Historic Preservation in Harris County, TX (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Harris County, Texas.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Harris County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Historic-Cultural Monuments

The Harris County Historical Commission's bylaws lock down exactly what an official county historical marker looks like, cast aluminum, three fixed sizes, a brilliant blue background, before any cultural or historic site gets one.

Harris County Sets Historical Marker Specifications

Light Restrictions

Harris County Code of Ordinances, Ch. 3, Harris County Historical Commission Bylaws, Art. XI, Sec 2

Official Harris County markers shall be cast aluminum alloy with raised letters, 27" wide by 42" high (large), or 26" wide by 30.5" high (medium), or 16" wide by 25" high (small), and conform to all HCHC specifications. The marker background is "brilliant blue." The marker will display the Harris County logo. Markers may include photos or incising. These markers will be created by a foundry of ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Mills Act Contracts

Texas does not have a Mills Act-style property tax program. Instead, Texas Tax Code Section 11.24 lets local taxing units exempt part or all of a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark or qualifying historic structure's assessed value. Harris County Commissioners Court has adopted a partial 11.24 exemption for designated landmarks.

No Mills Act In Texas But §11.24 Tax Exemption Available

Few Restrictions

Texas Tax Code Sec. 11.24 (Historic Sites Tax Exemption)

Sec. 11.24. HISTORIC SITES. (a) The governing body of a taxing unit by official action of the body adopted in the manner required by law for official actions may exempt from taxation part or all of the assessed value of a structure or archeological site and the land necessary for access to and use of the structure or archeological site, if the structure or archeological site is:(1) designated a...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Historic Preservation by City in Harris County

1 cities in Harris County have their own historic preservation rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

HoustonPop. 2,304,580

1 verified rule • Historic-Cultural Monuments

All Harris County ordinances

See every category we cover for Harris County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Harris County Ordinance Hub →