How We Can Help
Advocacy Letters
Preservation Austin can submit letters of support and testimony for cases under review by the Historic Landmark Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council.
The organization’s Advocacy Committee engages in proactive policy development and recommends advocacy issues to the board of directors. Such recommendations include annual policy priorities, which the board adopts at the beginning of each fiscal year, along with case-by-case preservation issues that arise over time.
To request Preservation Austin’s assistance in an advocacy issue, please complete our Advocacy Worksheet form linked below.
See our “Advocacy Basics” page for resources to complete the form. A sample form is attached here as an example. Preference will go to issues that fall within our adopted advocacy priorities and align with our mission, values, and capacity for engagement.
Grant Program
Preservation Austin offers matching grants of up to $10,000 in three categories: Education, Bricks and Mortar, and Planning/Historic Resource Survey/Local Historic Designation.
The latter category can support owners seeking historic zoning status by helping cover the costs of historic surveys and zoning applications. For information on our grant program, see our programs page here.
PRESERVATION RESOURCES
Accessing resources and information to assist with a historic preservation project can often be challenging. Preservation Austin has prepared printable materials on Historic Preservation Grants and Historic Designation Categories & Incentives to help community members navigate these important topics and access resources. Click the links below to download, print, and share.
Historic Zoning
The City of Austin’s Historic Preservation Office administers the historic zoning process. Contact the Historic Preservation Office here for information on how to start the historic zoning process.
To learn more about the differences between individual landmarks and historic districts, see our Historic Designations: What’s the Difference? guide.
Historic Landmarks
Historic landmarks are individual structures or sites of architectural, historical, archeological, or cultural significance that have been locally designated by zoning with an “H” for Historic Combining Overlay District. The City Council grants a tax exemption to Austin's historic landmarks as well as a bronze medallion indicating their status.
Local Historic Districts
Local historic districts are the most powerful planning tool neighborhoods have to preserve their heritage and guide future growth. Designation involves adding an “HD” to the base zoning and requires the support of a majority of property owners or land area owners, as well as high architectural integrity. Expanding Austin’s local historic district program is a core focus of our nonprofit’s advocacy so that more Austinites can share in the benefits that districts bring.
Click the link below to learn more about the City of Austin’s Historic Preservation program.
To learn more about the differences between individual landmarks and historic districts, see our “Historic Designations: What’s the Difference?” guide.