TEXAS BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS
The Antiquities Code of Texas

The Antiquities Code of Texas was passed in 1969. It requires that the Texas Historical Commission staff review any action that has the potential to disturb historic and archeological sites on public land.

Actions that need review under the Antiquities Code of Texas include any construction program that takes place on land owned or controlled by a state agency or a state political subdivision, such as a city or a county.

Projects that require review include:

• reservoirs constructed by river authorities and water districts;
• construction of recreational parks or the expansion of existing facilitates by city governments;
• energy exploration by private companies on public land; and
• construction by a city or county government that exceeds 5 acres or 5,000 cubic yards, whichever comes first. If the activity occurs inside a designated historic district or affects a recorded archeological site, it needs to be reviewed, regardless of project size.

The description of the National Historic Preservation Act and the Antiquities Code of Texas has been republished at the courtesy of the Texas Historical Commission. Staff at the Texas Historical Commission can be reached by writing to P.O. Box 12276, Austin, Texas 78711-2276 or by calling (512) 463-6096. Their home page is http://www.thc.state.tx.us. Their e-mail is: thc@nuces.thc.state.tx.us