HomeMy WebLinkAboutMisc. HERITAGE PROGRAMS PROGRESS REPORT
Parks & Recreation Department
Anne Boykin
October 1-31, 2008
Note: Anne has been out on FMLA leave most of this month.
EXTERNAL
Acquisitions for Project HOLD—1 page scanned
• Boykin 50`h Anniversary photo
Contacts - 0
Presentations—4
• Service Excellence Tour—Presented historical information in coordination with the
City tour on board the tour bus.
• Exploring History Lunch Lecture—80 guests came to hear about the "Museum of
the American G.I."with Emmett Fox and Robin Silva. Also, a brief presentation was
made by Steve Beachy on the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial
• Council Reunion—60 guests attended "Seventy Years of Leadership"the first ever
Council Reunion in honor of the City's 70th birthday, Oct. 16, at Café Eccel, the
city's first dedicated City Hall.
• Taped a segment of Sharon Colson's show on KAMU
Research Requests—3
• 2008 Employee Banquet—researched historical city events for 2008, 2003, 1998,
1993, 1988, 1983, 1978 to be used as part of the program
• Voting Card —David Dunn, from Austin, requested a photograph of a piece of
election memorabilia from the "Scenes of the Sixties" exhibit
• Steve Beachy asked for information on how to locate the names of all veterans from
the Brazos Valley area.NARA responded to an inquiry with information.
Publicity— 16 viewings
• Exploring History Lunch Lecture showing on CSTV-19 on Tuesdays, 10 am and
10 pm.
Oral History Interviews—0
Publications—4
• Press coverage with a photo of mayors at "Seventy Years of Leadership"appeared
Oct. 26, 2008, in The Eagle
• Sent a press release concerning the Exploring History Lunch Lecture
• Sent a press release concerning Old Reliance Cemetery State Marker presentation
Historic Markers—0
• Currently, 85 Historic Home Markers, 8 Building Markers and 2 Historic Subject
Marker
Community Outreach - 1.
• Attended Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Board meeting at the American
Pavilion
INTERNAL
Intern—0 hours
No intern at this time.
Volunteers—0 hours
Article 2. Development Review Bodies
Section 2.4 Design Review Board
2.4 Landmark Commission
A. Creation
A Landmark Commission is hereby established by the City of College Station for the purpose
of enhancing the City's ability to identify and protect historically and/or culturally significant
districts, areas, sites, buildings, and structures by bringing expertise from the community in
those areas related to the designation of Historic Preservation Overlay Districts and
protection of the contributing elements within them.
B. Membership and Terms
1. The Landmark Commission shall consist of seven (7) regular members and two (2)
alternate members. Six (6) of the regular members and the two (2) alternate
members shall be appointed by the City Council. City Council shall apportion
membership according to the following fields of expertise or specialized knowledge:
a. One (1) member shall represent one of the following fields or professions:
(1) History or
(2) Archaeology
b. Two (2) members shall be the owners of the following:
(1) Property in the City of College Station Historic Marker Program or
(2) Property within a Historic Preservation Overlay District. If no Historic
Preservation Overlay District has yet been applied to property in the City of
College Station, a property owner(s) of land platted prior to 1970 may be
considered.
c. Two (2) members shall represent any combination of the following fields or
professions:
(1) Architecture: an architect, previously registered architect, architect
registered in another state, or professor in the field of architecture;
(2) Landscape architecture: a landscape architect, previously registered
landscape architect, landscape architect registered in another state, or
professor in the field of landscape architecture;
(3) Urban planning: a certified planner, previously certified planner, a planner
with at least three (3) years of municipal planning experience, or professor in
the field of urban planning; or
(4) Historical preservation specialist: an experienced professional who provides
technical and strategic expertise to promote the viability, reuse, and integrity
of historic buildings and/or property.
d. One (1) member shall represent one of the following fields or professions:
(1) Banking, finance, or economics;
(2) Real estate; or
(3) Law.
e. One (1) alternate shall represent the membership criteria identified above in
subsection b.
f. One (1) alternate shall represent any of the fields identified above in subsections
a, c, or d.
The seventh regular member shall be the Chairman of the Historic Preservation
Advisory Committee or his designee.
The City Council shall prioritize Landmark Commission candidates within each
subsection above by their demonstrated expertise and interest in historic preservation.
In the event any of the memberships assigned to a particular field of expertise or
specialized knowledge identified above in subsections a, b, c, or d cannot be timely
filled (in the judgment of the City Council) with a qualified candidate, the City Council
may appoint citizens-at-large that have demonstrated interest in historic preservation
to fill such places.
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Unified Development Ordinance 9/22/08 City of College Station
Article 2. Development Review Bodies
Section 2.4 Design Review Board
2. Members shall be appointed for three-year terms or until their successors are
appointed. Initially, one (1) member from subsection b and one (1) member from
subsection c shall have terms of only one (1) year; the members of subsections a and d
shall have terms of only two (2) years; and one member from subsection b and one
member from subsection c shall have terms of three (3) years. After the initial
appointments, two (2) members shall be appointed each year.
3. The Landmark Commission shall comply with the OPEN MEETINGS AcT.
C. Officers, Meetings, Quorum
1. Officers
A Chairperson shall be appointed annually by the City Council. The Commission shall
select a Vice-Chair from among its members, as needed.
2. Meetings
Members of the Landmark Commission shall meet monthly and the Chairperson shall
designate the time and place of such meetings. All meetings of the Commission where
a quorum is present shall be open to the public.
3. Quorum
Four (4) members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business. Any
recommendation or decision which does not receive a majority of positive votes shall be
deemed a negative report.
4. Rules of Proceeding
The Landmark Commission shall adopt its own rules of procedure.
5. Minutes
The Landmark Commission shall keep minutes of its proceedings, showing the vote,
indicating such fact, and shall keep records of its examinations and other official
actions, all of which shall be immediately filed in the office of the Administrator and
shall be a public record.
D. Powers and Duties
The Landmark Commission shall have the following powers and duties:
1. Duties
a. Review and approve surveys conducted and maintained by the City that include an
inventory of significant historic, architectural, and cultural resources within the
City of College Station according to guidelines established by the Texas Historical
Commission;
b. Utilize such surveys to identify potential property appropriate for the application of
Historic Preservation Overlays;
c. Review and approve surveys conducted and maintained by the City that include an
inventory of all properties located within a Historic Preservation Overlay District
within the City of College Station;
d. Nominate properties to the National Register of Historic Places;
e. Establish an ad hoc three-person Economic Review Panel when a property owner
in a Historic Preservation Overlay District requests a Certificate of Demolition
based on the reason that no economically viable use of the property exists. The
Economic Review Panel must be comprised of three independent experts
knowledgeable in one or more of the following fields: the economics of real
estate, building renovation, or redevelopment. "Independent"as used in this
subparagraph means that the expert has no financial interest in the property, its
renovation, or redevelopment; is not an employee of the property owner; is not a
2-6
Unified Development Ordinance 9/22/08 City of College Station
Article 2. Development Review Bodies
Section 2.4 Design Review Board
city employee; is not a member of the Landmark Commission; and is not
compensated for serving on the Economic Review Panel. The Economic Review
Panel must consist of one person selected by the Landmark Commission, one
person selected by the property owner, and one person selected by the first two
appointees. If the first two appointees cannot agree on a third appointee within
thirty (30) calendar days after submission of all of the required documentation
supporting the application, the third appointee will be selected by the
Administrator within five (5) days. Within thirty-five (35) calendar days after
submission of all of the required documentation supporting the application, all
appointments to the Economic Review Panel shall be made;
f. Act in an advisory role to the City Council of the City of College Station, all
appointed boards and commissions, and City departments regarding the protection
of local historic, architectural, and cultural resources;
g. Review and make recommendations to the appropriate County Historical
Commission of all proposed National Registration nominations for properties within
the City of College Station; and
h. Prepare and submit annually to the City Council a report summarizing the work
completed during the previous year.
a. Recommendations
The Landmark Commission shall make recommendations to the Planning and Zoning
Commission subject to the terms and conditions set forth for such uses in this UDO for
the following:
a. The effective coordination of the various City departments, committees, and
boards, in implementing the Comprehensive Plan as it relates to historic
preservation;
b. The adoption of text amendments as they relate to the designation of Historic
Preservation Overlay Districts and the processes and standards for properties
within Historic Preservation Overlay Districts; and
c. The designation of Historic Preservation Overlay Districts.
The Landmark Commission shall make recommendations to the City Council for the
following:
a. The utilization of state, federal, or private funds to promote the preservation of
Historic Preservation Overlay Districts within the City of College Station, and
b. The acceptance of the dedication of Historic Preservation Easements for the
purpose of historic preservation.
b. Final Action
The Landmark Commission shall hear and take final action on the following:
a. Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness,
b. Applications for Certificates of Demolition, and
c. Certifications of properties of Demolition by Neglect, notices to owners of certified
Demolition by Neglect properties, and referrals for enforcement.
E. Staff
The Administrator shall provide staff, including a Historic Preservation Officer, as needed, to
the Landmark Commission.
Per Ordinance No. 3110 (September 11, 2008)
2-7
Unified Development Ordinance 9/22/08 City of College Station
a
*
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
February 6, 2008
Dear Neighbor,
This letter is to inform you that the Planning & Development Services Department is currently
working on new overlay zoning district that would enable historic preservation through zoning
regulation in College Station. The proposed overlay zoning district is intended to provide
additional development, redevelopment, maintenance, and demolition standards and review
processes for properties and neighborhoods over 40 years old and deemed to be historically,
culturally, or architecturally significant.
