Historic Preservation Materials.
San Antonio Unified Development Code § 35-B129
in effectSec. 35-B129. - Historic Preservation Materials.
(a) Certificate of Appropriateness. An application for a certificate of appropriateness shall include the following:
(1) An application for any Certificate of Appropriateness request shall include the following:
A. Digital photos of each side the structure being worked on and where work is taking place. All photos must be clear, current, and in full color;
B. A written narrative detailing the proposed scope of work being requested;
C. Drawings and specifications related to the proposed scope of work. All drawings must be accurate, to scale, and representative of the work to take place. Most applications will require only architectural design drawings, although additional drawings may be necessary to fully explain the proposed scope of work;
D. Material samples and specifications where applicable;
E. Any required fees where applicable;
F. Authorization from the property owner (if the applicant is not the owner).
(2) An application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for additions shall include:
A. Measured and to scale site plan, roof plan, and building elevations of each side of the proposed addition;
B. Measured and to scale floor plan(s) that include window and door locations and an accurate footprint;
C. Measured and to scale demolition plan where applicable;
D. Specifications of proposed windows and doors including a window and door schedule where multiple types and dimensions are proposed.
E. Specifications of proposed roofing material;
F. Specifications of proposed siding material;
G. A line of sight diagram or perspective rendering for any rear addition that exceeds the height of the existing structure that demonstrates visibility from the public right of way.
(3) Certificate of Appropriateness for new construction shall include the following:
A. Measured and to scale site plan, floor plan(s), roof plan, and building elevations of each side of the proposed structure;
B. Detailed landscaping and hardscaping plan showing proposed driveways and parking areas, fencing, and building footprints;
C. Measured and to scale wall section at typical window;
D. Schedules and specifications of proposed windows and exterior doors;
E. Specifications of proposed roofing material, details, color, and accessories;
F. Specifications of proposed siding material;
G. Infill projects having two (2) or more attached or detached units on a single parcel or two (2) or more detached single-family dwellings developed as part of a platted subdivision in residential historic districts shall also complete and submit the Infill Design Application Supplement worksheets provided by OHP staff.
(4) Certificate of Appropriateness for window replacement shall include the following:
A. Current color photos of the existing structure;
B. Window schedule featuring a floor plan indicating each window proposed for replacement;
C. Current color photos of the interior and exterior of each window proposed for replacement, numbered to correspond with the floor plan;
D. Specifications of proposed replacement windows including material, profile, and dimensions, and a schedule where multiple types and dimensions are proposed.
E. Requests for window replacement may require a staff site visit to determine if existing windows are deteriorated beyond repair.
(5) Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of signage shall include the following:
A. Current color photos of the existing structure or site where proposed signage will be located;
B. Site plan of the property that indicates where signage will be located;
C. Specifications of proposed signage including dimensions, color, materials, lighting, installation method, etc.;
D. Color rendering(s) noting the proposed sign as it would appear once installed. For internally illuminated signs, this should include a night rendering.
E. Master signage plans should include general sign locations, sizes, lettering, and associated tenant key.
(6) Applications requesting the installation or erection of a fence shall include:
A. Current color photos of the front of the house and areas where fence is to be located;
B. To scale site plan that illustrates where on the property the fence is to be located;
C. Drawing or photos of the proposed fence design including total heights for each section of proposed fencing.
(7) Applications requesting the installation of driveways, sidewalks and parking lots shall include:
A. Current color photos of the existing conditions where work is taking place;
B. To scale site plan that illustrates the location and proposed dimensions of the site elements;
C. Details and dimensions showing any proposed designs or materials to be used;
D. Site plan for parking lots depicting layout, configuration, areas of impervious coverage, lighting, and landscaping buffers.
(8) Certificate of Appropriateness for roof replacement/repairs shall include the following:
A. Current color photos of the structure and the existing conditions of the roof;
B. Specifications on the proposed replacement materials, details, color, and accessories;
C. A roof plan or aerial view of the structure that indicates where work is taking place.
(9) Applications involving the installation of landscaping shall include:
A. Current color photos of the areas where landscaping changes are proposed;
B. An accurate site plan that illustrates proposed landscaping changes including location of plantings, ground cover, and other elements;
C. Specifications on proposed rock, mulch, stepping stones, etc. indicating color and dimensions.
(10) Applications involving swimming pools, fish ponds or fountains shall include:
A. Current color photos of the areas where items will be installed;
B. An accurate site plan that illustrates proposed locations and dimensions;
C. Specifications on proposed material, design, dimensions, and any special equipment to operate the proposed feature.
(11) Certificate of Appropriateness for gazebos, playgrounds, and sport courts shall include the following:
A. Current color photos of the areas where items will be installed;
B. An accurate site plan that illustrates proposed locations and dimensions;
C. Specifications on proposed materials.
(12) Certificate of Appropriateness for foundation/skirting shall include the following:
A. Current color photos of all four (4) sides of the house that show existing conditions;
B. If skirting is being replaced, please provide specific details on proposed skirting material, details, and accessories.
