Historic Designations

Within Denton, there are three types of local historic designations. They are:

  • Historic Landmarks
  • Historic Districts
  • Conservation Districts

These local historic designations seek out zoning to protect the investment of owners and residents of historic properties from incompatible development and inappropriate alterations to preserve and keep the distinctive characteristics of buildings and places significant to the history of Denton.

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Historic Landmarks

Denton currently has 64 local historic landmarks that encompass over seven (7) architectural styles, ranging from Craftsman to Tudor Revival, and are located throughout the city, with a large concentration along West Oak Street. Landmark designation is for individual properties and does not affect the use of a property, which is regulated by zoning. Designation does, however, affect the aesthetics of any exterior changes made to landmarks through implementation of a design review process. Additionally, all landmarked properties cannot be demolished without approval from the Historic Landmark Commission (HLC).  

Historic Districts

Covering over 80 acres of land on the city’s west and north sides are Denton’s three (3) local historic districts. Not to be confused with National Register Historic Districts, of which Denton has two (2), local historic districts are adopted by ordinance at City Council and include legal enforcement of compliance with adopted development codes that are specific to historic properties.

Conservation Districts

While the City of Denton does not have any conservation districts, they can often serve as a starting point for neighborhoods who are looking to protect certain historic assets of their community. A conservation district’s purpose is to preserve an area's sense of place through architectural guidelines, development standards, and special zoning provisions. Similar to local historic districts, conservation districts are adopted by ordinance at City Council and include legal enforcement of compliance with adopted development codes that are specific to the neighborhood.

If you have questions or want to learn more about one or more of these local historic designations, please contact the Historic Preservation Officer, Cameron Robertson at [email protected].