Overview

Founded in 1755, Laredo began as a Spanish colonial settlement along the Rio Grande, centered around San Agustín Plaza, the historic heart of the community that continues to define the city today. Over time, Laredo’s architecture and neighborhoods have reflected its Spanish, Mexican, and Texan heritage, shaping a distinct binational identity.

The Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan recognizes historic preservation as essential to maintaining community character, supporting downtown vitality, and guiding responsible reinvestment. Preserving historic places ensures that growth respects Laredo’s architectural legacy while honoring the story of our city.

Historic preservation efforts are guided by adopted plans, design guidelines, and local ordinances that regulate exterior changes to designated properties. 

Historic Districts & Landmarks

Historic designation determines whether local review is required. 

• National Designation |  Federal recognition of historical significance.
  • Does NOT require local Historic/Landmark Board approval unless also locally designated. 

• Local Designation | Established and regulated by City ordinance.
  • Require approval by the Historic District/Landmark Board for exterior alterations, demolition, or new construction, or signage. 

Historic Map

• Map of Local & National Historic Districts (PDF)

Historic Review Standards & Resources

Historic review is guided by the following adopted documents and preservation standards: 

• Historic Urban Design Guidelines (PDF)
• Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
• Historic Preservation Plan (PDF)

State & Federal Resources

• Texas Historical Commission
• National Park Service

Is My Property Located in a Historic District? 

To determine whether your property is located within a historic district, enter your address into the City’s interactive mapping system:  

• City of Laredo OpenGIS - Zoning Map

Do I Need Historic Board Approval? 

Historic District/Landmark Board approval may be required if your property is located within a Local Historic District or designated as a Local Landmark.

If you are proposing exterior alterations, demolition, new construction, or signage you MUST APPLY. 

If your project requires a building permit and is located within a local historic district or landmark, the Building Development Services will refer you to the Planning Division. 

View the Historic Review Flowchart (PDF)

Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Process 

Historic Board Application Status

Stay up to date on the progress of your submittals. You can view the current status of your application through our Application Status sheet below: 

• View Application Status

Forms & Deadlines

• Historic/Landmark Board Application Form (PDF)
• Historic/Landmark Board Deadlines 2026 Calendar (PDF)