Citizens are invited to participate in a meeting to discuss the proposed district and to provide
input on the proposed standards and review processes that may be included in the historic
preservation enabling ordinance. The City will be hosting meetings on Wednesday February
13, 2008 at noon and 5:30 p.m. at the City of College Station Council Chambers, located
at 1101 Texas Avenue in College Station. We hope that you will be able to attend one of
these meetings. A copy of the proposed changes are available for your review on our
website at http://www.cstx.gov/home/index.asp?page=2775.
For additional information please contact me in the Planning & Development Services
Department by telephone at 979.764.3570 or e-mail mhitchcock@cstx.gov. If you are unable
to attend a meeting, please feel free to email us any comments. Thank you for your interest
and we look forward to seeing you on February13tH
Sincerely,
Molly Hitchcock, AICP
Planning Administrator
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CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
Planning&Development Services
HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY PROPOSAL
To move forward with a historic preservation program in the City of College Station,ordinance amendments are
being proposed that will create a regulatory approach to the preservation and protection of valued historic resources.
Historic properties are proposed to be protected through an overlay zoning district. Such a method will allow for
additional measures of oversight on sensitive properties on top of the base zoning district that already exists. The
overlay will not change any regulations regarding land use,but can establish design guidelines and processes for
review so that that development on these properties can be respectful of the contributions the district makes to the
history of the City of College Station.
The package of amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance is proposed to contain the following elements:
HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER
The Administrator will designate a Historic Preservation Officer,whom will be the staff contact person for issues
related to the historic preservation overlay and certificates of appropriateness,and will serve as the liaison to the
Landmark Commission.
LANDMARK COMMISSION
Responsibilities
The City Council will appoint a Landmark Commission that will be responsible for:
1. Future surveys and inventory maintenance of significant historic, architectural,and cultural landmarks and all
properties located in historic districts within the City of College Station;
2. An annual report to the City Council that summarizes their work in the previous year;
3. Recommendations to the Planning& Zoning Commission for:
• Effective coordination for the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan as it related to historic
preservation;
• The adoption of criteria for the designation of historic,architectural, and cultural landmarks and the
delineation of historic districts;and
• The designation of historic preservation overlay districts.
4. Recommendations to the City Council for:
• The utilization of state, federal, or private funds to promote the preservation of landmarks and historic
districts within the City of College Station and
• The acceptance of the donation of preservation easements for the purpose of historic preservation.
5. Final action on:
• Applications for certificates of appropriateness,
• Applications for claims of economic hardship,and
• Preparation of specific design guidelines for the review of landmarks and districts.
Membership
The Landmark Commission will consist of seven regular members and two alternate members. Six of the regular
members and the two alternate members shall be appointed by the City Council. The seventh regular member shall
be the Chairman of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee or his designee. City Council shall apportion
membership according to the following fields of expertise or specialized knowledge:
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1. One member shall represent one of the following fields or professions:
• History or
• Archaeology
2. One member shall be the owner of one of the following:
• Property in a historic district or
• Property in the City of College Station Historic Marker Program.
3. Two members shall represent any combination of the following fields or professions:
• Architecture,
• Landscape architecture, or
• Urban planning.
4. Two members shall represent any combination of the following fields or professions:
• Banking, finance, or economics;
• Real estate;or
• Law.
The two alternates may represent any of the fields identified above in subsections 1,2,3, or 4. In the event any of
the memberships assigned to a particular field of expertise or specialized knowledge identified above in subsections
1,2, 3, or 4 can not be timely filled with a qualified candidate, the City Council may appoint citizens-at-large to fill
such places.
Members shall be appointed for two-year terms or until their successors are appointed. Initially,one member from
subsection 3 and both members of subsection 4 shall have terms of only one year. After the initial appointments,
three members shall be appointed each year.
The Landmark Commission will be a governmental body and will comply with the Open Meetings Act.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT
The Historic Preservation Overlay District (HP) is intended to provide for the protection, enhancement,and
perpetuation of landmarks or districts of historical and cultural importance and significance. Such action is
necessary to promote the economic, cultural, educational, and general welfare of the public. Specifically, this district
will have the following expressed purposes:
1. To protect and enhance the landmarks and districts which represent distinctive elements of College Station's
historic, architectural, and cultural heritage;
2. To foster civic pride in the accomplishments of the past;
3. To protect and enhance College Station's attractiveness to visitors and the support and stimulus to the economy
thereby provided;
4. To insure the harmonious, orderly, and efficient growth and development of the city;
5. To promote economic prosperity and welfare of the community by encouraging the most appropriate use of
such property within the city;and
6. To encourage stabilization,restoration, and improvements of such properties and their values.
The Historic Preservation Overlay District may be applied to districts or areas and to individual property.The
area/property/structure of significance shall be at least forty (40) years old. A property or district may be designated
if it:
1. Possesses significance in history,architecture, archeology,and culture;
2. Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local,regional, state,
or national history;
3. Is associated with events that have made a significant impact in our past;
4. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type,period,or method of construction;
5. Represents the work of a master designer,builder, or craftsman; and/or
6. Represents an established and familiar visual feature of the neighborhood or city.
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REZONING APPLICATION AND PROCESS
A rezoning request for a Historic Preservation Overlay District (HP) will have to provide all of the information
typical for a rezoning(e.g.,legal property description), and will follow the typical process for a rezoning,with a few
additions.
Application
First and foremost,historic surveys and inventories will be necessary to determine what physically contributes to the
historic story of College Station. The City has invested in this process by hiring Quimby McCoy Preservation
Architecture to perform"windshield"surveys of two of the oldest areas in town—the neighborhoods to the east
and south of the Texas A&M University campus. The consultant will be able to identify areas of potential
significance and will make recommendations for further research and possible inclusion in a historic district. In
addition to an inventory and survey, application requests for an HP rezoning shall provide:
1. A current photograph of each property included in the rezoning, and its improvements;
2. Historical photographs;and
3. Other documentary evidence regarding the historic,architectural, or cultural importance of the proposed historic
district.
Process Preapplication
Conference
Review and Report by Historic Preservation Officer
An application for a Historic Preservation Overlay District zoning shall be reviewed by the
Historic Preservation Officer (HPO),who shall review the proposed amendment in light of
the Comprehensive Plan, subject to typical rezoning criteria (described in Section 3.2 Zoning Application
Submittal
Map Amendment of the Unified Development Ordinance) and those criteria outlined above in
Staff
"Historic Preservation Overlay District". The HPO will evaluate if the proposed rezoning Review
contains property(ies) and an environmental setting which meets one or more of the criteria
for designation of a landmark or historic district and/or constitutes a distinct section of the Landmark
Commission
City of College Station. The HPO will then give a report to the Landmark Commission at a
•
scheduled public hearing. 4,
/ 1
Planning&
Referral To Landmark Commission Zoning
The Historic Preservation Officer,upon receipt of petition to amend the Official Zoning Map Commission
in regards to the Historic Preservation Overlay District, shall refer the same to the Landmark ` J
Commission for study, hearing,and report. The Planning and Zoning Commission may not
hold a public hearing or make a report to the City Council until it has received a report from
the Landmark Commission. City
Council
Recommendation by Landmark Commission
The Landmark Commission shall publish,post, and mail public notice of the public hearing
for their consideration of a Historic Preservation Overlay rezoning. The Landmark Commission shall hold a public
hearing and recommend to the Planning and Zoning Commission such action as the Landmark Commission deems
proper.
Referral To Planning and Zoning Commission
For a petition to amend the Official Zoning Map in regards to Historic Preservation Overlay District, the Historic
Preservation Officer shall refer the same to the Planning and Zoning Commission for study,hearing,and report
with the report of the Landmark Commission. The City Council may not enact the proposed amendment until the
Planning and Zoning Commission makes its report to the City Council.
The process then becomes the same as a regular rezoning. The Planning and Zoning Commission will advertise and
hold a public hearing,consider the application, and evaluate it based upon input from the Historic Preservation
Officer, the Landmark Commission, and the public, and the rezoning and Historic Preservation Overlay District
criteria. They will forward their recommendation to the City Council,who will advertise and hold a public hearing
and take all of the information and recommendations into consideration before making a final decision.
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Effect of Historic Preservation Overlay District Zoning Upon Official Public Records
Upon designation of a property with a Historic Preservation Overlay District,the City Council shall cause the
designation to be recorded in the Official Public Records of Real Property of Brazos County, the tax records of the
City of College Station, and the Brazos County Appraisal District as well as the official zoning map of the City of
College Station.
CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS
Applicability
No person shall carry out any construction,reconstruction,alteration,restoration,rehabilitation,relocation, or
demolition of any structure or any property within a Historic Preservation Overlay District, nor shall any person
make any material change in the light fixtures, signs, sidewalks, fences, steps,paving,or other exterior elements
visible from a public right-of-way which affects the appearance and cohesiveness of any structure or any property
within a Historic Preservation Overlay District.
No building permit shall be issued for proposed work within a Historic Preservation Overlay District until a
certificate of appropriateness that will be required by the Unified Development Ordinance has first been issued by
the Landmark Commission. The certificate of appropriateness shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any building
permit that may be required by any other ordinance of the City of College Station.
