When Approval Is Required
All properties in historic and River Improvement Overlay (RIO) districts, properties individually designated, and all public properties are required to obtain approval in the form of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) prior to starting work.
NOTE: Work started prior to receiving a COA is subject to a $500 post-work application fee.
The OHP only reviews changes to the exterior of properties. Property owners should display their COA form in a location visible from the street. Approvals are valid for up to 6 months.
How to Report a Violation
There are multiple ways to report a potential violation:
Report Online
Report by Phone
- Monday - Friday: 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- 210-207-0035
- Evenings & Weekends until 7 p.m.
- 3-1-1 or 210-207-6000
What to Include in the Report
When reporting potential violations or concerns:
- Gather information.
- Be prepared to provide the address of the property in question.
- Provide a brief description of the potential violation or concern. Be specific.
- Emailed photographs are helpful but not necessary.
Next Steps
After your report has been filed, a code enforcement officer will visit the property in question and investigate whether work without a required approval has been completed.
You may report violations anonymously, or request that our code enforcement officer provide an update following the investigation.