Why Is Property With Historic Designation Regulated?

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 established a policy to promote conditions in which historic properties can be preserved in harmony with modern society’s needs. To set standards for these properties and any changes made to them, the Secretary of the Interior issued guidelines to be followed. To assist property owners in interpreting these guidelines locally, the San Antonio Historic and Design Review Commission was formed.

What Are The Regulations?

Substantial exterior changes made to a building or landmark require issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness by the Historic and Design Review Commission in order to secure the permits required. Examples include but are not limited to:

• New roof

• New porch, deck, or fence

• Changing paint or finish colors

• Property addition

• Major landscaping change

Ordinary maintenance and repair requires review of your plans by the Historic Preservation Officer, using the “Short Form” application.

What Is A Certificate Of Appropriateness?

To make any exterior changes to a property with historic designation, you will need a Certificate of Appropriateness. With the exception of painting, you will also need a building permit. To obtain a permit from the Building Inspection Department, you must first present a Certificate of Appropriateness issued by the Historic Preservation Office. It will show that all proposed changes have met the aesthetic and preservation guidelines and design considerations of the Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC).    

Changes can be defined as, but are not limited to:   

• Additions (construction or reconstruction) 

• Stabilization 

• Landscaping 

• Signage 

• Demolition   

You may be eligible to complete the Certificate of Appropriateness “Short Form” if your proposed work to a structure of Historic Designation is ordinary repair and maintenance, defined as follows: 

• Repair using same materials and design as original 

• Re-painting with existing colors 

• Re-roofing using same type and color of materials 

• Repair of sidewalks and driveways using same type and color of materials

The Certificate of Appropriateness is issued by the Historic Preservation Officer and may be available the same day that you submit your application. You will be required to present it to the Building Inspections Department when requesting a permit.

The “Short Form” application requires:

• Photos of structure

• Brief written description of proposed work

• Samples of replacement materials or paint chips

• Legal description of property form Building Inspections Department

Application forms are available through the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) at Municipal Plaza Building, 114 West Commerce, or by calling 207-7900. Return completed application to the HPO. HPO staff will review it over a two-week period, and will make a recommendation to the HDRC. The Commission holds its public meeting on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. If your project is presented, the HDRC will act to approve, approve with modifications, or deny your application.

For proposed work which is not considered to be ordinary repair and maintenance, include with your application:

• Detailed, written description of proposed work with square footage, materials list, location, etc.

• Plans, elevations, sections, and details of proposed exterior changes

• Photos of exiting site and/or structure

• Legal description of property, obtained through the Building Inspections Department 

• Samples of materials you want to use (paint swatches, roof shingles)

• Site plan or plot plan that defines the structure’s location or landscape of the site

The HDRC will make recommendations for changes to your proposed project to bring it into compliance with its guidelines as defined by ordinance. You may then modify your proposed project to incorporate these recommendations and resubmit your application, or you may appeal the HDRC’s decision to City Council.  

Who Are The Historic And Design Review Commission Members?