The Historical Protection Areas (APH) are urban districts of the City of Buenos Aires that define special areas recognized for their historical, architectural, symbolic and environmental values that, due to their differential characteristics, are worthy of protection.[1] These districts regulate the standards for building protection, new works, uses and advertising, as well as intervention in public space. They make up polygons that are regulated in the Planning Code Urban") (CPU), and the General Directorate of Urban Interpretation") is the Enforcement Authority of said regulations.[2]​.

According to the Constitution of the City of Buenos Aires, any subject with a legislative initiative can propose a project to catalog a building or the creation of a Historical Protection Area.

The legal instrument for the protection of buildings is the Cataloging, and there are three possible levels of Protection, according to the assessment criteria defined in the CPU.[2]​.