No permit for the demolition of a historic landmark or property within a historic district,including secondary
buildings and landscape features, shall be granted by the Building Official without the review of a completed
application for a certificate of appropriateness by the Landmark Commission.
Application Requirements
A complete application for Certificate of Appropriateness approval shall be submitted to the Administrator and shall
include,where applicable:
1. Detailed description of proposed work;
2. Proposed building plans (this will not constitute a building plan submittal for review for a building permit);
3. Landscaping plans;
4. Landscape protection plans;
5. Location and photographs of the property and adjacent properties;
6. Elevation drawings of the proposed changed,if available;
7. Samples of materials to be used;
8. Specifications for architectural features and materials;and
9. Any other information that the Commission may deem necessary in order to visualize proposed work.
Process
Preapplication Conference
Prior to the submission of an application for certificate of appropriateness, all potential applicants may request a
preapplication conference with the Administrator. The purpose of the conference is to respond to any questions
that the applicant may have regarding any application procedures, standards, or regulations required by the Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO);however, they do not fulfill the requirements for formal review or submittal as set
forth in the UDO.
Review and Report by the Historic Preservation Officer Application
If the proposed plan is determined to be consistent with all applicable provisions of the Submittal
Unified Development Ordinance and the City's Comprehensive Plan, or if the plan is T Staff
recommended for denial or conditional approval, the Historic Preservation Officer shall report { Review
such consistency,inconsistency, or proposed conditions to the Landmark Commission. CCompleteneso
Review
Review by the Landmark Commission
The Landmark Commission shall review the plan in a public meeting and may approve,
approve with conditions, or deny the application. If the Landmark Commission requires
Landmark
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additional information than that presented at a meeting,a decision may be postponed until a specified date when the
specified information may be provided. Notice shall be provided by publication of the agenda of the meeting.
Final Action by the Landmark Commission
If the proposed plan is determined to be consistent with all applicable provisions of the Unified Development
Ordinance,including the applicable district provisions of the Historic Preservation Overlay District (see above),and
the review criteria below, the Landmark Commission shall approve the plan. A determination that all such
requirements and provision have not been satisfied shall result in disapproval of the plan.
Criteria for Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness
In considering an application for a certificate of appropriateness, the Landmark Commission shall be guided by any
adopted design guidelines and the following from The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation of
Historic Buildings:
1. Every reasonable effort shall be made to adapt the property in a manner which requires minimal alteration of
the building, structure, object,or site and its environment.
2. The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure, object, or site and its environment shall
not be destroyed.The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should
be avoided when possible.
3. All buildings, structures, objects,and sites shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that
have no historical basis and which seek to create and earlier appearance shall be discouraged.
4. Changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a
building, structure,object, or site and its environment. These changes may have acquired significance in their
own right,and this significance shall be recognized and respected.
5. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a building, structure, object,
or site shall be kept where possible.
6. Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced,wherever possible. In the event
replacement is necessary, the new material should reflect the material being replaced in composition,design,
color, texture, and other visual qualities.
7. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplications of features,
substantiated by historical,physical, or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of
different architectural elements form other buildings or structures.
8. The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible. Sandblasting and other
cleaning methods that will damage the historic building materials shall not be undertaken.
9. Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve archeological resources affected by, or adjacent
to,any project.
10. Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing properties shall not be discouraged when such
alterations and additions do not destroy significant historical,architectural, or cultural material, and such design
is compatible with the size, scale,color,material, and character of the property,neighborhood,or environment.
11. Whenever possible, new additions or alterations to buildings, structures, objects, or sites shall be done in such a
manner that if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of
the building, structure, object, or site would be unimpaired.
Expiration of Approval
For plans that do not require the issuance of a building permit,work to complete the plans shall commence and be
completed within twenty-four (24) months. The Historic Preservation Officer may authorize a single extension of a
certificate of appropriateness up to six (6) months upon demonstration of substantial progress and the lack of
changed or changing conditions in the area.
For plans that require the issuance of a building permit,if a building permit has not been issued for the proposed
work within twenty-four(24) months, the Historic Preservation Officer may authorize a single extension of a
certificate of appropriateness up to six (6) months upon demonstration of the lack of changed or changing
conditions in the area. A certificate of appropriateness shall be valid as long as there is a valid building permit.
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Economic Hardship Application and Process
After the denial of a certificate of appropriateness from the Landmark Commission,an applicant may commence
the hardship process. No building permit or demolition permit shall be issued unless the Landmark Commission
makes a finding that hardship exists.
Application
A complete application for claim of economic hardship shall be submitted to the Administrator. The Historic
Preservation Officer will review the application for completeness and forward it to the Landmark Commission for
their consideration.
Action by the Landmark Commission
1. Public Hearing
Following notice in accordance with the Unified Development Ordinance Section 3.1.F Required Public Notice,
the Landmark Commission shall hold a public hearing.
2. Economic Hardship Review
Following the hearing,the Landmark Commission has thirty(30) days in which to prepare a statement of
finding to the Building Official, stating the reasons for granting or denying the hardship application. If no action
has been taken by the Landmark Commission within thirty (30) days, such application shall be deemed granted
by the Commission.
3. Criteria for Finding of Economic Hardship
When a claim of economic hardship is made due to the effect of the Unified Development Ordinance regarding
certificates of appropriateness,the owner must prove that:
• The property is incapable of earning a reasonable return,regardless of whether that return represents the
most profitable return possible;
• The property cannot be adapted for any other use,whether by the current owner or by a purchaser,which
would result in a reasonable return;and
• Efforts to find a purchaser interested in acquiring the property and preserving it have failed.
• The applicant shall consult in good faith with the Landmark Commission,local preservation groups, and
interested parties in a diligent effort to seek an alternative that will result in preservation of the property.
Such efforts must be shown to the Landmark Commission.
Appeals
An applicant for a certificate of appropriateness or finding of economic hardship dissatisfied with the action of the
Landmark Commission related to the issuance or denial of a certificate of appropriateness or finding of economic
hardship shall have the right to appeal to the City Council within thirty (30) calendar days after the date of such
action.
Ordinary Maintenance
Nothing in the ordinance shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance and repair of any exterior
architectural feature of a property within a historic district which does not involved a change in design,material, or
outward appearance. In-kind replacement or repair is included in this definition of ordinary maintenance.
Demolition by Neglect
No owner or person with an interest in real property included within a historic district shall permit the property to
fall into a serious state of disrepair so as to result in the deterioration of any exterior architectural feature which
would,in the judgment of the Landmark Commission,produce a detrimental effect upon the character of the
historic district as a whole or the life and character of the property itself. Examples of such deterioration include:
1. Deterioration of exterior walls or other vertical supports.
2. Deterioration of roof or other horizontal members.
3. Deterioration of exterior chimneys.
4. Deterioration or crumbling of exterior stucco or mortar.
5. Ineffective waterproofing of exterior walls,roof, or foundations,including broken windows or doors.
6. Deterioration of any feature so as to create a hazardous condition which could lead to the claim that demolition
is necessary for the public safety.
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Temporary Emergency Repairs
If the Building Official determines that a building or structures in a Historic Preservation Overlay District poses an
immediate threat to persons or property, the Building Official may order or conduct any temporary emergency
repairs necessary to make the building or structure safe without the requirement of a certificate of appropriateness.
The Building Official shall send a written report of such temporary emergency repairs to the Landmark
Commission. However, once such temporary emergency repairs have been completed,no further work may be
done on the building or structure unless a certificate of appropriateness is obtained.
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY PROPOSAL
To move forward with a historic preservation program in the City of College Station,ordinance amendments are
being proposed that will create a regulatory approach to the preservation and protection of valued historic resources.
Historic properties are proposed to be protected through an overlay zoning district. Such a method will allow for
additional measures of oversight on sensitive properties on top of the base zoning district that already exists. The
overlay will not change any regulations regarding land use,but can establish design guidelines and processes for
review so that that development on these properties can be respectful of the contributions the district makes to the
history of the City of College Station.
The package of amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance is proposed to contain the following elements:
HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER
The Administrator will designate a Historic Preservation Officer,whom will be the staff contact person for issues 5.\.
,
related to the historic preservation overlay and certificates of appropriateness,and will serve as the liaison to the \'o
Landmark Commission.
LANDMARK COMMISSION Ci
Responsibilities (, cc,/
The City Council will appoint a Landmark Commission that will be responsible for: S•'
1. Future surveys and inventory maintenance of significant historic,architectural, and cultural landmarks and all X,
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properties located in historic districts within the City of College Station;
4
2. An annual report to the City Council that summarizes their work in the previous year;
3. Recommendations to the Planning&Zoning Commission for: 0 ) .
• Effective coordination for the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan as it related to historic
, >(
preservation; c
• The adoption of criteria for the designation of historic,architectural,and cultural landmarks and the
delineation of historic districts;and
• The designation of historic preservation overlay districts.
4. Recommendations to the City Council for:
• The utilization of state, federal, or private funds to promote the preservation of landmarks and historic
districts within the City of College Station and
• The acceptance of the donation of preservation easements for the purpose of historic preservation.
5. Final action on: `
• Applications for certificates of appropriateness, V
• Applications for claims of economic hardship,and
• Preparation of specific design guidelines for the review of landmarks and districts.
