Historic District Information and Requirements

Overview: Historic District Regulation in Ennis

In Ennis, properties within the Historic Residential District and the Historic Downtown District (also known as Historic Overlay No. 1 and Historic Overlay No. 2) are subject to special preservation standards established in the City’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and enforced through the Historic Landmark Commission (HLC). These standards are intended to protect the architectural and historic character of significant areas in the city.  

Key Requirements for Historic District Properties

1. Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Required

All exterior work visible from a public right of way—including alterations, restorations, additions, new construction, fence work, colors, lights, signs, sidewalks, steps, and paving—must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) before work begins.   

The COA is reviewed and issued by the Historic Landmark Commission, which evaluates whether the proposed changes comply with applicable design standards and preserve the historic character.

2. Design Standards and Review Criteria

The historic district standards in the UDO reference design principles consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, aiming to retain historic materials, features, and spatial relationships. 

For downtown and residential historic overlays, the standards guide how remodeling, new construction, infill development, and façade changes must respect historic context, proportion, rhythm, and architectural detail. 

3. Designation and Regulation Process

Historic districts and landmarks are designated following a recommendation by the Historic Landmark Commission, public hearings, and action by the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Commission. Records of designation are filed in official records.   Properties within designated districts are identified on the City’s zoning maps with an “HPD” Historic Planned Development Overlay.

4. Role of the Historic Landmark Commission

The Historic Landmark Commission reviews COAs, advises on preservation standards, and oversees the historic district’s protection and design review process.  Meetings typically occur monthly and consider applications affecting historic properties.

Additional Considerations

Incentives & Grants

Facade Improvement Grants and Historic Preservation Grants are available for eligible projects but typically require a COA before improvements are approved or funded.  These grants are properties within the Downtown Historic District.

Tax Incentives

Qualified historic properties may be eligible for local historic landmark tax exemptions or abatement programs, subject to designation and application requirements. 

Permit and Zoning Compliance