Historic Landmarks
Historic landmarks tell the stories of Austin’s growth and change. To be eligible for landmark designation, a building must be at least 50 years old, retain historic integrity, and meet two of five criteria for significance:
- Architecture
- Historical associations with important people, groups, or events
- Archaeology
- Community value
- Landscape feature
See the map below to view Austin’s designated historic landmarks.
Historic Landmark FAQs
Owning a historic landmark comes with benefits and responsibilities.
- Inspections: Landmarks are regularly inspected by Historic Preservation Office staff to support good stewardship. Properties that do not meet the landmark maintenance standards will not be eligible to receive the partial tax exemption.
- Project Review: Exterior site and building changes require historic review and approval by the Historic Preservation Office or Historic Landmark Commission, with the exception of routine maintenance and in-kind repairs. Projects must comply with the Historic Design Standards. Learn more about historic review.
- Tax Benefit: Historic landmark owners can receive an annual partial property tax exemption. File an Application for Historic or Archeological Site Property Tax Exemption with the Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) between January 1 and April 30 of the year for which you are requesting an exemption. For more information, visit our Resources page.
Eligibility
To be eligible for designation as a historic landmark, a building must be least 50 years old, retain historic integrity, and meet at least two of five criteria for significance:
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Historical associations with important people, groups, or events
- Community value
- Landscape feature
Application Process
Completing the Historic Landmark Application: If your property meets the eligibility criteria, fill out a historic zoning application. For assistance, reach out to Historic Preservation Office staff. If you aren’t sure whether your building meets the eligibility criteria, the Research Guide (guía en español) provides guidance on researching buildings and neighborhoods.
Application Review: Once you submit your application, the review process begins. A historic landmark application is reviewed by the Historic Landmark Commission approximately four to six weeks after application submittal. The application is then reviewed by either the Planning Commission or the Zoning and Platting Commission, and finally by the City Council.
Responsibilities and Benefits: Like all other property owners, historic landmark owners are responsible for maintaining their properties. Changes to historic landmarks must go through historic review, and landmarks are inspected to ensure they are being maintained. An annual partial tax exemption supports good stewardship. For details, see the I own a historic landmark section above.