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Historic Review / Certificate of Appropriateness: Austin restaurant guide

Austin Historic Preservation Office / Historic Landmark Commission

What it is

Approval of exterior changes (storefront, signs, additions) to landmarks, local historic districts and buildings in National Register districts.

When a restaurant needs it

Exterior alterations, additions, site work or signs on a historic landmark or a contributing property in a local or National Register historic district (sign changes also on noncontributing properties in those districts). Separately, demolition or relocation of any building 45+ years old is routed to the Historic Preservation Office.

How to apply

Submit a Historic Review Application in AB+C with plans and photos; small qualifying projects get staff approval, larger ones go to the monthly Historic Landmark Commission.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
Varies — see City fee schedule; commission referrals cost more
Processing time
Administrative approval within 5 business days for qualifying projects; commission cases take one or more monthly meetings
Renewal
None
Who files
Owner or agent (often the architect) through AB+C.

Good to know

The Commission meets the first Wednesday of each month; missing the filing deadline pushes you a month.

Official source

Austin — historic review · Historic Landmark Commission

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.