Guide to local landmarks

Landmarking connects Houston’s history to its future, recognizing places that matter and guiding thoughtful change. Learn what designation involves and how to take the first step.

City of Houston Landmarks and Protected Landmarks are properties recognized for their historic importance to the city. The Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission (HAHC) reviews nominations and recommends them to City Council for designation. Once designated, the Houston Office of Preservation works with property owners seeking approval for exterior changes.

Why are landmarks important?

Cities are always changing. Preservation policies help neighborhoods evolve while keeping the things that make them meaningful. Landmark designation highlights places with special value — places that connect us to our past, make Houston distinctive, and strengthen community identity. By reusing old buildings, making compatible additions, and integrating new development, we get a vibrant mix of places and a distinctive, livable community.

How does a property qualify?

Under the Houston Preservation Ordinance, properties must meet certain standards to qualify as local landmarks. Landmarks must meet at least one of these criteria. Protected Landmarks must meet three if they’re less than 100 years old.

  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?

Exterior changes visible from the street — as well as additions, relocation and demolition — require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Houston Office of Preservation. City staff will work with property owners to ensure changes are compatible with the building’s historic character. Some work can be approved by staff, while other projects go to the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission (HAHC) for a vote. Interior changes, routine maintenance, fencing, air conditioning units, light fixtures, 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?

Both Landmarks and Protected Landmarks follow the same COA process.

For Landmarks, work that isn’t approved — including demolition — can proceed after a 90-day delay.

For Protected Landmarks, owners can appeal decisions to the Historic Preservation Appeals Board (HPAB) and then to City Council. Protected Landmarks also qualify for a 40 percent reduction in city parking requirements; this mostly applies to commercial buildings.

Are there financial benefits?

Both Landmarks and Protected Landmarks may qualify for a 15-year Historic Site Tax Exemption if substantial work is done on the building. The exemption amount varies based on project costs and the property’s location. Find details at the Houston Economic Development Department website.

How can Preservation Houston help?

Preservation Houston isn’t an official part of the City’s designation or COA process, but we can prepare Protected Landmark nominations for qualifying properties at no cost to the owners. If you’re pursuing Landmark designation, we can share research resources and example nominations for similar properties.

What if my neighbors are also interested?

A group of adjoining properties can become a City of Houston Historic District with the approval of 67 percent of property owners. These districts protect historic properties at the same level as Protected Landmarks and ensure that new construction is compatible with the character of the area. For details on how to get started, contact the Houston Office of Preservation or Preservation Houston.