The Elk Grove Register of Historic Resources will be a list of local buildings, structures, sites, and objects deemed to have historical, cultural, architectural, or archaeological significance. A resource may be listed in the Elk Grove Register of Historic Resources if it retains integrity to its period of significance and meets any of the following criteria within a given historic context:

• Criterion 1

  Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of Elk Grove’s history.

• Criterion 2

  Associated with the lives of persons significant in Elk Grove’s past.

• Criterion 3

  Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction; represents the work of a master; possesses high artistic values; or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction.

• Criterion 4

  Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information noteworthy in prehistory or history.

The establishment of the Elk Grove Register of Historic Resources will help preserve the cultural richness of Elk Grove by recognizing and protecting historically significant properties. Provisions for a local register are already codified in the Elk Grove Historic Preservation Ordinance; however, no properties have been designated, to date. Initially, the City proposes to designate the existing contributors to the National Register of Historic Places-listed Elk Grove Historic District; the Ehrhardt/Jungkeit Residence located at 4800 Percheron Drive; five resources at the Elk Grove Heritage Park (Foulks House, Reese School, San Joaquin Courtand Jail, Rhoads School, and Elk Grove House); and the residence at 4265 Bilby Road. Additional resources may be designated in the future.

The Elk Grove Register of Historic Resources will be a list managed by the City to identify and protect historically significant sites within our jurisdiction. These may include buildings, districts, and other cultural resources of importance at the local level. The eligibility threshold for listing on the local register may be lower than that of the National Register of Historic Places. Designated properties may be subject to specific preservation regulations, but may also be eligible for special incentives or protections. Having a local register of historic resources is the best way to ensure protection of our historic resources.

The National Register of Historic Places is a program administered by the National Park Service. It is a federal-level recognition that identifies and honors properties significant at the local, state, or national level in terms of history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. Inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places is a prestigious recognition, and provides potential access to federal grant funding and protections under certain environmental review processes. However, listing on the National Register of Historic Places is primarily an honorific designation that does not implicitly require preservation into perpetuity.