Historic District Zone as amended, previous reference "Old Towne Overlay Zone" and "Old Towne Districts," supplements the existing base zoning standards for residential, commercial, and industrial development within the City's historic areas.

The City Council has determined that the spirit, character and history of the City, State, and nation are reflected in the historic structures, improvements, natural features, sites, and areas of significance located within the City, and that in the face of ever-increasing pressures of modernization, cultural historic resources and historic districts located within the City are threatened with alteration, removal or demolition.

These structures and districts represent the City's unique historical, social and cultural foundations, and should be preserved as living parts of community life and development in order to build a greater understanding of the City's past and to give future generations the opportunity to appreciate, understand and enjoy the City's rich heritage.

This chapter is intended to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare by:

One district has been established, the Old Towne District as delineated on a map on file in the Planning Division, City Hall, City of Orange. The official map is entitled "Old Towne Boundaries." Said map is incorporated into this title by reference and shall be deemed as much a part of this title as if the information upon the map were fully described herein. Other historic districts may be established in the future.

Application for a historic district shall comply with the zoning amendment procedure for a change in the zoning district classification upon designation approval by City Council as prescribed under Section 17.10.020.

An historic district may be established to preserve landmarks and areas exemplary of architectural, archaeological, cultural, economic, social, or historical value if the landmark or area meets the following criteria:

A historic district zone includes additional regulations and uses over base zoning of a particular area to encourage historic preservation and complementary new development. To promote orderly development and preservation within historic districts the following standards and their amendments shall apply: Historic Preservation Design Standards for Old Towne Orange, Historic Preservation Objective Design Standards (as applicable to qualifying multi-family housing projects), the Southwest Project Area Design Standards, the Orange Eichler Design Standards, the General Plan's Historic Preservation Element sample guidelines including the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Rehabilitation.

Pursuant to the California Health and Safety Code 18950 et seq., any alteration made to a cultural resource or structure within a historic district for the rehabilitation, preservation, restoration or relocation of such structures shall be made according to the requirements of the State Historical Building Code.