City of Arlington Landmark Preservation Overlay (LPO) Regulations
The Landmark Preservation Overlay (LPO) in the City of Arlington protects sites and buildings of historical or cultural significance by requiring a Certificate of Appropriateness for all exterior alterations, new construction, or demolition. Within the City of Arlington LPO district, property owners are exempt from minimum parking requirements if a new use occupies an existing building and does not expand it by more than 30 percent. Furthermore, new telecommunications towers are strictly prohibited within 300 feet of any property zoned as a Landmark Preservation Overlay district.
Purpose and Intent
The City of Arlington established the Landmark Preservation Overlay to protect and preserve buildings, structure sites, and areas of historical or cultural importance [Section 2.4.6]. The district is intended to:
- Stabilize and improve property values.
- Encourage neighborhood conservation and foster civic pride.
- Protect and enhance the City of Arlington's attraction to tourists and visitors.
- Promote the use of historical and architectural landmarks for the education and welfare of the community [Section 2.4.6.A].
Development Standards and Parking
Development within the Landmark Preservation Overlay is generally governed by the underlying base district, but the overlay provides specific flexibility regarding parking to encourage the preservation of historic structures.
| Standard Category | Landmark Preservation Overlay (LPO) Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Parking | Governed by Section 5.4.3, Off-Street Parking Standards [Section 5.8.3.A]. |
| Exemption for New Uses | Minimum parking requirements do not apply to new uses locating within an existing building if the building expansion is 30% or less [Section 5.8.3.A.1]. |
| Parking Reductions | The Zoning Administrator may administratively reduce parking if it promotes LPO purposes, does not create on-street problems, and is not a safety threat [Section 5.8.3.A.2]. |
| Telecommunications | New towers (except compatible stealth towers) cannot be located on or within 300 feet of an LPO district [Section 3.2.4.c.2]. |
| Wall Murals | Allowed on non-residential structures subject to Landmark Preservation Commission review [Section 7.8.17.A]. |
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
No person or entity in the City of Arlington may construct, reconstruct, alter, change, restore, remove, or demolish any exterior architectural feature of a building or structure within the Landmark Preservation Overlay without an approved Certificate of Appropriateness [Section 5.8.3.B.1.b].
COA Guidelines
The City of Arlington provides specific guidelines for evaluating the appropriateness of proposed changes:
- Façades: The use of original material types is recommended. Creating false façades or painting historically unpainted brick is discouraged [Section 5.8.3.B.1.a.i].
- Windows: New windows should match the visual appearance, material, and glazing pattern of the originals. Installing interior storm windows with airtight gaskets is recommended over exterior storm windows [Section 5.8.3.B.1.a.ii].
- Building Site: Owners should retain the historic relationship between buildings, landscape features, and open spaces, including driveways, walkways, and trees [Section 5.8.3.B.1.a.iv].
- Additions: New additions must be designed so they are clearly distinguishable from the historic structure. They should be located at the rear or an inconspicuous side, set back at least 10 feet from the primary façade, and should not exceed 50 percent of the existing footprint [Section 5.8.3.B.1.a.v].
- Accessory Buildings: Attached accessory buildings must be located at the rear or an inconspicuous side of the historic structure [Section 5.8.3.B.1.a.vi].
- Signs: Only ground signs, as defined in Article 7, are recommended for the LPO district [Section 5.8.3.B.1.a.xii].
Exemptions
Ordinary repairs and maintenance that do not involve changes in architectural/historical style, building materials, color, or texture are exempt from the COA requirement. Additionally, accessory buildings smaller than 320 square feet are exempt [Section 10.4.9.A.2].
Demolition and Relocation
Demolition or relocation of any building or structure in the Landmark Preservation Overlay requires a specific permit from the Landmark Preservation Commission or the City Council [Section 10.4.10.A.2].
The Commission evaluates these requests based on:
- The architectural or historical significance of the structure.
- The state of repair and the reasonableness of restoration costs.
- The potential usefulness or adaptive reuse of the building.
- The effect delaying demolition will have on the area [Section 10.4.10.G].
Maintenance and Mandated Repairs
Buildings in the Landmark Preservation Overlay must be maintained to ensure both exterior and interior structural soundness [Section 10.4.10.H.1]. If the Landmark Preservation Commission finds a structure to be structurally unsound, it may notify the owner and hold a public hearing. Following the hearing, the Commission may direct the owner to repair the property. The property owner must complete these mandated repairs within 90 days of the decision [Section 10.4.10.H.3].
Designation of LPO Districts
The City Council has the authority to create, amend, or repeal Landmark Preservation Overlay districts [Section 10.4.8.A.2]. Designation may be initiated by the City Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Zoning Administrator, or an interested property owner [Section 10.4.8.B].
To qualify for LPO status, a site must meet criteria such as recognition as a National or Texas Historic Landmark, being the work of a notable architect, or embodying a significant architectural innovation [Section 10.4.8.G].
Sections Cited
- Section 2.4.6: Landmark Preservation Overlay | LPO
- Section 3.2.4: Utilities (Wireless Communication Facilities)
- Section 5.4.3: Off-Street Parking Standards
- Section 5.5.3: Standards for Single-Family and Two-Family Residential Dwellings
- Section 5.5.4: Standards for Multi-Family Residential Dwellings
- Section 5.8.3: Landmark Preservation Overlay District | LPO
- Section 7.8.17: Wall Murals
- Section 10.4.8: Landmark Preservation Overlay District Designation
- Section 10.4.9: Landmark Preservation District Certificate of Appropriateness
- Section 10.4.10: Demolition or Relocation Permits