The Historic Landmark Commission must review signs placed within the boundaries of an historic landmark (a lot with historic zoning) or within an historic district before the sign is placed in either of these locations.

All types and sizes of signs proposed within the boundaries of historic districts or on the site of a designated local historic landmark require Historic Landmark Commission review. This review applies to all flush mount wall signs, projecting signs, flags/banners, awnings with signage or advertisement logos, and interior signs displayed to a building's exterior.

You can come to the the Development Assistance center located on the first floor of One Texas Center. 505 Barton Springs Road to verify whether you are in an historic district.

The Development Assistance Center supplies applications for sign permits in historic districts. Applications are also available on the Internet at www.ci.austin.tx.us/development/packets.htm. The Historic Landmark Commission meets the fourth Monday of the month, and complete applications must be filed with the Planning and Development Review Department located on the 5th floor of One Texas Center at least ten days prior to the meeting.

The following forms of advertising are prohibited in these districts:

• A sign or a portion of a sign that rotates
• A roof sign
• A sign which flashes or blinks at intervals
• Handbills, posters, placards, or other advertising placed temporarily on a structure

Does the Commission use specific criteria in its decision to approve or deny a sign application?

The application form lists the criteria and guidelines which the Historic Landmark Commission uses in its sign review, which include the following:

• Size
• Color
• The material from which the sign is to be constructed
• The proliferation of signs on a building or lot
• The proposed orientation
• The impact on significant architectural or historical features of the Historic Sign District
• Other factors consistent with the Historic Landmark Preservation Plan, the character of the National Register district, and the purpose and spirit of historic landmark regulations

There are additional guidelines for signs proposed for the Sixth Street Historic District.

Many signs, including those that are more than 32 square feet in size or that are electrical, will require a city sign permit. When a sign is subject to Historic Landmark Commission review, the City of Austin will only grant the sign permit after the Commission approves the application and the submitted plans match the conditions of Commission approval.

For additional information about when sign permits are required and the submittal requirements for these permits, please contact the Planning and Development Review Department by phone at (512) 974-2680, by mail at P.O. Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767, or by FAX at (512) 974-2709. For additional information about the Historic Landmark Commission process and criteria, please call (512) 974-2680 or send a mail or FAX request at the address or FAX number listed above.