Membership 0 c..)1
The Landmark Commission will consist of seven regular members and two alternate members. Six of the regular
members and the two alternate members shall be appointed by the City Council. The seventh regular member shall '
be the Chairman of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee or his designee. City Council shall apportion c 1
membership according to the following fields of expertise or specialized knowledge: , /
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Nr,\Thor"N. V\ CA NA-2.. V\°,,,\C •,\O'Ci% --•
1. One member shall represent one of the following fields or professions:
I • History or
• Archaeology
2. One member shall be the owner of one of the following: . ex 04/1,42A-1 a C eat,
• Property in a historic district or era p�x7'r i i V
• Property in the City of College Station Historic Marker Program.
3. Two members shall represent any combination of the following fields or professions:
• Architecture,
I • Landscape architecture,or
• Urban planning.
4. Two members shall represent any combination of the&wing fields or professions:
• Banking, finance, or economics; in..-,(44.4
I • Real estate; or Cli
• Law. ` ►tet.r� wus yam. NAS
The two alternates may represent any of the fields identified above in subsections 1,2, 3, or 4. In the event any of
the memberships assigned to a particular field-of expertise or specialized knowledge identified above in subsections
1,2, 3, or 4 can not be timely filled with a qualified candidate, the City Council may appoint citizens-at-large to fill
such places.
Members shall be appointed fori t.t rms or until their successors are appointed. Initially,one member from
subsection 3 and both members .'i su•sec on 4 shall have terms of only one year. After the initial appointments,
three members shall be appointed each year.
The Landmark Commission will be a governmental body and will comply with the Open Meetings Act.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT
The Historic Preservation Overlay District (HP) is intended to provide for the protection, enhancement,and
perpetuation of landmarks or districts of historical and cultural importance and significance. Such action is
necessary to promote the economic, cultural, educational, and general welfare of the public. Specifically, this district
will have the following expressed purposes:
1. To protect and enhance the landmarks and districts which represent distinctive elements of College Station's
historic, architectural, and cultural heritage;
2. To foster civic pride in the accomplishments of the past;
3. To protect and enhance College Station's attractiveness to visitors and the support and stimulus to the economy
thereby provided;
4. To insure the harmonious, orderly, and efficient growth and development of the city;
5. To promote economic prosperity and welfare of the community by encouraging the most appropriate use of
such property within the city;and
6. To encourage stabilization,restoration, and improvements of such properties and their values.
The Historic Preservation Overlay District may be applied to districts or areas and to individual property.The
area/property/structure of significance shall be at least forty (40)years old. A property or district may be designated
if it:
1. Possesses significance in history,architecture,archeology,and culture;
2. Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local,regional, state,
or national history;
3. Is associated with events that have made a significant impact in our past;
4. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type,period, or method of construction;
5. Represents the work of a master designer, builder, or craftsman;and/or
6. Represents an established and familiar visual feature of the neighborhood or city.
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REZONING APPLICATION AND PROCESS
A rezoning request for a Historic Preservation Overlay District(HP)will have to provide all of the information
typical for a rezoning(e.g.,legal property description), and will follow the typical process for a rezoning,with a few
additions.
Application
First and foremost,historic surveys and inventories will be necessary to determine what physically contributes to the
historic story of College Station. The City has invested in this process by hiring Quimby McCoy Preservation
Architecture to perform"windshield" surveys of two of the oldest areas in town—the neighborhoods to the east
and south of the Texas A&M University campus. The consultant will be able to identify areas of potential
significance and will make recommendations for further research and possible inclusion in a historic district. In
addition to an inventory and survey, application requests for an HP rezoning shall provide:
1. A current photograph of each property included in the rezoning, and its improvements;
2. Historical photographs;and
3. Other documentary evidence regarding the historic, architectural,or cultural importance of the proposed historic
district.
Process Preapplication
Conference
Review and Report by Historic Preservation Officer
An application for a Historic Preservation Overlay District zoning shall be reviewed by the
Historic Preservation Officer (HPO),who shall review the proposed amendment in light of
the Comprehensive Plan,subject to typical rezoning criteria (described in Section 3.2 Zoning Application
Submittal
Map Amendment of the Unified Development Ordinance) and those criteria outlined above in
Staff
"Historic Preservation Overlay District". The HPO will evaluate if the proposed rezoning Review
contains property(ies) and an environmental setting which meets one or more of the criteria
for designation of a landmark or historic district and/or constitutes a distinct section of the Landmark
Commission
City of College Station. The HPO will then give a report to the Landmark Commission at a
scheduled public hearing. \ J
r 1
Planning&
Referral To Landmark Commission Zoning
The Historic Preservation Officer,upon receipt of petition to amend the Official Zoning Map Commission
in regards to the Historic Preservation Overlay District, shall refer the same to the Landmark
Commission for study,hearing,and report. The Planning and Zoning Commission may not
hold a public hearing or make a report to the City Council until it has received a report from
the Landmark Commission. City
Council
Recommendation by Landmark Commission
The Landmark Commission shall publish,post,and mail public notice of the public hearing
for their consideration of a Historic Preservation Overlay rezoning. The Landmark Commission shall hold a public
hearing and recommend to the Planning and Zoning Commission such action as the Landmark Commission deems
proper.
Referral To Planning and Zoning Commission
For a petition to amend the Official Zoning Map in regards to Historic Preservation Overlay District, the Historic
Preservation Officer shall refer the same to the Planning and Zoning Commission for study,hearing,and report
with the report of the Landmark Commission. The City Council may not enact the proposed amendment until the
Planning and Zoning Commission makes its report to the City Council.
The process then becomes the same as a regular rezoning. The Planning and Zoning Commission will advertise and
hold a public hearing, consider the application,and evaluate it based upon input from the Historic Preservation
Officer, the Landmark Commission,and the public,and the rezoning and Historic Preservation Overlay District
criteria. They will forward their recommendation to the City Council,who will advertise and hold a public hearing
and take all of the information and recommendations into consideration before making a final decision.
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Effect of Historic Preservation Overlay District Zoning Upon Official Public Records
Upon designation of a property with a Historic Preservation Overlay District, the City Council shall cause the
designation to be recorded in the Official Public Records of Real Property of Brazos County, the tax records of the
City of College Station,and the Brazos County Appraisal District as well as the official zoning map of the City of
College Station.
CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS
Applicability
No person shall carry out any construction,reconstruction, alteration,restoration,rehabilitation,relocation, or
demolition of any structure or any property within a Historic Preservation Overlay District,nor shall any person
make any material change in the light fixtures, signs, sidewalks, fences,steps,paving,or other exterior elements
visible from a public right-of-way which affects the appearance and cohesiveness of any structure or any property
within a Historic Preservation Overlay District.
No building permit shall be issued for proposed work within a Historic Preservation Overlay District until a
certificate of appropriateness that will be required by the Unified Development Ordinance has first been issued by
the Landmark Commission. The certificate of appropriateness shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any building
permit that may be required by any other ordinance of the City of College Station.
No permit for the demolition of a historic landmark or property within a historic district,including secondary
buildings and landscape features, shall be granted by the Building Official without the review of a completed
application for a certificate of appropriateness by the Landmark Commission.
Application Requirements
A complete application for Certificate of Appropriateness approval shall be submitted to the Administrator and shall
include,where applicable:
1. Detailed description of proposed work;
2. Proposed building plans (this will not constitute a building plan submittal for review for a building permit);
3. Landscaping plans;
4. Landscape protection plans;
5. Location and photographs of the property and adjacent properties;
6. Elevation drawings of the proposed changed,if available;
7. Samples of materials to be used;
8. Specifications for architectural features and materials;and
9. Any other information that the Commission may deem necessary in order to visualize proposed work.
Process
Preapplication Conference
Prior to the submission of an application for certificate of appropriateness, all potential applicants may request a
preapplication conference with the Administrator. The purpose of the conference is to respond to any questions
that the applicant may have regarding any application procedures, standards,or regulations required by the Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO);however, they do not fulfill the requirements for formal review or submittal as set
forth in the UDO.
Review and Report by the Historic Preservation Officer Application
If the proposed plan is determined to be consistent with all applicable provisions of the Submittal
Unified Development Ordinance and the City's Comprehensive Plan, or if the plan is I staff
recommended for denial or conditional approval, the Historic Preservation Officer shall report [ Review
such consistency,inconsistency, or proposed conditions to the Landmark Commission. Completeness
Review
Review by the Landmark Commission
The Landmark Commission shall review the plan in a public meeting and may approve,
approve with conditions, or deny the application. If the Landmark Commission requires
Landmark
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additional information than that presented at a meeting,a decision may be postponed until a specified date when the
specified information may be provided. Notice shall be provided by publication of the agenda of the meeting.
Final Action by the Landmark Commission
If the proposed plan is determined to be consistent with all applicable provisions of the Unified Development
Ordinance,including the applicable district provisions of the Historic Preservation Overlay District (see above),and
the review criteria below,the Landmark Commission shall approve the plan. A determination that all such
requirements and provision have not been satisfied shall result in disapproval of the plan.
Criteria for Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness
In considering an application for a certificate of appropriateness, the Landmark Commission shall be guided by any
adopted design guidelines and the following from The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation of
Historic Buildings:
1. Every reasonable effort shall be made to adapt the property in a manner which requires minimal alteration of
the building, structure, object,or site and its environment.
2. The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure,object, or site and its environment shall
not be destroyed.The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should
be avoided when possible.
