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While GHPA supports economic development,
it is important that such development respect the historic fabric
and character of the neighborhoods. Designation is an important
part of this process. It will help your neighborhood directly,
and it will help indirectly as well: The more neighborhoods
that seek designation, the louder the message to City Hall that
citizens want to protect the visual character of the places
they live. This will help us to get more neighborhood-friendly
building codes and ultimately to strengthen the preservation
ordinance for the benefit of all Houstonians. Greater Houston
Preservation Alliance urges you to support your neighborhood's
petition for historic designation.
If you are interested in designation, please call Randy Pace,
City Historic Preservation Officer, at 713.837.7796 or GHPA
at 713.216.5000.
What is historic
district designation?
It is an official recognition by
the City of Houston that your neighborhood is an area of local
historic importance. The designation is usually based on a combination
of the following factors: the history of the neighborhood; the
identity of the people who settled the neighborhood (were they
of a particular ethnic group, did they play a special role in
the city's development, etc.); the age, type, and quality of
the structures in the neighborhood; and the extent to which
the original structures still exist.
What constitutes
a City of Houston Historic District?
"... a geographical area designated
by the City Council that possesses a significant concentration,
linkage, or continuity of buildings, structures, objects or
sites united by historical, cultural, architectural or archaeological
significance to the city, state, nation or region."
What are the
requirements for owner initiated designation?
The area must include at least 51
percent historic houses, buildings, structures, and objects
over 50 years old, and approval from at least 67 percent of
the landowners owning at least 51 percent of the land area.
Your neighborhood must file an application with the City of
Houston Department of Planning. This is not as complicated as
it may sound, and help is available from Randy Pace, City Preservation
Officer (713.837.7796), or from Greater Houston Preservation Alliance.
The proposed City Historic District
must meet at least one of the following criteria for designation:
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Possess character, interest or value as a visible reminder
of the development, heritage, and cultural and ethnic
diversity of the city, state, or nation
• Location of a
significant local, state or national event
• Identified with
a person who, or group or event that, contributed significantly
to the cultural or historical development of the city,
state or nation
• Exemplify a particular
architectural style or building type important to the
city
• Best remaining
examples of an architectural style or building type
in a neighborhood
• Identified as
the work of a person or group whose work has influenced
the heritage of the city, state or nation
• Specific evidence
exists that unique archaeological resources are present
• Has value as
a significant element of community sentiment or public
pride
• The majority
of buildings, structures or objects is over 50 years
old, and shall be designated as an historic district,
unless it is found that the building, structure, object,
site or area is of extraordinary importance to the city,
state or nation for reasons not based on age.
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Why should
I support historic designation?
Designation has several benefits: 1) it
helps maintain your neighborhood property values; 2) it makes
properties eligible for city tax benefits; 3) it protects your
neighborhood and brings recognition; and 4) it shows support
for the preservation of historic properties and neighborhoods
around the city. Designation will let you know when unwanted
development is coming and will give you time to react. In addition,
designation sends a message to developers and politicians alike
that you care about the quality of your neighborhood and want
to protect it.
Will designation
take away my property rights?
It will actually help you to protect them.
By giving neighbors advance notice of development, it will help
ensure that any development fits in and enhances the character
of the neighborhood. It will not keep you from selling your
property to anyone you like, nor will it keep you from remodeling
or otherwise improving your property. In short, designation
is one of the best investments you can make.
Some myths and
realities about historic district designation:
"My property is not
historic..."
If it is at least 50 years old and is architecturally
compatible with the other houses in the neighborhood, and has
not been significantly altered, it most likely contributes to
the overall district. If is a newer building, it benefits from
the historical surroundings. All owners, even of
"noncontributing" properties, are encouraged to sign.
"It will increase my
taxes..."
Historic district designation is not a
factor in Harris County Appraisal District property appraisals.
"'They' will tell me
how I can use my land and my property..."
Historic designation does not restrict
land use.
"It will replace
or alter my deed restrictions..."
Historic designation does not override
any existing deed restriction.
"It will adversely
affect the value of my property when I decide to sell it..."
Experience has shown that
many buyers are more attracted to properties in recognized historic
districts.
"They won't let me repair, change or add on to my house..."
For exterior alterations, new construction,
relocations and demolitions are required to obtain a "Certificate
of Appropriateness" from the Houston Archaeological and
Historical Commission. You do not need to obtain a C of
A for regular maintenance. If your alteration designs are not
approved by the commission, after 90 days you may proceed anyway.
So far, more than 80 percent of previous applicants have voluntarily
agreed to more compatible alterations than what were initially
considered.
"They will tell me
what color to paint my house, or how to remodel my bathroom,
kitchen, etc..."
Interior alterations and paint colors
are not regulated whatsoever.
"I will have to open
my home for tours..."
No. There are no requirements for home
tours or public access to your home or property.
"They will make me put a
historical plaque on my porch..."
No. This is entirely at homeowner option
and expense.
"It will violate
my personal property rights..."
This is not a case of the government telling
you what to do with your property, but a way to maintain and
enhance your neighborhood and create community continuity,
thus protecting your property rights.
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