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EnglishHow to Submit a Project for Review to the Texas Historical Commission
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The Texas Historical Commission (THC) reviews projects that may affect Texas history and historic resources through its regulatory counsel, and you can submit a project for review either through the standard process or, for expedited service, through eTRAC, the agency's online processing tool. This applies to projects that touch historic buildings, archeological sites, or other historical resources in Texas. The THC's homepage directs visitors to "get started protecting Texas history by submitting a project to the THC's regulatory counsel," and points to eTRAC for faster handling.
Who needs to submit a project for review
You should use this process if your project could affect a historic resource in Texas. The THC frames project review as part of "protecting Texas history," so the trigger is whether your work involves or impacts historical resources rather than a specific project type listed on the homepage. If you are unsure whether your project falls under review, the regulatory counsel is the entry point to ask.
Two ways to submit
| Option | What it is | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Standard submission | Submit your project to the THC's regulatory counsel | Default path when you don't need faster processing |
| eTRAC | THC's online processing tool | When you want expedited service |
The homepage presents eTRAC specifically as the route "for expedited service," which implies the standard regulatory counsel submission is the baseline and eTRAC is the faster alternative.
What to send in for project review
The THC provides a dedicated page titled "What to send in for project review," which is the authoritative list of required materials. The homepage itself does not enumerate the specific documents, so the practical step is to open that page and follow its checklist before submitting. Treat it as the source of truth for your submission package rather than relying on a general description.
Steps to follow
- Confirm your project affects a historic or archeological resource in Texas.
- Go to the THC's project review section and read "What to send in for project review" to assemble the required materials.
- Decide between standard submission to the regulatory counsel and expedited processing through eTRAC.
- Submit through your chosen route and retain confirmation of submission.
Common sticking points
- Assuming eTRAC is required. It is positioned as the expedited option, not the only option.
- Skipping the materials checklist. The specific contents of a submission come from the "What to send in" page, not from the homepage summary.
- Submitting before confirming scope. If it's unclear whether your project affects historical resources, resolve that with the regulatory counsel first.
Related THC resources worth knowing
The same site covers adjacent programs you may need alongside project review: historical markers, state and federal tax credit programs for rehabilitating historic buildings, the Texas Main Street Program, and preservation grants and funding. If your project involves rehabilitation, the tax credit programs are administered by the THC and the homepage notes you can "read about the process and how to apply."