3. All buildings, structures, objects, and sites shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that
have no historical basis and which seek to create and earlier appearance shall be discouraged.
4. Changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a
building, structure, object,or site and its environment. These changes may have acquired significance in their
own right,and this significance shall be recognized and respected.
5. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a building, structure, object,
or site shall be kept where possible.
6. Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced,wherever possible. In the event
replacement is necessary, the new material should reflect the material being replaced in composition, design,
color, texture,and other visual qualities.
7. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplications of features,
substantiated by historical,physical,or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of
different architectural elements form other buildings or structures.
8. The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible. Sandblasting and other
cleaning methods that will damage the historic building materials shall not be undertaken.
9. Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve archeological resources affected by, or adjacent
to,any project.
10. Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing properties shall not be discouraged when such
alterations and additions do not destroy significant historical, architectural,or cultural material,and such design
is compatible with the size, scale, color,material,and character of the property,neighborhood,or environment.
11. Whenever possible,new additions or alterations to buildings, structures, objects, or sites shall be done in such a
manner that if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of
the building,structure, object, or site would be unimpaired.
Expiration of Approval
For plans that do not require the issuance of a building permit,work to complete the plans shall commence and be
completed within twenty-four (24) months. The Historic Preservation Officer may authorize a single extension of a
certificate of appropriateness up to six (6) months upon demonstration of substantial progress and the lack of
changed or changing conditions in the area.
For plans that require the issuance of a building permit,if a building permit has not been issued for the proposed
work within twenty-four(24) months, the Historic Preservation Officer may authorize a single extension of a
certificate of appropriateness up to six (6) months upon demonstration of the lack of changed or changing
conditions in the area. A certificate of appropriateness shall be valid as long as there is a valid building permit.
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Economic Hardship Application and Process
After the denial of a certificate of appropriateness from the Landmark Commission,an applicant may commence
the hardship process. No building permit or demolition permit shall be issued unless the Landmark Commission
makes a finding that hardship exists.
Application
A complete application for claim of economic hardship shall be submitted to the Administrator. The Historic
Preservation Officer will review the application for completeness and forward it to the Landmark Commission for
their consideration.
Action by the Landmark Commission
1. Public Hearing
Following notice in accordance with the Unified Development Ordinance Section 3.1.F Required Public Notice,
the Landmark Commission shall hold a public hearing.
2. Economic Hardship Review
Following the hearing, the Landmark Commission has thirty(30) days in which to prepare a statement of
finding to the Building Official, stating the reasons for granting or denying the hardship application. If no action
has been taken by the Landmark Commission within thirty (30) days, such application shall be deemed granted
by the Commission.
3. Criteria for Finding of Economic Hardship
When a claim of economic hardship is made due to the effect of the Unified Development Ordinance regarding
certificates of appropriateness, the owner must prove that:
• The property is incapable of earning a reasonable return,regardless of whether that return represents the
most profitable return possible;
• The property cannot be adapted for any other use,whether by the current owner or by a purchaser,which
would result in a reasonable return;and
• Efforts to find a purchaser interested in acquiring the property and preserving it have failed.
• The applicant shall consult in good faith with the Landmark Commission,local preservation groups, and
interested parties in a diligent effort to seek an alternative that will result in preservation of the property.
Such efforts must be shown to the Landmark Commission.
Appeals
An applicant for a certificate of appropriateness or finding of economic hardship dissatisfied with the action of the
Landmark Commission related to the issuance or denial of a certificate of appropriateness or finding of economic
hardship shall have the right to appeal to the City Council within thirty (30) calendar days after the date of such
action.
Ordinary Maintenance
Nothing in the ordinance shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance and repair of any exterior
architectural feature of a property within a historic district which does not involved a change in design,material, or
outward appearance. In-kind replacement or repair is included in this
definition of ordinary maintenance.
Demolition by Neglect �� ` , ` 3 di°w
No owner or person with an interest in real property included within a historic district shall permit the property to
fall into a serious state of disrepair so as to result in the deterioration of any exterior architectural feature which
would,in the judgment of the Landmark Commission,produce a detrimental effect upon the character of the
historic district as a whole or the life and character of the property itself. Examples of such deterioration include:
1. Deterioration of exterior walls or other vertical supports.
2. Deterioration of roof or other horizontal members.
3. Deterioration of exterior chimneys.
4. Deterioration or crumbling of exterior stucco or mortar.
5. Ineffective waterproofing of exterior walls,roof, or foundations,including broken windows or doors.
6. Deterioration of any feature so as to create a hazardous condition which could lead to the claim that demolition
is necessary for the public safety.
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Temporary Emergency Repairs
If the Building Official determines that a building or structures in a Historic Preservation Overlay District poses an
immediate threat to persons or property,the Building Official may order or conduct any temporary emergency
repairs necessary to make the building or structure safe without the requirement of a certificate of appropriateness.
The Building Official shall send a written report of such temporary emergency repairs to the Landmark
Commission. However,once such temporary emergency repairs have been completed,no further work may be
done on the building or structure unless a certificate of appropriateness is obtained.
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Griffi144
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION fr
Planning&Development Services ,��k
HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY PROPOSAL ! "'
s
To move forward with a historic preservation program in the City of College Station,ordinance amendments are
being proposed that will create a regulatory approach to the preservation and protection of valued historic resources.
Historic properties are proposed to be protected through an overlay zoning district. Such a method will allow for
additional measures of oversight on sensitive properties on top of the base zoning district that already exists. The
overlay will not change any regulations regarding land use,but can establish design guidelines and processes for
review so that that development on these properties can be respectful of the contributions the district makes to the
history of the City of College Station.
The package of amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance is proposed to contain the following elements:
HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER
The Administrator will designate a Historic Preservation Officer,whom will be the staff contact person for issues
related to the historic preservation overlay and certificates of appropriateness,and will serve as the liaison to the
Landmark Commission.
LANDMARK COMMISSION
Responsibilities
The City Council will appoint a Landmark Commission that will be responsible for:
1. Future surveys and inventory maintenance of significant historic, architectural,and cultural landmarks and all
properties located in historic districts within the City of College Station;
2. An annual report to the City Council that summarizes their work in the previous year;
3. Recommendations to the Planning&Zoning Commission for:
p iEffective coordination for the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan as it related to historic
preservation;
The adoption of criteria for the designation of historic,architectural, and cultural landmarks and the
delineation of historic districts;and
The designation of historic preservation overlay districts.
4. commendations to the City Council for: `
The utilization of state, federal, or private funds to promote the preservation of landmarks and historic
districts within the City of College Station and
The acceptance of the donation of preservation easements for the purpose of historic preservation.
5 s m, al action onf
Applications for certificates of appropriateness,
lik Applications for claims of economic hardship,and
Preparation of specific design guidelines for the review of landmarks and districts.
Membership
The Landmark Commission will consist of seven regular members and two alternate members. Six of the regular
members and the two alternate members shall be appointed by the City Council. The seventh regular member shall
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be the Chairman of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee or his designee. City Council shall apportion
membership according to the following fields of expertise or specialized knowledge:
1. One member shall represent one of the following fields or professions:
• History or
• Archaeology
2. One member shall be the owner of one of the following:
�? • Propertyin a historic district or
• Property in the City of College Station Historic Marker Program.
3. Two members shall represent any combination of the following fields or professions:
• Architecture,
• Landscape architecture, or
• Urban planning.
4. Two members shall represent any combination of the following fields or professions:
•- Banking, finance, or economics;
• Real estate;or
• Law.
The two alternates may represent any of the fields identified above in subsections 1,2,3, or 4. In the event any of
the memberships assigned to a particular field of expertise or specialized knowledge identified above in subsections
1,2,3, or 4 can not be timely filled with a qualified candidate, the City Council may appoint citizens-at-large to fill
such places.
Members shall be appointed for two-year terms or until their successors are appointed. Initially, one member from
subsection 3 and both members of subsection 4 shall have terms of only one year. After the initial appointments,
three members shall be appointed each year.
The Landmark Commission will be a governmental body and will comply with the Open Meetings Act.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT
The Historic Preservation Overlay District (HP) is intended to provide for the protection, enhancement,and
perpetuation of landmarks or districts of historical and cultural importance and significance. Such action is
necessary to promote the economic, cultural, educational, and general welfare of the public. Specifically, this district
will have the following expressed purposes:
1. To protect and enhance the landmarks and districts which represent distinctive elements of College Station's
historic, architectural,and cultural heritage;
2. To foster civic pride in the accomplishments of the past;
3. To protect and enhance College Station's attractiveness to visitors and the support and stimulus to the economy
thereby provided;
4. To insure the harmonious, orderly, and efficient growth and development of the city;
5. To promote economic prosperity and welfare of the community by encouraging the most appropriate use of
such property within the city;and
6. To encourage stabilization,restoration, and improvements of such properties and their values.
The Historic Preservation Overlay District may be applied to districts or areas and to individual property.The
area/property/structure of significance shall be at least forty(40) years old. A property or district may be designated
if
1. Possesses significance in history, architecture, archeology,and culture;
2. Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local,regional, state,
or national history;
3. Is associated with events that have made a significant impact in our past;
4. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type,period,or method of construction;
5. Represents the work of a master designer, builder, or craftsman;and/or
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-Represents an established and familiar visual feature of the neighborhood or city.
