Tampa, FL Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

Section 27-256 sets the process for what the code calls 'HPC applications', requests to locally designate a landmark, landmark site, multiple property designation, historic conservation overlay district, or historic district. Anyone can file, using forms from the HPC staff administrator and paying the fee set by city council resolution; if the applicant isn't the owner, mailed notice must go to every affected parcel owner under the public-notice rule in section 27-149. The HPC holds a public hearing, takes testimony, and applies the designation criteria in section 27-257 before recommending action to city council, the HPC alone cannot designate a property.

Those criteria require the resource to have 'a quality of significance in American, state or local history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture,' tied to a National Register-style test: association with a significant historic event or person, distinctive architectural craftsmanship, or the potential to yield important historical information. After the HPC's report, the planning commission reviews it against the Comprehensive Plan within 30 days and reports to council, which holds its own public hearing under section 27-262 before voting. An affected owner can also request an economic-hardship determination under section 27-259 to try to abate a pending designation, filed within 60 days of notice, with the HPC required to rule within 60 days of a complete application.