Save Our Heritage Organisation Sues San Diego Over Historic Preservation Rules
San Diego’s leading historic preservation group, Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO), has filed a legal challenge to recent changes in the city’s historic preservation rules. The lawsuit, filed this week, aims to block the City Council from weakening regulations designed to protect the city’s historic resources.
SOHO filed an 11-page writ of mandamus demanding the city conduct a comprehensive environmental impact report (EIR) before implementing the changes. The organization argues the city improperly relied on existing environmental reports instead of creating a new one specifically addressing the preservation rule modifications.
Changes to Historic Preservation Rules
The contested changes, approved by the City Council on February 24, 2026, include provisions allowing the council to overrule the Historical Resources Board (HRB) when designating a property as historic. The package also permits developers to utilize the city’s Complete Communities incentive in Ocean Beach, even if the property contains a historic cottage.
SOHO is also seeking a judicial requirement for the new EIR to simultaneously analyze a second, more extensive package of proposed preservation updates. This second package could involve limiting property tax benefits for historic homes and eliminating automatic historical review for buildings aged 45 years or older. Together, these two packages are referred to as “Preservation and Progress.”
Legal Basis for the Lawsuit
According to SOHO, the changes violate the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which requires a comprehensive assessment of environmental impacts for all aspects of a project. The organization contends that the city must consider the cumulative effects of both packages of proposed changes as a “whole of the action.”
The lawsuit highlights that the changes were unanimously opposed by the Community Planners Committee, an organization representing neighborhood planning groups throughout San Diego.
SOHO’s Position
“Historic places are an integral part of our environment and shared city identity,” stated Bruce Coons, SOHO’s executive director.
City Response
Developers and city officials have characterized the changes as modest and sensible reforms intended to support housing development. A spokesperson for City Attorney Heather Ferbert declined to comment, citing the ongoing litigation.
Further Information
Details regarding the approved and proposed historic preservation changes can be found on the city’s website: sandiego.gov/preservationandprogress.
About Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO)
Founded in 1969 in San Diego, California, Save Our Heritage Organisation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the region’s historic architecture and landmarks. SOHO maintains several historic buildings, including the George W. Marston House and is directly partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Its mission is to preserve, promote, and support the architectural, cultural, and historical elements that define the community’s identity. Learn more about SOHO.
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