Historic Neighborhood Resources

Guide to city historic district designation
Historic preservation is not about locking neighborhoods in the past, but it is important that new development respect the historic fabric and character of our neighborhoods. Designation as a City of Houston historic historic district is an important part of this process, but a majority of property owners must request designation; the city does not impose historic district designation. Designation will help your neighborhood directly, and it will help indirectly as well: The more neighborhoods that seek designation, the louder the message to City Hall that citizens want to protect the visual character of the places they live. This will help us to get more neighborhood-friendly building codes and ultimately to strengthen the preservation ordinance for the benefit of all Houstonians. Preservation Houston urges you to support your neighborhood's petition for historic designation.

If your neighborhood is interested in historic district designation, please contact Diana Ducroz, City of Houston Planning and Development Department, or Preservation Houston Historic Neighborhood Resources Director Courtney Tardy.

What is historic district designation?
It is an official recognition by the City of Houston that your neighborhood is an area of local historic importance. The designation is usually based on a combination of the following factors: the history of the neighborhood; the identity of the people who settled the neighborhood (were they of a particular ethnic group, did they play a special role in the city's development, etc.); the age, type, and quality of the structures in the neighborhood; and the extent to which the original structures still exist.

What constitutes a City of Houston Historic District?
"... a geographical area designated by the City Council that possesses a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of buildings, structures, objects or sites united by historical, cultural, architectural or archaeological significance to the city, state, nation or region."

What are the requirements for owner-initiated designation?
At least 67% of all property owners within a proposed district must sign petitions expressing support for district designation in order for the historic district to be established. If less than 67% support is received, the city planning director may modify the proposed boundaries to create a district in which 67% of the owners are in favor of designation. Your neighborhood must file an application with the City of Houston Department of Planning. This is not as complicated as it may sound, and help is available from the City of Houston Historic Preservation staff or from Greater Houston Preservation Alliance.

The proposed City Historic District must meet at least one of the following criteria for designation:

• Possess character, interest or value as a visible reminder of the development, heritage, and cultural and ethnic diversity of the city, state, or nation
• Location of a significant local, state or national event
• Identified with a person who, or group or event that, contributed significantly to the cultural or historical development of the city, state or nation
• Exemplify a particular architectural style or building type important to the city
• Best remaining examples of an architectural style or building type in a neighborhood
• Identified as the work of a person or group whose work has influenced the heritage of the city, state or nation
• Specific evidence exists that unique archaeological resources are present
• Has value as a significant element of community sentiment or public pride
• The majority of buildings, structures or objects is over 50 years old, and shall be designated as an historic district, unless it is found that the building, structure, object, site or area is of extraordinary importance to the city, state or nation for reasons not based on age.

Why should I support historic designation?
Designation has several benefits: 1.) it helps maintain your neighborhood property values; 2.) it makes properties eligible for city tax benefits; 3.) it protects your neighborhood and brings recognition; and 4.) it shows support for the preservation of historic properties and neighborhoods around the city. Designation will let you know when unwanted development is coming and will give you time to react. In addition, designation sends a message to developers and politicians alike that you care about the quality of your neighborhood and want to protect it.

Will designation take away my property rights?
It will actually help you to protect them. By giving neighbors advance notice of development, it will help ensure that any development fits in and enhances the character of the neighborhood. It will not keep you from selling your property to anyone you like, nor will it keep you from remodeling or otherwise improving your property. In short, designation is one of the best investments you can make.

Some myths and realities about historic district designation:

"My property is not historic..."
If it is at least 50 years old and is architecturally compatible with the other houses in the neighborhood, and has not been significantly altered, it most likely contributes to the overall district. If is a newer building, it benefits from the  historical surroundings. All owners, even of  "noncontributing" properties, are encouraged to sign.

"It will increase my taxes..."
Historic district designation is not a factor in Harris County Appraisal District property appraisals.

"They will tell me how I can use my land and my property..."
Historic designation does not restrict land use.

"It will replace or alter my deed restrictions..."
Historic designation does not override any existing deed restriction.

"It will adversely affect the value of my property when I decide to sell it..."
Experience has shown that many buyers are more attracted to properties in recognized historic districts.

"They won't let me repair, change or add on to my house..."
For exterior alterations, new construction, relocations and demolitions are required to obtain a  "Certificate of Appropriateness" from the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission.  You do not need to obtain a C of A for regular maintenance. If your alteration designs are not approved by the commission, after 90 days you may proceed anyway. So far, more than 80 percent of previous applicants have voluntarily agreed to more compatible alterations than what were initially considered.

"They will tell me what color to paint my house, or how to remodel my bathroom, kitchen, etc..."
Interior alterations and paint colors are not regulated whatsoever.

"I will have to open my home for tours..."
No. There are no requirements for home tours or public access to your home or property.

"They will make me put a historical plaque on my porch..."
No. This is entirely at homeowner option and expense.

"It will violate my personal property rights..."
This is not a case of the government telling you what to do with your property, but a way to maintain and enhance your neighborhood and create community continuity, thus protecting your property rights.