San Diego Bungalow Courts May Qualify for the National Register
Elm Courts in South Park Nominated to the National Register. Photo courtesy of Scott Crosby.
Thanks to a recent decision made by the California State Historic Resources Commission (SHRC), it is now easier and less expensive for owners of bungalow courts in San Diego to nominate their property to the National Register of Historic Places.
New Framework Approved
At its meeting on May 7, the SHRC unanimously approved the San Diego Bungalow Courts Multiple Property Documentation Form (MPDF). The MPDF documents the history of bungalow courts citywide and provides a streamlined framework for nominating associated properties to the National Register.
In conjunction with the MPDF, the SHRC also placed two bungalow courts on the National Register-- El Cantorral Court in University Heights and Elm Courts in South Park.
Community Collaboration
The San Diego Bungalow Courts MPDF and associated nominations for El Cantorral Court and Elm Courts were prepared by South Environmental in Pasadena. The University Heights Historical Society led the effort with financial support from the North Park Historical Society, Hillcrest History Guild, and the Ocean Beach Historical Society.
This milestone is the culmination of years of dedicated work by volunteers to identify, document, and preserve these vital historic resources. With the approval of the MPDF, bungalow court owners now have a clear, accessible path forward for National Register nominations.
According to published City of San Diego historic surveys, there are an estimated 400 bungalow courts throughout the city. Scott Crosby, owner of the newly listed El Cantorral Court and Elm Courts, encourages owners to take advantage of this simplified process for nominating their property to the National Register. “Bungalow court owners have a great opportunity to protect these important historic resources which are such a tremendous asset to the character of San Diego’s neighborhoods.”
Benefits of Listing on the National Register
Beyond the pride of preserving a piece of history, listing your court can open the door to state and federal tax incentives for qualified rehabilitation expenses.
The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program provides historic commercial or income-producing property owners a 20% federal tax credit on Qualified Rehabilitation Expenses (QREs). The State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program also offers up to 25% in tax credits for the rehabilitation of eligible historic commercial and income-producing properties.
Please note that listing on the National Register does not qualify a property for Mills Act property tax deductions. Only local designation by the City of San Diego qualifies a property for the Mills Act and must be pursued separately.
Help Preserve a Part of San Diego History
Owners can prepare their own nominations using National Park Service Form 10-900, or hire a consultant to help prepare and submit the form.
Bungalow court owners can also obtain free or low-cost assistance from local historic groups:
The University Heights Historical Society (UHHS) provides low-cost architectural assessments for bungalow court owners throughout the City of San Diego interested in exploring National Register eligibility. These professional evaluations can help determine whether a property may qualify before owners undertake the formal nomination process, potentially saving both time and expense.
Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) offers virtual consultations with its staff preservation experts for homeowners and property owners throughout San Diego County who are seeking guidance on restoration projects, historic designation, Mills Act questions, and preservation best practices. For those simply looking for preliminary information, SOHO staff can often provide initial guidance at no cost from photographs submitted by email.
Bungalow court owners with questions are encouraged to reach out to the University Heights Historical Society at kristin@uhhs-uhcdc.org