Austin Historic Landmark Commission designates individual properties as Historic Landmarks under City Code Chapter 25-2. Designation triggers Certificate of Appropriateness review for exterior changes, demolition delay, and a substantial property tax exemption tied to maintenance compliance.
Austin's individual Historic Landmark program runs under Land Development Code Chapter 25-2 alongside the LHD overlay. The Austin Historic Landmark Commission, supported by the Historic Preservation Office, reviews owner-initiated or Council-initiated nominations against criteria including architecture, history, archaeology, community value, and landscape features. Designated landmarks must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Commission for exterior alterations, additions, or demolition; demolition is subject to a 180-day delay. Designation unlocks a Texas Tax Code Chapter 11 historic-property tax exemption, with City of Austin and other taxing units offering partial assessment relief tied to ongoing maintenance and compliance. Removing the designation requires Council action.
Unauthorized exterior alteration or demolition of a designated Austin Historic Landmark violates Chapter 25-2 with stop-work orders, restoration orders, Class C misdemeanor citations up to two thousand dollars per day, and revocation of the historic-property tax exemption with back-tax recovery.
Austin, TX
Austin Land Development Code Chapter 25-2 creates Local Historic District (LHD) zoning overlays with design standards, Historic Landmark Commission review of...
Austin, TX
Austin requires building permits for renovations involving structural changes, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work. Cosmetic work is exempt. Permits can...
See how Austin's historic-cultural monuments rules stack up against other locations.
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