REZONING APPLICATION AND PROCESS
A rezoning request for a Historic Preservation Overlay District(HP)will have to provide all of the information
typical for a rezoning(e.g.,legal property description), and will follow the typical process for a rezoning,with a few
additions.
Application
First and foremost,historic surveys and inventories will be necessary to determine what physically contributes to the
historic story of College Station. The City has invested in this process by hiring Quimby McCoy Preservation
Architecture to perform"windshield" surveys of two of the oldest areas in town—the neighborhoods to the east
and south of the Texas A&M University campus. The consultant will be able to identify areas of potential
significance and will make recommendations for further research and possible inclusion in a historic district. In
addition to an inventory and survey,application requests for an HP rezoning shall provide:
1. A current photograph of each property included in the rezoning, and its improvements;
2. Historical photographs;and
3. Other documentary evidence regarding the historic,architectural, or cultural importance of the proposed historic
district.
Process Preapplication
Conference
Review and Report by Historic Preservation Officer
An application for a Historic Preservation Overlay District zoning shall be reviewed by the
Historic Preservation Officer (HPO),who shall review the proposed amendment in light of
the Comprehensive Plan,subject to typical rezoning criteria (described in Section 3.2 Zoning Application
Submittal
Map Amendment of the Unified Development Ordinance) and those criteria outlined above in
"Historic Preservation OverlayDistrict". The HPO will evaluate if the proposed rezoningstaff
p p Review
contains property(ies) and an environmental setting which meets one or more of the criteria
for designation of a landmark or historic district and/or constitutes a distinct section of the Landmark
Commission
City of College Station. The HPO will then give a report to the Landmark Commission at a
•
scheduled public hearing.
/ \
Planning&
Referral To Landmark Commission zoning
The Historic Preservation Officer,upon receipt of petition to amend the Official Zoning Map Commission
in regards to the Historic Preservation Overlay District, shall refer the same to the Landmark
Commission for study,hearing, and report. The Planning and Zoning Commission may not
hold a public hearing or make a report to the City Council until it has received a report from
the Landmark Commission. City
Council
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Recommendation by Landmark Commission
The Landmark Commission shall publish,post, and mail public notice of the public hearing for their consideration
of a Historic Preservation Overlay rezoning. The Landmark Commission shall hold a public hearing and
recommend to the Planning and Zoning Commission such action as the Landmark Commission deems proper.
Referral To Planning and Zoning Commission
For a petition to amend the Official Zoning Map in regards to Historic Preservation Overlay District, the Historic
Preservation Officer shall refer the same to the Planning and Zoning Commission for study,hearing,and report
with the report of the Landmark Commission. The City Council may not enact the proposed amendment until the
Planning and Zoning Commission makes its report to the City Council.
The process then becomes the same as a regular rezoning. The Planning and Zoning Commission will advertise and
hold a public hearing, consider the application,and evaluate it based upon input from the Historic Preservation
Officer, the Landmark Commission, and the public,and the rezoning and Historic Preservation Overlay District
criteria. They will forward their recommendation to the City Council,who will advertise and hold a public hearing
and take all of the information and recommendations into consideration before making a final decision.
\1\1\
Ettect of Historic Viesetvation Overlay District Zoning Upon Official Public Records
Upon designation of a property with a Historic Preservation Overlay District, the City Council shall cause the
designation to be recorded in the Official Public Records of Real Property of Brazos County, the tax records of the
City of College Station, and the Brazos County Appraisal District as well as the official zoning map of the City of
College Station. —'v`dir
CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS �j
Applicability
No person shall carry out any construction,reconstruction,alteration,restoration,rehabilitation,relocation, or
demolition of any structure or any property within a Historic Preservation Overlay District,nor shall any person
make any material change in the light fixtures, signs,sidewalks, fences,steps,paving,or other exterior elements
visible from a public right-of-way which affects the appearance and cohesiveness of any structure or any property
within a Historic Preservation Overlay District.
No building permit shall be issued for proposed work within a Historic Preservation Overlay District until a
certificate of appropriateness that will be required by the Unified Development Ordinance has first been issued by
the Landmark Commission. The certificate of appropriateness shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any building
permit that may be required by any other ordinance of the City of College Station.
No permit for the demolition of a historic landmark or property within a historic district,including secondary
buildings and landscape features,shall be granted by the Building Official without the review of a completed
application for a certificate of appropriateness by the Landmark Commission.
Application Requirements
A complete application for Certificate of Appropriateness approval shall be submitted to the Administrator and shall
include,where applicable:
1. Detailed description of proposed work;
2. Proposed building plans (this will not constitute a building plan submittal for review for a building permit);
3. Landscaping plans;
4. Landscape protection plans;
5. Location and photographs of the property and adjacent properties;
6. Elevation drawings of the proposed changed,if available;
7. Samples of materials to be used;
8. Specifications for architectural features and materials;and
9. Any other information that the Commission may deem necessary in order to visualize proposed work.
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Process
Preapplication Conference
Prior to the submission of an application for certificate of appropriateness, all potential applicants may request a
preapplication conference with the Administrator. The purpose of the conference is to respond to any questions
that the applicant may have regarding any application procedures, standards, or regulations required by the Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO);however,they do not fulfill the requirements for formal review or submittal as set
forth in the UDO.
Review and Report by the Historic Preservation Officer Application
If the proposed plan is determined to be consistent with all applicable provisions of the Submittal
Unified Development Ordinance and the City's Comprehensive Plan, or if the plan is l Staff
recommended for denial or conditional approval, the Historic Preservation Officer shall report i Review
such consistency,inconsistency, or proposed conditions to the Landmark Commission. completeness
Review
Review by the Landmark Commission
The Landmark Commission shall review the plan in a public meeting and may approve,
approve with conditions,or deny the application. If the Landmark Commission requires
additional information than that presented at a meeting,a decision may be postponed until a Landmark
specified date when the specified information may be provided. Notice shall be provided by Commission
publication of the agenda of the meeting.
Final Action by the Landmark Commission
If the proposed plan is determined to be consistent with all applicable provisions of the Unified Development
Ordinance,including the applicable district provisions of the Historic Preservation Overlay District (see above),and
the review criteria below, the Landmark Commission shall approve the plan. A determination that all such
requirements and provision have not been satisfied shall result in disapproval of the plan.
Criteria for Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness
In considering an application for a certificate of appropriateness, the Landmark Commission shall be guided by any
adopted design guidelines and the following from The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation of
Historic Buildings:
1. Every reasonable effort shall be made to adapt the property in a manner which requires minimal alteration of
the building,structure,object, or site and its environment.
2. The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure, object, or site and its environment shall
not be destroyed.The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should
be avoided when possible.
3. All buildings, structures, objects,and sites shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that
have no historical basis and which seek to create and earlier appearance shall be discouraged.
4. Changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a
building, structure, object, or site and its environment. These changes may have acquired significance in their
own right, and this significance shall be recognized and respected.
5. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a building, structure, object,
or site shall be kept where possible.
6. Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced,wherever possible. In the event
replacement is necessary, the new material should reflect the material being replaced in composition, design,
color, texture, and other visual qualities.
7. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplications of features,
substantiated by historical,physical, or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of
different architectural elements form other buildings or structures.
8. The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible. Sandblasting and other
cleaning methods that will damage the historic building materials shall not be undertaken.
9. Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve archeological resources affected by, or adjacent
to,any project. (( r
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10. Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing properties shall not be discouraged when such
alterations and additions do not destroy significant historical,architectural, or cultural material,and such design
is compatible with the size, scale, color,material, and character of the property,neighborhood,or environment.
11. Whenever possible,new additions or alterations to buildings, structures, objects,or sites shall be done in such a
manner that if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of
the building,structure, object, or site would be unimpaired.
Expiration of Approval
For plans that do not require the issuance of a building permit,work to complete the plans shall commence and be
completed within twenty-four(24) months. The Historic Preservation Officer may authorize a single extension of a
certificate of appropriateness up to six (6) months upon demonstration of substantial progress and the lack of
changed or changing conditions in the area.
For plans that require the issuance of a building permit,if a building permit has not been issued for the proposed
work within twenty-four(24) months, the Historic Preservation Officer may authorize a single extension of a
certificate of appropriateness up to six (6) months upon demonstration of the lack of changed or changing
conditions in the area. A certificate of appropriateness shall be valid as long as there is a valid building permit.
Economic Hardship Application and Process
After the denial of a certificate of appropriateness from the Landmark Commission,an applicant may commence
the hardship process. No building permit or demolition permit shall be issued unless the Landmark Commission
makes a finding that hardship exists.
Application
A complete application for claim of economic hardship shall be submitted to the Administrator. The Historic
Preservation Officer will review the application for completeness and forward it to the Landmark Commission for
their consideration.
Action by the Landmark Commission
1. Public Hearing
Following notice in accordance with the Unified Development Ordinance Section 3.1.F Required Public Notice,
the Landmark Commission shall hold a public hearing.
2. Economic Hardship Review
Following the hearing, the Landmark Commission has thirty (30) days in which to prepare a statement of
finding to the Building Official, stating the reasons for granting or denying the hardship application. If no action
has been taken by the Landmark Commission within thirty(30) days, such application shall be deemed granted
by the Commission.
3. Criteria for Finding of Economic Hardship
When a claim of economic hardship is made due to the effect of the Unified Development Ordinance regarding
-rtificates of appropriateness, the owner must prove that:
The property is incapable of earning a reasonable return,regardless of whether that return represents the
most profitable return possible;
The property cannot be adapted for any other use,whether by the current owner or by a purchaser,which
would result in a reasonable return;and
Efforts to find a purchaser interested in acquiring the property and preserving it have failed.
