Thinking about sprucing up your Highland Park home’s curb appeal but not sure what the HPOZ will allow? You are not alone. The Highland Park–Garvanza Historic Preservation Overlay Zone exists to protect the neighborhood’s character, and it has clear rules for anything visible from the street. In this guide, you will learn what upgrades typically fly, what triggers review, and how to plan a beautiful, compliant refresh that helps your home stand out for the right reasons. Let’s dive in.
What Highland Park’s HPOZ protects
The Highland Park–Garvanza HPOZ was created to preserve the area’s historic streetscapes and architecture. The Preservation Plan acts as both a rulebook and a how‑to guide for owners. It covers exterior features visible from the public right of way, including façades, roofs, porches, windows, doors, front yards, fences, and walkways. You can review the full Highland Park–Garvanza Preservation Plan for details on design guidance and approvals.
- Learn the intent and guidelines in the Highland Park–Garvanza HPOZ Preservation Plan, which explains exemptions, Conforming Work, and review standards. Read the Plan.
- For staff contacts, meeting schedules, and the latest updates, use the City Planning HPOZ page. See the City Planning page.
Know your review path
Not every curb‑appeal idea needs a hearing, but most visible work must follow a process.
Exempt and Conforming Work
Some routine maintenance is exempt. Many small curb‑appeal items qualify as Conforming Work and can be reviewed administratively. The Plan delegates common items, like in‑kind hardscape repair and exterior painting with new colors, to the Director of Planning for quicker decisions. You still need to file, but the turnaround is faster than a full board hearing according to the Preservation Plan.
Certificates and timing
Bigger changes usually require a Certificate of Appropriateness for contributing properties or a Certificate of Compatibility for non‑contributors and new construction. After an application is deemed complete, the Director generally has up to 75 days to decide on a certificate. You can confirm definitions and timelines in the City’s zoning code. Review HPOZ procedures in the zoning code.
Curb‑appeal upgrades that pass muster
You can achieve a standout look and respect the district’s character at the same time. Focus on preserving the “open, green front yard,” original details, and historically sympathetic materials, as outlined in the Preservation Plan.
Front yards and landscaping
Highland Park’s historic streets feel open and green. Keep front yards porous and planted, with layered low plantings that frame, not hide, your architecture. Drought‑tolerant designs are welcome when they maintain the open, green character. Artificial turf or major landscape changes are not automatically exempt, so plan to show permeability and historic compatibility. Check the Plan’s front‑yard guidance.
Do:
- Choose low, layered planting that preserves sightlines to the porch and façade.
- Use permeable walkways or stepping stones to reduce runoff.
- Prepare a simple planting plan if you are making substantial changes.
Avoid:
- Paving most of the front yard. Excessive paving can trigger review.
- Large, dense hedges that block the house.
Fences and walls
If a historic front fence or retaining wall exists, preserve or replace it in kind. If the house never had a front fence, new fences are discouraged. When a fence is necessary for safety, choose a low, highly transparent design like dark‑colored wrought iron or a low wood picket. Concrete block, hollow steel, and vinyl are generally inappropriate in the front yard per the Preservation Plan.
Do:
- Keep fences low and see‑through.
- Match existing arroyo stone or similar historic materials where present.
Avoid:
- Tall, opaque, or vinyl front fences that dominate the street view.
Hardscape, driveways, and walkways
Preserve original walkways and steps. If you must replace, match materials and patterns. Keep vehicle access to the side or rear if possible, and minimize visible paving. “Hollywood driveways” with two narrow tracks and a planted strip are cited as appropriate in the Plan.
Do:
- Repair or replace walkways with historically compatible materials.
- Use permeable pavers where new surface is required.
Avoid:
- Widening driveways into front yards or adding large front parking pads.
Exterior paint and finishes
Repainting in the same colors is typically exempt. New color schemes are usually handled by the Director of Planning, which means a faster, administrative review. Choose palettes compatible with the home’s style. Do not paint previously unpainted masonry, arroyo stone, or stained wood without guidance from HPOZ staff. See the Plan’s paint guidance.
Windows, doors, and porches
Windows and doors are character‑defining features. Repair first when possible. If replacement is unavoidable, match the original profiles, proportions, and materials. Swapping original wood windows for modern vinyl sliders will likely require a certificate and is discouraged. Preserve porch columns, railings, and details in kind. Review window and porch standards in the Plan.
