Design Guidelines & Historic Preservation

Design Guidelines

These guidelines were prepared in response to the needs of many users: developers, property owners, architects, planners, landscape architects, and civil engineers. Each of these interests plays a vital role in the successful design of a residential project.

The City of Lake Elsinore's goal is to foster quality design that enhances the community. The more familiar you are with the City's expectations for design, the more prepared you will be and the better able we will be to help guide your project through to its successful completion.

The guidelines presented are intended to inspire residential development of lasting quality. This manual will also serve as a guide for staff in reviewing your application.

These guidelines are intended to be used in combination with the City's Zoning Code (Title 17), Subdivision Code (Title 16), Residential Development Standards (17.14 LEMC), and the General Plan design policies and standards.

Historic Preservation

The City of Lake Elsinore recognizes the need to preserve the invaluable historic and cultural resources that reflect Lake Elsinore's rich history and cultural value. In an effort to gather information about the historic resources in the City of Lake Elsinore funded a Survey of Historical Structures and Sites (PDF) that inventoried and described over 100 historic properties in the City. From the Nationally Registered Armory Hall and Crescent Bathhouse to the Women's Club, which is registered as a California Point of Historical Interest, the City contains some of the greatest historic treasures in southwest Riverside County. One of the primary programs that exist to support the preservation of historic properties includes Historic Tax Credits, which provide tax credits to subsidize eligible rehabilitation activities on historic properties intended for income-producing uses, such as commercial, industrial, agricultural, or rental residential purposes.