The applicant shall consult in good faith with the Landmark Commission,local preservation groups, and
interested parties in a diligent effort to seek an alternative that will result in preservation of the property.
Such efforts must be shown to the Landmark Commission.
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Appeals
An applicant for a certificate of appropriateness or finding of economic hardship dissatisfied with the action of the
Landmark Commission related to the issuance or denial of a certificate of appropriateness or finding of economic
hardship shall have the right to appeal to the City Council within thirty (30) calendar days after the date of such
action.
Ordinary Maintenance
Nothing in the ordinance shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance and repair of any exterior
architectural feature of a property within a historic district which does not involved a change in design,material, or
outward appearance. In-kind replacement or repair is included in this definition of ordinary maintenance.
Demolition by Neglect
No owner or person with an interest in real property included within a historic district shall permit the property to
fall into a serious state of disrepair so as to result in the deterioration of any exterior architectural feature which
would,in the judgment of the Landmark Commission,produce a detrimental effect upon the character of the
historic district as a whole or the life and character of the property itself. Examples of such deterioration include:
1. Deterioration of exterior walls or other vertical supports.
2. Deterioration of roof or other horizontal members.
3. Deterioration of exterior chimneys. ' �
4. Deterioration or crumbling of exterior stucco or mortar. V' "
5. Ineffective waterproofing of exterior walls,roof,or foundations,including broken windows or doors.
6. Deterioration of any feature so as to create a hazardous condition which could lead to the claim that demolition
is necessary for the public safety.
Temporary Emergency Repairs
If the Building Official determines that a building or structures in a Historic Preservation Overlay District poses an
immediate threat to persons or property, the Building Official may order or conduct any temporary emergency
repairs necessary to make the building or structure safe without the requirement of a certificate of appropriateness.
The Building Official shall send a written report of such temporary emergency repairs to the Landmark
Commission. However, once such temporary emergency repairs have been completed,no further work may be
done on the building or structure unless a certificate of appropriateness is obtained.
•
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Historic Preservation Enabling
Ordinance Meeting
February 13, 2008
1
PROPOSAL
• Historic Preservation Officer
• Landmark Commission
• Historic Preservation Overlay District
• Rezoning Application and Process
• Certificates of Appropriateness
2
MH1
Historic Preservation Officer
Historic Preservation Officer
'Staff contact for all historic preservation overlay issues
•liaison to Landmark Commission
Historic Preservation Advisory Committee
•Continue to collect historic resources and educate the public about our history
'Continue the current marker program
3
Landmark Commission
• Historical surveys and inventory
maintenance
• Annual Reports
• Recommendations to PEtZ
• Recommendations to City Council
• Final Action
- Certificates of Appropriateness
- Claims of Economic Hardship
- Design guidelines
Several responsibilities, including
•Recommendations to the Planning & Zoning Commission re:
•The adoption of criteria for the designation of landmarks and the delineation
of historic districts
•The designation of historic preservation overlay districts
•Recommendations to City Council for:
•Utilization of funds for preservation purposes
•Acceptance of preservation easements
•Final actionton:
•COAs
•Claims of economic hardship
•Preparation of specific design guidelines for the review of districts
7-member board
4
Historic Preservation Overlay
District
• Applies to districts or individual
properties
• Area/property/structure of significance
at least 40 years old
• Historically significant qualities
Applies to districts or individual properties
Initiated by City Council, P&Z, the Administrator, or the property owner
At least 40 years old
Read criteria
5
Rezoning Application and Process
Preapplication
Conference
Application
Submittal Staff
Review
l
Landmark
Commission
J
Planning&
Zoning
Commission
J
City
Council
Explain process
6
Certificates of Appropriateness
Not required for most ordinary maintenance
Required for:
• Construction
• Reconstruction
• Alteration
• Restoration
• Rehabilitation
• Relocation
• Demolition
• Material changes to exteriors visible from ROW
COAs needed to pretty much do anything that will affect the outside
appearance of the property.
Normal maintenance would not require a COA.
7
Certificates of Appropriateness
Application
Submittal
Completeness
Review
Staff
1 Review
Landmark
Commissio n
'In
Explain process.
No public hearing just a consideration by the commission.
8
Economic Hardship Application
and Process
• Public hearing before Landmark
Commission
• Landmark Commission has 30 days to
prepare statement of finding based on
certain criteria
-41
If a person is denied a COA, they may apply for economic hardship
consideration.
Owner has to prove certain issues
•Property incapable of earning a reasonable return
•Can't be adapted for any other use that would result in a reasonable return
'Efforts to find a purchaser interested in preserving it have failed
Public hearing.
30 days to prepare a statement of finding.
9
Historic Preservation Enabling
Ordinance Meeting
February 13, 2008
10
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
Planning 6'Development Services
1101 Texas Avenue South,P.O. Box 9960
College Station,Texas 77842
Phone 979.764.3570 / Fax 979.764.3496
MEMORANDUM
December 18, 2007
TO: HPC members
FROM: Molly Hitchcock,AICP
Planning Administrator
SUBJECT: Historic Preservation Overlay
To move forward with a historic preservation program in the City of College Station,ordinance amendments are
being proposed that will create a regulatory approach to the preservation and protection of valued historic resources.
Historic properties are proposed to be protected through an overlay zoning district. Such a method will allow for
additional measures of oversight on sensitive properties on top of the base zoning district that already exists. The
overlay will not change any regulations regarding land use,but can establish design guidelines and processes for
review so that that development on these properties can be respectful of the contributions the district makes to the
history of the City of College Station.
The package of amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance will contain the following elements:
HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER
The Administrator will designate a Historic Preservation Officer,whom will be the staff contact person for issues
related to the historic preservation overlay and certificates of appropriateness, and will serve as the liaison to the
Landmark Commission.
LANDMARK COMMISSION
Responsibilities
The City Council will appoint a Landmark Commission that will be responsible for:
1. Future surveys and inventory maintenance of significant historic, architectural, and cultural landmarks and all
properties located in historic districts within the City of College Station;
2. An annual report to the City Council that summarizes their work in the previous year;
3. Recommendations to the Planning&Zoning Commission for:
• Effective coordination for the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan as it related to historic
preservation;
• The adoption of criteria for the designation of historic, architectural, and cultural landmarks and the
delineation of historic districts;and
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• The designation of historic preservation overlay districts.
4. Recommendations to the City Council for:
• The utilization of state, federal, or private funds to promote the preservation of landmarks and historic
districts within the City of College Station and
• The acceptance of the donation of preservation easements for the purpose of historic preservation.
5. Final action on:
• Applications for certificates of appropriateness,
• Applications for claims of economic hardship,and
• Preparation of specific design guidelines for the review of landmarks and districts.
Membership
The Landmark Commission will consist of seven regular members and two alternate members. Six of the regular
members and the two alternate members shall be appointed by the City Council. The seventh regular member shall
be the Chairman of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee or his designee. City Council shall apportion
membership according to the following fields of expertise or specialized knowledge:
1. One member shall represent one of the following fields or professions:
• History or
• Archaeology
2. One member shall be the owner of one of the following:
• Property in a historic district or
• Property in the City of College Station Historic Marker Program.
3. Two members shall represent any combination of the following fields or professions:
• Architecture,
• Landscape architecture, or
• Urban planning.
4. Two members shall represent any combination of the following fields or professions:
• Banking, finance, or economics;
• Real estate; or
• Law.
The two alternates may represent any of the fields identified above in subsections 1,2, 3, or 4. In the event any of
the memberships assigned to a particular field of expertise or specialized knowledge identified above in subsections
1,2, 3,or 4 can not be timely filled with a qualified candidate, the City Council may appoint citizens-at-large to fill
such places.
Members shall be appointed for two-year terms or until their successors are appointed. Initially, one member from
subsection 3 and both members of subsection 4 shall have terms of only one year. After the initial appointments,
three members shall be appointed each year.
The Landmark Commission will be a governmental body and will comply with the Open Meetings Act.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT
The Historic Preservation Overlay District (HP) is intended to provide for the protection, enhancement, and
perpetuation of landmarks or districts of historical and cultural importance and significance. Such action is
necessary to promote the economic, cultural, educational, and general welfare of the public. Specifically, this district
will have the following expressed purposes:
1. To protect and enhance the landmarks and districts which represent distinctive elements of College Station's
historic,architectural, and cultural heritage;
2. To foster civic pride in the accomplishments of the past;
3. To protect and enhance College Station's attractiveness to visitors and the support and stimulus to the economy
thereby provided; ,,
4. To insure the harmonious, orderly, and efficient growth and development of the city;
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5. To promote economic prosperity and welfare of the community by encouraging the most appropriate use of
such property within the city;and
6. To encourage stabilization,restoration,and improvements of such properties and their values.
The Historic Preservation Overlay District may be applied to districts or areas and to individual property.The
area/property/structure of significance shall be at least forty(40) years old. A property or district may be designated
if it::
1. Possesses significance in history,architecture, archeology,and culture;
2. Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local,regional, state,
or national history;
3. Is associated with events that have made a significant impact in our past;
4. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type,period, or method of construction;
5. Represents the work of a master designer,builder, or craftsman;and/or
6. Represents an established and familiar visual feature of the neighborhood or city.
REZONING APPLICATION AND PROCESS
A rezoning request for a Historic Preservation Overlay District(HP)will have to provide all of the information
typical for a rezoning(e.g.,legal property description),and will follow the typical process for a rezoning,with a few
additions.
