General Plans, Ordinances & Policies

Historic Preservation

Unincorporated Alameda County's Historic Heritage

Before European settlement, the San Francisco Bay Area was home to Native Americans known as the Ohlone people. The Ohlone territory extended along the coast from the mouth of San Francisco Bay south to Carmel, and as far as sixty miles inland.

Spanish colonization began in the 18th century when Juan Bautista de Anza led an expedition through the region. Spanish settlers soon established Mission San José, located in present-day Fremont. After Mexico won independence from Spain, the area came under Mexican control, and following the Mexican-American War it became part of the United States in 1848. Alameda County's boundaries were established in 1853.

The Gold Rush and related economic opportunities drew Dutch, Anglo, and Portuguese immigrants to the region in the mid-19th century. The unincorporated areas of Alameda County remained largely rural until after World War II, when the communities of Ashland, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Fairview, Hillcrest Knolls, and San Lorenzo were transformed into suburban bedroom communities. This suburban growth was fueled by the postwar baby boom and an influx of workers seeking jobs in the Bay Area.

The historical progression from Native American tribal lands to Spanish missions, Mexican ranchos, American farms and orchards, postwar suburbs, and eventually urbanized communities has unfolded in less than two centuries.

Alameda County Parks, Recreation and Historical Commission

The Alameda County Planning Department has retained the architecture firm Garavaglia Architecture, Inc. to conduct a Historic Resources Survey of Castro Valley. The project was initiated in June 2026 and is expected to conclude by Summer 2028.

The PRHC generally meets the first Thursday of every month. Meetings begin at 3:30 PM and are held in the Public Hearing Room (Room 160) at 224 W. Winton Avenue, Hayward, CA. Please refer to the county website for upcoming meetings.

Castro Valley Historic Resources Survey

The Survey advances the following Goals and Actions as described in the Castro Valley Area Plan:

Goal 5.6-1: Protect historic sites and structures and other cultural resources that help to maintain the special character and identity of Castro Valley and represent important physical connections to the community’s past.
Action 5.6-1: Complete Historical Resources Survey. Complete the Historical Resources Survey of the Castro Valley

Project Materials

Applying for Historic Property Designation

Do you have a property that you think may qualify for historic designation? Review the following FAQ and Section 17.62.080 of the Historic Preservation Ordinance for guidance on the nomination procedure. The Planning Department may have historical information on select properties identified in previous surveys.

Historic Property Incentives & Benefits (Mills Act)

The Mills Act offers property tax relief for owners of historic properties who agree to preserve and maintain the historic character of their buildings. In Unincorporated Alameda County, this is a voluntary program involving a contract between the property owner and the County. Review the Mills Act handout, Program Guide, and Application Form for more information.

Certificate of Appropriateness

A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for any new construction, exterior alterations, expansions, demolitions, relocations, or removals of any artifact, natural feature, site, or structure within a Historic Preservation District or to any structure listed on the Alameda County Register of Historic Resources. Review the Certificate of Appropriateness Guide for

Certificate of Appropriateness Guide and Application

Additional Information

Staff Contacts

Angelica González, Planning Department

Email: angelica.gonzalez@acgov.org