property owners are NOT required to improve or “fix up” their property, nor pay membership fees. •For some, it means assurance that what they love about their neighborhood, whether it’s the architecture or the general ambiance, will be protected from significant change. •For others, HPOZ status brings higher property values and the stabilization of the neighborhood. •For still others,it brings a sense of enhanced community. Only exterior alterations to structures within the district are subject to review by the board to insure that the changes are in keeping with the historic character of the neighborhood. As areas with historic and aesthetic significance, representative of the city’s cultural and architectural history, these districts are unique and irreplaceable assets. The destruction of communities such as Bunker Hill and Chavez Ravine, and the fragmentation of neighborhoods like Boyle Heights and Lincoln Heights, provide cautionary tales about the potential for the loss of our city’s historic communities. The Conservancy, in cooperation with the HPOZ Alliance, the HPOZ boards, and our many preservation partners, is delighted to foster the growth of this community preservation effort, one that will protect the historically built environment of our city for generations to come.

• WHAT DOES THE HPOZ DESIGNATION MEAN? The designation provides a review system for all proposed exterior work in the neighborhood. Home projects,... including repairs, improvements, additions, and significant landscape changes qualify for this review by the local HPOZ board before starting any work.

• HOW DOES THE HPOZ WORK? The review functions are administered by the Planning Department of the City of Los Angeles. Most decisions from the Planning Department are based on recommendations from the five-member, volunteer, HPOZ Board,... and in some cases, the Cultural Heritage Commission. The HPOZ board meets regularly twice per month. All meetings are public and your participation is encouraged.

• HOW WILL PROJECTS GET REVIEWED? Contact the City Planning department at (213) 485-6716, and ask to be placed on the Stonehurst HPOZ agenda for the next available meeting. You will need to provide your name, address, telephone number and a description of your project. As an alternative, you can contact an HPOZ Board Member.

• WILL MY PROPERTY VALUES OR THE SALE OF MY PROPERTY BE AFFECTED?According to a study by the National Trust for Historic Preservation,.... homes and structures within historic zones experience greater property value increases and market values than do similar structures not protected by the historic zone. Historic preservation is a good investment.

• WHAT ARE THE COSTS FOR THE HPOZ? There are no added taxes, initial fees, or annual dues for residents or owners in the HPOZ. However, certain types of larger projects may require a more extensive review called a Certificate of Appropriateness. A fee of approximately $300 is required by the City of Los Angeles for this review and completed document.