Houston, TX · Harris County
Historic District Designation Application
Property owners and applicants use this application to request a new historic district designation or expand an existing district in Houston.
What this form is
The application requests creation of a new historic district or expansion of an existing one. It requires applicant information and a proposed district name, plus supporting materials that vary by request, including owner support, maps, a statement of significance, a property inventory, and photographs. The form says applications must use this form and include required information and support to be processed.
Who needs it
Applicants seeking a new Houston historic district or an expansion, along with property owners asked to indicate support on the attached petition, need this document.
How to submit it
Submit it to the city department named on the form; check the city website for current contact details. The form names the Planning and Development Department.
About notarization
This document is signed without a notary; the applicant signs and dates the application, and property owners sign the attached petition.
How to submit this form
- 1
Download The Application
Download the Historic District Designation Application.
- 2
Complete The Application
Provide the applicant information, select a designation request, and enter the proposed district name.
- 3
Gather Required Documentation
Prepare the supporting materials listed for a new district or district expansion, and obtain property-owner petition signatures.
- 4
Submit To The City
Submit the application to the city department named on the form; check the city website for current contact details.
Frequently asked questions
- What does the Historic District Designation Application request?
- It requests creation of a new historic district or expansion of an existing district in Houston, with supporting documentation described in the form.
- What materials must accompany the application?
- Requirements depend on the request. The form lists owner support, maps, a statement of significance, a property inventory, and photographs; proposed design guidelines are optional for new districts.
- Do I need a notary for the Historic District Designation Application?
- No. The applicant signs and dates the application, and property owners sign the attached petition; the document does not require notarization.
- How do I submit the Historic District Designation Application?
- The form names Houston's Planning and Development Department but does not give submission instructions. Check the city website for current contact details.
Need something notarized?
This Historic District Designation Application doesn’t need a notary — but Texas residents can notarize other documents online with a commissioned online notary.