Historic Tax Exemptions

Tax Exemptions for Designated Historic Sites

The City of Denton offers an annual tax exemption up to 50% of the assessed value of the designated historic building or site to property owners, who demonstrate to the City qualifying expenses of a minimum amount of $10,000 on improvements and/or restoration work done to the property.

To receive the tax exemption, you must submit a Tax Exemption Application for Designated Historic Sites (found under the Forms heading on this page) to the City of Denton. If approved, the City Council will adopt a resolution and your property will be included on a list which is provided annually to the Denton County Appraisal District.

You must maintain your property to certain standards, as stated in Section 10-129 of the City of Denton Municipal Code. The tax exemption provided shall apply for 10 successive years, beginning the first day of the tax year following completion of the project.

Tax Exemptions for Historically Significant Sites

The City of Denton offers an annual tax exemption for any historically significant commercial site that is 50 years old or older and is located within the Downtown Commercial District, historic districts, historic conservation districts, deemed historic or in need of preservation by the City Council.

The tax exemption allows abatement of any increase in the assessed value of ad valorem tax purposes more than the evaluated value of the property for the tax year prior to the renovation, for a period of 10 years following the projects completion. To receive the exemption, you must submit a Tax Exemption Application for Historically Significant Sites (found under the Forms heading on this page) to the City of Denton.

If approved, the City Council will adopt a resolution and your property will be included on a list which is provided annually to the Denton County Appraisal District. The property must meet all requirements in Section 10-133 of the City of Denton Municipal Code to be eligible for the tax exemption. 

Historic tax exemption packets shall be submitted in person at the Development Services Center (401 N Elm St) during normal business hours (8 a.m. – 5 p.m., M-F) or emailed to the planning technicians at  [email protected]. Submit all required documentation, such as invoices, drawings, legal descriptions and other project details as part of the completed packet.