Guide to Local Landmarks

City of Houston Landmarks and Protected Landmarks are properties that meet local standards for special historic value to the city. Designations are approved by City Council after recommendation by the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission (HAHC). Properties are designated by city ordinance. The Houston Office of Preservation manages the nomination process and works with owners of designated properties who seek approval for exterior changes.

Why are landmarks important?

Cities change all the time. Preservation policies are tools to navigate that change, so neighborhoods can evolve while keeping what makes them meaningful. Landmarking focuses on places that have special value because of what they mean to us, how they make Houston distinct, and how they connect us with our past and with each other. By giving old places new life, making compatible additions, and integrating new development, we get a vibrant mix of places and a distinctive, livable community.

How does a property qualify?

The Houston Preservation Ordinance outlines 9 criteria for local landmarks. Landmarks must meet at least one of these criteria; Protected Landmarks must meet at least 3 criteria if they were built less than 100 years ago.

  1. Possess character, interest or value as a visible reminder of the development, heritage, and cultural and ethnic diversity of the city, state or nation

  2. Location of a significant local, state or national event

  3. Identified with a person who, or group or event that, contributed significantly to the cultural or historical development of the city, state or nation

  4. Exemplify a particular architectural style or building type important to the city

  5. Best remaining example(s) of an architectural style or building type in a neighborhood

  6. Identified as the work of a person or group whose work has influenced the heritage of the city, state or nation

  7. Specific evidence exists that unique archaeological resources are present

  8. Has value as a significant element of community sentiment or public pride

  9. A building, structure or object that is not at least 50 years old may be designated as historic if it is found that the building, structure or object is of extraordinary importance to the city, state or nation for reasons not based on age

What happens after my property is designated?

For exterior changes visible from the street, additions, relocation and demolition, property owners are required to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Houston Office of Preservation. City staff will work with the property owner to make sure changes are compatible with the building’s historic character. Some types of work can be approved by the Office of Preservation staff; other types are presented to the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission (HAHC) for a vote at a monthly meeting.  Interior changes, regular maintenance, fencing, air conditioning units, light fixtures and fans, and solar panels are exempt. Find more details on the Houston Office of Preservation website.

How does a Landmark differ from a Protected Landmark?

Landmarks and Protected Landmarks are subject to the same COA process. If a property is a Landmark, work that isn’t approved (including demolition) can proceed after a 90-day delay.

For Protected Landmarks, a property owner can appeal a decision to the Historic Preservation Appeals Board (HPAB) and then to City Council. Protected Landmarks have the added benefit of a 40% reduction in city parking requirements for the property; this mostly applies to commercial buildings. Protected Landmark nominations can only be initiated by the property owner.

Are there financial benefits?

Both Landmarks and Protected Landmarks are eligible for a 15-year Historic Site Tax Exemption if substantial work is done on the building. The amount of the exemption varies based on the amount of money spent and the census tract of the property. Find details at the Houston Economic Development Department website.

How can Preservation Houston help?

Preservation Houston is not affiliated with the City of Houston and is not an official part of the landmark designation or COA process. We can, however, prepare Protected Landmark nominations for qualifying properties free of charge to the property owner. If you choose to pursue Landmark designation, we can provide you with a list of research resources and example nominations for properties similar to yours.

What if my neighbors are also interested?

A contiguous group of properties can be designated as a City of Houston Historic District with the approval of 67% of property owners. For more information on getting started, contact the Houston Office of Preservation or Preservation Houston.