The Texas Historical Commission reviews projects under federal and state laws that protect historic properties. The materials required for review and the submission process vary based on the review type, as described below. Please contact a Courthouse, Archeology, or Architecture project reviewer before submitting if you are uncertain what type of review is needed.
Section 106 and Antiquities Code Reviews
Please use the Texas Historical Commission's electronic THC Review and Compliance (eTRAC) system to submit projects for review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act or the Antiquities Code of Texas. Click on the link above to access the eTRAC home page, Users Guide, FAQs, and instructional training videos.
If your submittal includes files exceeding 40 MB, contact Laney Fisher for electronic delivery options. If submitting a project in hard copy, DO NOT also submit it using the eTRAC system.
The Request for SHPO Consultation Form standardizes the information sent to the THC for review. Please complete the form and attachments as described in the instructions, How to Complete the Request for SHPO Consultation Form. Submission of the form only initiates consultation with the SHPO; additional information may be necessary to complete the review for some projects.
The form and instructions require Adobe Reader, free software available online. You can save data typed into the form by selecting “Save As” under the File menu. Please complete the form using Adobe Reader; hand-written or typewritten submissions are strongly discouraged.
In lieu of the form, you may submit a cover letter requesting consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and/or the Antiquities Code of Texas. In the text of the letter, clearly state:
- Project contact information, including return address, phone number, and email;
- Project name and location, including county and complete street address or nearest intersection;
- Federal agency and federal program, funding, license, or permit type, when applicable;
- Current or future owner of non-federal public land (property owned by the state or a political subdivision of the state), when applicable; and
- Brief description of the scope and nature of the project.
Include all other information described in How to Complete the Request for SHPO Consultation Form as attachments to your submittal.
For FCC projects, submit Form 620/621 for communications and broadcast towers, including most emergency operations towers. The Texas Historical Commission does not participate in the FCC E-106 system. For more information on coordinating FCC projects, see the document Federal Communications Commission under Guidance and Agreement Documents on our website, or visit the FCC's website. Note that FCC requires use of its Tower Construction Notification System.
Antiquities Permit Applications for Archeology
Prior to conducting archeological work on property owned or controlled by the State of Texas or a political subdivision of the state, or an archeological State Antiquities Landmark, a qualified archeologist must apply for and receive a Texas Antiquities permit from the THC Archeology Division. The THC accepts permit applications through eTRAC only. For more information about qualifying for and submitting permit applications, please see the Regulatory Archeology in Texas webpage.
Antiquities Permit Applications for Historic Buildings and Structures
For Antiquities Permit applications for historic buildings and structures, please see general information on State Antiquities Landmarks and use the Antiquities Permit Application: Historic Buildings and Structures, available with instructions on the Forms page. Contact the architecture reviewer for your county for more information.
If any property owner is considering work on their designated historic building or structure, they should contact the Division of Architecture project review staff to discuss the potential project. If a permit is needed for the proposed scope of work, the reviewer will request that the property owner complete the Historic Buildings and Structures permit application. The permit application requires the signature of the property owner and an architect or other professional qualified to oversee the project.
A typical project submission for a Historic Buildings and Structures permit includes a completed permit application form, along with the attachments detailed in the accompanying instructions. Since the State Antiquities Landmarks are the highest level of designation in the State of Texas, the project reviewers expect detailed scopes of work and complete construction documents, as appropriate based on the nature of the project. Upon conclusion of the permitted work, the project professional must prepare a completion report, detailing the work done on the resource along with before, during, and after photographs.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks
For modifications to Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks, review the information under Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks for how to coordinate your project. Contact the architecture reviewer for your county for more information.
Property owners or their representatives are expected to notify the Division of Architecture project reviewers sixty days before any exterior work commences on their designated properties. The project review staff suggest that property owners submit the RTHL and Easement project review application form, providing complete contact information, along with photographs, scope of work, construction documents, and/or material specifications, as appropriate based on the nature of the project. Project staff will respond to requests for consultation to ensure a complete project package for review.
Courthouses
For modifications to a building that has served or currently serves as the county courthouse, please see the information under Courthouse Review for how to coordinate your project. Contact the courthouse reviewer for your county for more information about what they need to review any proposed projects or changes to your county courthouse.
Preservation Covenants and Easements
For modifications or other development work to properties with Preservation Covenants or Easements, please contact the architecture reviewer for your county for more information. to coordinate project review. The project review staff suggest that property owners submit the RTHL and Easement project review application form, providing complete contact information, along with photographs, scope of work, construction documents, and/or material specifications, as appropriate based on the nature of the project. Project staff will respond to requests for consultation to ensure a complete project package for review.
Texas Accessibility Standards Variance Requests
To request a variance from the Texas Accessibility Standards the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, review the information under Providing Access to Historic Properties. Contact the architecture reviewer for your county to submit a variance request or for more information.