(13) Certificate of Appropriateness for mechanical equipment/utilities shall include the following:
A. Current color photos of existing conditions of area where equipment will be located;
B. A site plan of the property that indicates where equipment will be installed;
C. Indicate if any equipment is proposed to be attached to any structures;
D. Provide specifications of screening material.
(14) Certificate of Appropriateness for telecommunication equipment on new or existing poles shall include the following:
A. Current color photos of existing conditions of area where equipment will be located;
B. A site plan of the property that indicates where equipment will be installed;
C. Photo-sim or rendering of the proposed pole and related equipment;
D. For new poles, a documented study that finds collocation of new equipment onto existing poles to be infeasible collocation within the immediate block or a two hundred fifty (250) feet radius;
E. For installation on private property, a letter of authorization from the private property owner;
F. For installation in the public right-of-way, the associated permit number for interdepartmental review.
(b) Demolition.
1. Applications for demolition review of non-designated properties shall include the following:
i. Current color photos of each side of each structure to be demolished;
ii. An accurate site plan showing all buildings on the property.
2. Applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness for demolition of a designated property shall include the following:
i. Current color photos of each side of each structure to be demolished;
ii. An accurate site plan of the property;
iii. Proof of economic hardship including engineer's letter, estimates for rehabilitation, and other documentation as outlined in Section 35-614;
iv. Conceptual replacement plans for the property.
(c) Historic Tax Incentive.
1. Historic Tax Incentive, Part 1 (Historic Tax Certification). Applications for Part 1 of the Historic Rehabilitation Project shall include the following:
i. Current color photos of the exterior and interior of the structure, and of the front from the street;
ii. One (1) set of complete plans for restoration and rehabilitation for interior and exterior. This may include drawings or additional photos;
iii. A detailed written narrative explaining the proposed scope of work;
iv. Itemized list of expected work to the interior and exterior;
v. Projected time schedule.
2. Historic Tax Incentive, Part 2. (Historic Tax Verification) Applications for Part 2 of the Historic Rehabilitation Project shall include the following:
i. Detailed narrative explaining complete work;
ii. Final itemized list of costs for the rehabilitation work;
iii. Completed time schedule;
iv. Current color photos of the finished rehab, interior and exterior;
v. Final building inspection clearance: this may include closed permits, Certificates of Appropriateness, or Certificates of Occupancy. Please include copies or case numbers.
(d) Archaeological Survey Requirements.
1. Refer to UDC subsection 35-412(a)(3) and Appendix B, Table 101-1, #27.
(e) Historic Assessments.
1. Applications for designation verification do not require attachments.
2. Applications for historic assessments/non-contributing determinations shall include:
i. Photos of all structures on property
ii. Site plan showing location of structures on parcel
(f) Landmark Designations & Requests for Review of Historic Significance.
1. Applications for designation as an individual landmark may be submitted by the property owner and shall include:
i. Photos of all structures on the property
ii. Site plan showing location of structures on parcel
iii. Documentation of current ownership
iv. Statement of significance explaining how the property meets at least three (3) of the criteria listed in Sec. 35-607(b)
2. Applications for a finding of historic significance may be submitted by anyone for review and determination of eligibility and shall include:
i. Photos of all structures on the property or as available from the public right-of-way
ii. Site plan showing location of structures on parcel
iii. Documentation of current ownership
iv. Statement of significance explaining how the property meets at least three (3) of the criteria listed in Sec. 35-607(b)
v. A completed petition (included in the application) which includes the printed names, addresses, and signatures of fifteen (15) individuals residing within the City of San Antonio supporting the application
vi. Completion of resource worksheet included in the application
(Ord. No. 97332 § 15) (Ord. No. 98697 § 4) (Ord. No. 2009-01-15-0001, § 2, 1-15-09; Ord. No. 2010-06-24-0616, § 2, 6-24-10; Ord. No. 2022-11-03-0831, § 2, 11-3-22, eff. 1-1-23)
Source: City of San Antonio, City Code, City Charter and Unified Development Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/san_antonio/codes/unified_development_code?nodeId=APXBAPSU_S35-B129HIPRMAFetched: 10/27/2026