Lighting, numbers, and small details
Choose simple, period‑appropriate fixtures that complement the architecture. Subtle path lighting, classic house numbers, and a clean mailbox add polish without overpowering the façade. Avoid overly bright or oversized fixtures that draw attention away from the house.
Street trees and the public right of way
Parkway and street trees are regulated by the City. You cannot prune, remove, or plant them without a permit from Urban Forestry. Use MyLA311 to request service and consult the Bureau of Engineering if any work touches the sidewalk, curb, or planting strip. Check Urban Forestry guidance.
Ten‑minute pre‑list curb‑appeal checklist
- Walk your frontage. Note any cracked steps, flaking paint, or blocked sightlines.
- Photograph the façade and front yard from the sidewalk for your records.
- Identify whether your home is contributing or non‑contributing in the HPOZ.
- Pick one or two high‑impact, low‑risk tasks, like in‑kind walkway repair or a same‑color paint refresh.
- Draft a simple planting diagram that keeps the yard open and green.
- Gather color chips, fixture photos, and material samples.
The step‑by‑step process
Confirm your property’s status and review the Preservation Plan sections for front yards, fences, paint, and windows. Open the Preservation Plan.
Check exemptions and Director‑delegated items to see whether your project can be approved administratively.
Contact HPOZ staff early for guidance and to confirm the correct pathway. Find contacts and meeting info on City Planning’s HPOZ page.
If work touches the sidewalk, curb, or parkway trees, coordinate permits with Urban Forestry and the Bureau of Engineering. Start with Urban Forestry resources.
Prepare your submittal. Include current photos, a short narrative tying your design to the Plan, and samples for paint, planting, fencing, or paving. For certificates, follow the zoning code procedures and expected timelines. Review procedures in the zoning code.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Painting unpainted masonry or arroyo stone.
- Installing tall or opaque front‑yard fences.
- Over‑paving the front yard.
- Replacing original wood windows with incompatible modern units.
- Trimming or removing a street tree without a City permit.
Why this matters for value
Curb appeal sells, especially in a neighborhood where buyers appreciate history. When your upgrades align with the HPOZ, you showcase authenticity as well as beauty. That balance helps listings photograph better, market more credibly, and attract serious interest quickly. If you plan early and lean on the Plan’s guidance, you can create a standout look without delays.
Ready to optimize your curb appeal within the rules and get market‑ready with confidence? As a design‑forward, hands‑on advisor, I help you align presentation, materials, and process so your home shines and your approvals stay on track. If you are considering selling or want a curb‑appeal game plan, reach out to Johannes Steinbeck for a thoughtful, HPOZ‑savvy strategy.
FAQs
What is the Highland Park–Garvanza HPOZ and why does it matter?
- It is a City of Los Angeles overlay that preserves historic character by reviewing visible exterior changes; the Preservation Plan explains rules, exemptions, and design guidance. Learn more in the Plan.
Which exterior projects are usually faster to approve in Highland Park?
- In‑kind repairs, exterior repainting with new colors, and minor hardscape fixes often qualify for Director‑level review, which is typically faster than a board hearing under the Preservation Plan.
Can I change my paint colors on a Highland Park home?
- Yes, but propose a historically compatible palette and submit for delegated review; repainting in the same colors is typically exempt, while painting previously unpainted masonry or stained wood is discouraged. See the Plan’s paint guidance.
Are front‑yard fences allowed in the HPOZ area?
- Low, transparent front‑yard fences can be appropriate, especially in wrought iron or low wood picket, but tall or opaque fences and vinyl or concrete block are generally inappropriate per the Plan.
Do I need a permit to trim the street tree in front of my house?
- Yes, parkway trees are under City jurisdiction and require permits for planting, trimming, or removal; start with Urban Forestry and use MyLA311 for service requests. Check Urban Forestry guidance.
How long do HPOZ decisions take once I apply?
- After your application is deemed complete, the Director generally has up to 75 days to render a decision on a certificate according to the zoning code. Review procedures.
Where can I find staff contacts and meeting schedules for Highland Park’s HPOZ?
- Use the City Planning HPOZ page for Highland Park–Garvanza to find staff emails, meeting agendas, and links to the ordinance. Open the City Planning page.
Is drought‑tolerant landscaping allowed in front yards?
- Yes, when it preserves the open, green character and maintains permeability; artificial turf and larger front‑yard changes typically need review to confirm compatibility. See front‑yard guidance.
Where can I learn more about HPOZs citywide?
- The Los Angeles Conservancy offers a helpful overview of how HPOZs work across the city and why they were created. Read the overview.