Over the past few years, an inordinate number of CEQA cases have addressed impacts on historic resources. An entire practice area has emerged utilizing historic resource designations as a means of impeding development. Since these designations can occur without the approval, or sometimes even the knowledge, of the property owner, unexpected CEQA scrutiny may effectively derail the development of these properties.

Now for some good news: The most recent such case, Friends of the Juana Briones House v. City of Palo Alto, which just became final as a result of the denial of a petition for review by the California Supreme Court, provides some measure of relief for property owners seeking to demolish structures that have received a historic designation.