Historic district
Roofing and Siding in Downtown Round Rock
Everywhere else in the city a house re-roof needs no permit. In a historic district, any exterior change needs approval before work begins.
The Exception to the No-Permit Rule
Historic district properties and designated landmarks need a Certificate of Appropriateness for a change in material, finish, design or color.
That includes a change in roofing or siding material or color. Repairs that keep the same materials and colors can count as ordinary maintenance.
Staff or the Historic Preservation Commission decides, before work starts.
The city's application packet says a Certificate of Appropriateness is required for repairs or work that change material, finish, design or color, and gives a change in siding or roofing material or color as an example. Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not change the appearance of the exterior does not need one, as long as the same materials and colors are used. Ask staff whether a full re-roof in the same material and color qualifies before counting on that.
Staff decides at a pre-application meeting whether a project goes to the Historic Preservation Commission. Applications are judged against adopted design guidelines.
This applies to properties within a Round Rock historic district and to individually designated local landmarks elsewhere in the city. If you are unsure whether yours is one, Planning and Development Services can tell you at 512-218-5428.
Source: City of Round Rock, Certificate of Appropriateness application packet, 2023; historic property owner information brochure.
What the Design Guidelines Say About Materials
These points come from the city's Historic Districts Design Guidelines dated October 2000, which are still the adopted version as of November 2026. A draft rewrite goes to a Historic Preservation Commission public hearing on November 17, 2026, with City Council adoption expected in early 2027, so confirm the current text with the city before choosing materials.
Source: City of Round Rock, Historic Districts Design Guidelines, October 2000.
Planning the Work
Start with the city, not the contractor. Find out whether the property is covered and what the application needs.
Choose a contractor used to old houses. Repairing wood siding board by board, or matching an old shingle profile, is slower work than re-siding a tract house.
Allow time. Staff review of a minor change usually takes about ten days. Bigger changes go to the commission, which usually meets monthly, so an approved job may not start the week you call.
Emergencies are different. If a storm opens the roof, cover it to prevent further damage and call the city about what is allowed in the meantime.
Downtown Round Rock: Quick Answers
Do I need approval to re-roof a historic house in Round Rock?
Yes, if the roofing material or color changes. Repairs in the same materials and colors can count as ordinary maintenance. Ask staff first, because a full re-roof is a bigger job than a repair.
Can I use ordinary asphalt shingles on a historic house?
The October 2000 guidelines list composition shingles among permitted residential roof materials. Confirm with the city for your property.
Who do I call?
Planning and Development Services at 512-218-5428.
Historic Property?
Mention it at the start so the right kind of contractor is matched.
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