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1. What are the advantages to owning property in a local historic district?

Historic districts have a unique sense of place. Buildings located in historic districts are protected from unsympathetic changes to the surrounding properties, which may decrease property values or negatively affect the neighborhood. Numerous reports, including a case study of Galveston, have shown that a historic designation maintains or increases property values.

You may also be eligible for significant federal tax benefits if your property is commercial or income producing.

For further information on this program, you may contact the historic preservation officer for the city at 409-797-3660.

2. What type of work requires review by the Landmark Commission?

Any project that involves changing the exterior of a property, including additions, new construction, demolition, moderate repair, and/or replacement of architectural features, requires Landmark Commission review. Minor repair or replacement of architectural features, most fencing, rear decks and other items allowed under administrative approval, may be reviewed by the historic preservation officer during the building permit process and often will not require further review.

To determine if your project requires Landmark Commission review, you should contact the Department of Planning and Community Development at 409-797-3660 to discuss the planned work well in advance of the anticipated start of construction.

3. Upon what does the Landmark Commission base its decisions?

All review of work will be based on the design guidelines for the historic districts in Galveston

These guidelines were created utilizing the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation Department, as determined by the National Park Service.

4. Under what authority does the Landmark Commission operate and for what purpose?

Section 29-80 of the Galveston Zoning Standards, Special Historical District Regulations, provides for the creation by City Council of historical districts and the Landmark Commission to administer and regulate the construction, reconstruction, alteration, or razing of buildings and other structures in the districts.

It is recognized that Galveston is known nation-wide for its historic architecture, cultural, and historical traditions and for the preservation of these resources. Through this ordinance, the City Council aims to preserve, enhance, and perpetuate those aspects of the city that have historical, cultural, and architectural merit.

5. Is interior work reviewed?

No, interior alterations are not reviewed by the Landmark Commission. The only time Landmark Commission approval is required for interior work is when the number of dwelling units are increased or the use of the building changes.

However, you should contact the city’s Building Division to determine if building permits are required for your project.

6. Are there specific colors that I must paint my property if it’s located within a historic district?

Paint colors are not reviewed in any of the residential historic districts. However, there is a designated color palette to paint your building if the property is located in the Strand / Mechanic Historic District. The Landmark Commission may consider other paint colors, but an application must be submitted for review. A building permit is not required to paint the property unless exterior materials need to be replaced prior to beginning work., or right-of-way use is necessary.

7. What is the time period for Landmark Commission review?

As with all other boards in the City of Galveston, the application process takes approximately four to six weeks. The Department of Planning and Community Development must notify all public and private utilities, as well as surrounding property owners, of the proposed project. Once comments are received from the utility companies and various city departments, a staff report is prepared for submission to the Landmark Commission.

Most cases are decided at the first Landmark Commission meeting but the commission does have up to 60 days to make a decision, unless an extension of the time period is agreed to by the applicant.

The Landmark Commission meets on the first and third Mondays of each month.

8. What are the qualifications required to serve on the Landmark Commission?

The Commission consists of seven members:

• One owner of a commercial building located in a historic district
• Three owners of residential properties in historic districts or a Galveston landmark
• One architect
• One Planning Commission member
• Resident-at-large, and a non-voting member of City Council
• Two alternate members

9. Is the Landmark Commission the same as the Galveston Historical Foundation?

No. The Landmark Commission is a public body appointed by the City Council with specific duties to perform for the public in locally designated historic districts. In contrast, the Galveston Historical Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization with dues-paying members dedicated to historic preservation and building rehabilitation throughout the city.