You Are Here : Home / Departments/ Development Services / Preservation & Urban Design / Historic Preservation / Demolition Delay

Demolition Delay

What is a "demolition delay" designation?

“A demolition delay” designation is a historic preservation tool used to identify buildings that have an historic significance. “Demolition delay” is the minimum type of historic preservation designation in Fort Worth. It is a local municipal designation, accomplished through overlay zoning on the property. The designation only becomes effective if a demolition permit for the property is requested. Once a demolition permit is requested the City’s Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission may enact a delay of up to 180 days to determine if there are alternatives to demolition and if the building can be preserved. If no alternatives to demolition can be reached the demolition permit for the property may be issued after the delay.

Are there any restrictions on my property after it is designated demolition delay?

Demolition requests require review by the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission; however, they do not review any other type of alterations, repairs, or new construction on the property.

Will the demolition delay have any effect on how I use my property?

No, historic designations do not effect the use of a property.

Will designation as demolition delay have any effect if I want to sell my property?

No, a historic designation, such as the demolition delay does not prevent you from selling, deeding, or otherwise transferring your property. The designation is recorded with the office of the Tarrant County Clerk and will appear on the land title, however this is for informational purposes only.

Are there any economic benefits to designating my property?

The demolition delay designation does not have economic incentives with it. There are historic designations within the City of Fort Worth that do enable a property to be eligible for tax exemptions.

What is the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission (HCLC)?

The HCLC is a nine-member volunteer commission appointed by the Mayor and the City Council to review projects for certificates of appropriateness (COA) in historic districts and for individually designated properties, to nominate property for historic designation, and to assist in the implementation of the Citywide Historic Preservation Plan. Each member of the commission has demonstrated professional and/ or personal expertise in planning, historic preservation, law, real estate, architecture, or landscape architecture as required by the City Code and by the federal Certified Local Government Program. Most of the members also have some experience with personal historic rehabilitation projects of their own. The HCLC meets each month to review designations and applications for certificates of appropriateness.

Who is the Historic Preservation Officer (HPO)?

The Historic Preservation Officer is an employee of the City of Fort Worth appointed to work specifically with the HCLC and owners of historic property. The HPO can provide technical assistance to property owners such as assistance in finding qualified craftsman, resources for researching the history of your home, answer questions about tax incentives for historic properties, assist you in putting together an application for a designation or certificate of appropriateness, and making design choices to fit your home’s structure. The HPO also makes professional recommendations to the HCLC and City departments relative to historic preservation.