(a) 
Properties that are listed as a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark (RTHL), State Archeological Landmark (SAL) or listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NR) shall be considered as recognized local landmarks.
(b) 
An individual landmark may be designated if it is at least fifty (50) years old and it substantially complies with two or more of the following:
(1) 
Possesses significance in history, architecture, archeology, and culture.
(2) 
Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local, regional, state, or national history.
(3) 
Is associated with events that have made a significant impact in our past.
(4) 
Represents the work of a master designer, builder, or craftsman.
(5) 
Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction.
(6) 
Represents an established and familiar visual feature of the city.
(c) 
A district may be designated if it substantially complies with both of the following:
(1) 
Contains properties and an environmental setting which meet two or more of the criteria for designation of a landmark; and
(2) 
Constitutes a distinct section of the city.
(Ordinance 886-24 adopted 12/18/2024)
(a) 
The City Council may designate certain buildings, sites, structures, and objects as Landmarks and certain areas as historic districts using the criteria in section 16.03.001. If the owner does not consent to the designation, a three fourths vote of the City Council and HPC is required. For properties owned by a religious organization, owner consent is required for designation. Such landmarks and districts shall bear the word "historic" on the zoning map.
(b) 
The procedure for designating a historic Landmark or to establish or amend a historic District may be initiated by the City, by the individual property owner(s), a petition signed by at least 20 City residents, or by at least 20% of the residents of the potential District. An application for designation shall be made on forms as prescribed by the City and shall be filed with the City along with fees in accordance with the municipal fee schedule. Buildings, structures, sites or areas located within the City which substantially complies with the criteria found in section 16.03.001 may be recommended to the City Council as Landmarks or Districts by the HPC. The application shall contain the following information, as applicable:
(1) 
Name, address, and telephone number of applicant, and physical address of the individual property.
(2) 
Site plan of the individual property or map indicating the geographic boundaries of the proposed area showing all affected buildings and/or structures.
(3) 
Detailed historic description and background on the property or area.
(4) 
Current photographs of the overall property or area along with any historical photographs, if available.
(5) 
Any other information which the HPO or HPC may deem necessary.
(c) 
Upon receipt of a completed application for designation, the HPO shall forward such application to the City Secretary to schedule a hearing at the next available regularly scheduled HPC meeting. Notice of the application for an individual Landmark and the historic designation impact statement prepared in accordance with section 211.0165, Tex. Loc. Gov't Code shall be mailed to the property owner(s) and posted on the property by the City in at least four separate locations that are visible from the public right-of-way at its external boundaries not later than the 15th day before the scheduled hearing. Notice of applications for proposed Districts and the historic designation impact statement prepared in accordance with section 211.0165, Tex. Loc. Gov't Code shall be mailed to each affected property owner and posted in at least four separate locations that are visible from the public right-of-way at its external boundaries not later than the 15th day before the scheduled hearing. A published notice of the scheduled hearing shall also be made in accordance with the Texas Open Meeting Act.
(d) 
When an application for designation of an individual building, structure, object, property or area is under review by the City, the subject of such application shall be protected by and subject to all of the provisions of this chapter governing demolition, minimum maintenance standards, and penalties, until a final decision by the City Council becomes effective.
(e) 
At the hearing, the applicant shall have an opportunity to present testimony and evidence to demonstrate the criteria in section 16.03.001, or insignificance of the subject property or area. Other interested parties and technical experts may also present testimony or documentary evidence that will become part of a record. The burden of proof shall be upon the applicant.
(f) 
The HPC may take action to approve, postpone to request additional information, or deny the designation application within 30 days from the date of submittal. The HPO shall forward any final recommendation from the HPC to the City Council.
(g) 
Upon receipt of the recommendation on the application from the HPC, the City Secretary shall schedule a hearing of the City Council on the application within 30 days. Notice for such hearing shall be in the same manner and the hearing held according to the same procedures as the HPC as set forth above. The designation application shall be considered only on the record made before the HPC and the City Council.
(h) 
Upon designation of a Landmark or District by the City Council, the designation shall be recorded in the tax records of the City and on the City's official zoning map. The zoning map shall indicate the designated Landmark by an "L" and delineate the boundaries of the "District."
(Ordinance 886-24 adopted 12/18/2024; Ordinance 929-25 adopted 8/28/2025)