Application
First and foremost,historic surveys and inventories will be necessary to determine what physically contributes to the
historic story of College Station. The City has invested in this process by hiring Quimby McCoy Preservation
Architecture to perform"windshield" surveys of two of the oldest areas in town—the neighborhoods to the east
and south of the Texas A&M University campus. The consultant will be able to identify areas of potential
significance and will make recommendations for further research and possible inclusion in a historic district. In
addition to an inventory and survey,application requests for an HP rezoning shall provide:
1. A current photograph of each property included in the rezoning,and its improvements;
2. Historical photographs;and
3. Other documentary evidence regarding the historic,architectural, or cultural importance of the proposed historic
district.
Preapplication
Process Conference
Review and Report by Historic Preservation Officer
An application for a Historic Preservation Overlay District zoning shall be reviewed by the i
Historic Preservation Officer (HPO),who shall review the proposed amendment in light of
the Comprehensive Plan,subject to typical rezoning criteria (described in Section 3.2 Zoning Application
Submittal
Map Amendment of the Unified Development Ordinance) and those criteria outlined above in Staff
"Historic Preservation Overlay District". The HPO will evaluate if the proposed rezoning Review
contains property(ies) and an environmental setting which meets one or more of the criteria
for designation of a landmark or historic district and/or constitutes a distinct section of the Landmark
Commission
City of College Station. The HPO will then give a report to the Landmark Commission at a \
scheduled public hearing.
/ 1
Planning 6
Referral To Landmark Commission Zoning
The Historic Preservation Officer,upon receipt of petition to amend the Official Zoning Map Commission
in regards to the Historic Preservation Overlay District,shall refer the same to the Landmark
Commission for study,hearing, and report. The Planning and Zoning Commission may not
hold a public hearing or make a report to the City Council until it has received a report from
the Landmark Commission. City
Council
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Recommendation by Landmark Commission
The Landmark Commission shall publish,post, and mail public notice of the public hearing for their consideration
of a Historic Preservation Overlay rezoning. The Landmark Commission shall hold a public hearing and
recommend to the Planning and Zoning Commission such action as the Landmark Commission deems proper.
Referral To Planning and Zoning Commission
For a petition to amend the Official Zoning Map in regards to Historic Preservation Overlay District, the Historic
Preservation Officer shall refer the same to the Planning and Zoning Commission for study,hearing, and report
with the report of the Landmark Commission. The City Council may not enact the proposed amendment until the
Planning and Zoning Commission makes its report to the City Council.
The process then becomes the same as a regular rezoning. The Planning and Zoning Commission will advertise and
hold a public hearing, consider the application,and evaluate it based upon input from the Historic Preservation
Officer,the Landmark Commission, and the public, and the rezoning and Historic Preservation Overlay District
criteria. They will forward their recommendation to the City Council,who will advertise and hold a public hearing
and take all of the information and recommendations into consideration before making a final decision.
Effect of Historic Preservation Overlay District Zoning Upon Official Public Records
Upon designation of a property with a Historic Preservation Overlay District, the City Council shall cause the
designation to be recorded in the Official Public Records of Real Property of Brazos County, the tax records of the
City of College Station, and the Brazos County Appraisal District as well as the official zoning map of the City of
College Station.
CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS
Applicability
No person shall carry out any construction,reconstruction, alteration,restoration,rehabilitation,relocation, or
demolition of any structure or any property within a Historic Preservation Overlay District,nor shall any person
make any material change in the light fixtures, signs, sidewalks, fences, steps,paving,or other exterior elements
visible from a public right-of-way which affects the appearance and cohesiveness of any structure or any property
within a Historic Preservation Overlay District.
No building permit shall be issued for proposed work within a Historic Preservation Overlay District until a
certificate of appropriateness that will be required by the Unified Development Ordinance has first been issued by
the Landmark Commission. The certificate of appropriateness shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any building
permit that may be required by any other ordinance of the City of College Station.
No permit for the demolition of a historic landmark or property within a historic district,including secondary
buildings and landscape features, shall be granted by the Building Official without the review of a completed
application for a certificate of appropriateness by the Landmark Commission.
Application Requirements
A complete application for Certificate of Appropriateness approval shall be submitted to the Administrator and shall
include,where applicable:
1. Detailed description of proposed work;
2. Proposed building plans (this will not constitute a building plan submittal for review for a building permit);
3. Landscaping plans;
4. Landscape protection plans;
5. Location and photographs of the property and adjacent properties;
6. Elevation drawings of the proposed changed,if available;
7. Samples of materials to be used;
8. Specifications for architectural features and materials;and
9. Any other information that the Commission may deem necessary in order to visualize proposed work.
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Process
Preapplication Conference
Prior to the submission of an application for certificate of appropriateness, all potential applicants may request a
preapplication conference with the Administrator. The purpose of the conference is to respond to any questions
that the applicant may have regarding any application procedures, standards, or regulations required by the Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO);however,they do not fulfill the requirements for formal review or submittal as set
forth in the UDO.
Review and Report by the Historic Preservation Officer application
If the proposed plan is determined to be consistent with all applicable provisions of the Submittal
Unified Development Ordinance and the City's Comprehensive Plan, or if the plan is r Staff
recommended for denial or conditional approval, the Historic Preservation Officer shall report * Review
such consistency,inconsistency,or proposed conditions to the Landmark Commission. Completeness
Review
Review by the Landmark Commission
The Landmark Commission shall review the plan in a public meeting and may approve,
approve with conditions, or deny the application. If the Landmark Commission requires
additional information than that presented at a meeting,a decision may be postponed until a Landmark
specified date when the specified information may be provided. Notice shall be provided by commission
publication of the agenda of the meeting.
Final Action by the Landmark Commission
If the proposed plan is determined to be consistent with all applicable provisions of the Unified Development
Ordinance,including the applicable district provisions of the Historic Preservation Overlay District(see above),and
the review criteria below,the Landmark Commission shall approve the plan. A determination that all such
requirements and provision have not been satisfied shall result in disapproval of the plan.
Criteria for Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness
In considering an application for a certificate of appropriateness, the Landmark Commission shall be guided by any
adopted design guidelines and the following from The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation of
Historic Buildings:
1. Every reasonable effort shall be made to adapt the property in a manner`which requires minimal alteration of
the building, structure, object, or site and its environment.
2. The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure, object, or site and its environment shall
not be destroyed.The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should
be avoided when possible.
3. All buildings, structures, objects,and sites shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that
have no historical basis and which seek to create and earlier appearance shall be discouraged.
4. Changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a
building, structure,object, or site and its environment. These changes may have acquired significance in their
own right, and this significance shall be recognized and respected.
5. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a building, structure, object,
or site shall be kept where possible.
6. Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced,wherever possible. In the event
replacement is necessary,the new material should reflect the material being replaced in composition,design,
color,texture, and other visual qualities.
7. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplications of features,
substantiated by historical,physical, or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of
different architectural elements form other buildings or structures.
8. The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible. Sandblasting and other
cleaning methods that will damage the historic building materials shall not be undertaken.
9. Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve archeological resources affected by, or adjacent
to,any project.
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10. Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing properties shall not be discouraged when such
alterations and additions do not destroy significant historical,architectural, or cultural material, and such design
is compatible with the size, scale, color,material,and character of the property,neighborhood,or environment.
11. Whenever possible,new additions or alterations to buildings, structures, objects, or sites shall be done in such a
manner that if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of
the building, structure, object,or site would be unimpaired.
Expiration of Approval
For plans that do not require the issuance of a building permit,work to complete the plans shall commence and be
completed within twenty-four(24) months. The Historic Preservation Officer may authorize a single extension of a
certificate of appropriateness up to six (6) months upon demonstration of substantial progress and the lack of
changed or changing conditions in the area.
For plans that require the issuance of a building permit,if a building permit has not been issued for the proposed
work within twenty-four(24) months, the Historic Preservation Officer may authorize a single extension of a
certificate of appropriateness up to six (6) months upon demonstration of the lack of changed or changing
conditions in the area. A certificate of appropriateness shall be valid as long as there is a valid building permit.
Economic Hardship Application and Process
After the denial of a certificate of appropriateness from the Landmark Commission,an applicant may commence
the hardship process. No building permit or demolition permit shall be issued unless the Landmark Commission
makes a finding that hardship exists.
Application
A complete application for claim of economic hardship shall be submitted to the Administrator. The Historic
Preservation Officer will review the application for completeness and forward it to the Landmark Commission for
their consideration.
Action by the Landmark Commission
1. Public Hearing
Following notice in accordance with the Unified Development Ordinance Section 3.1.F Required Public Notice,
the Landmark Commission shall hold a public hearing.
2. Economic Hardship Review
Following the hearing, the Landmark Commission has thirty (30) days in which to prepare a statement of
finding to the Building Official, stating the reasons for granting or denying the hardship application. If no action
has been taken by the Landmark Commission within thirty(30) days, such application shall be deemed granted
by the Commission.
3. Criteria for Finding of Economic Hardship
When a claim of economic hardship is made due to the effect of the Unified Development Ordinance regarding
certificates of appropriateness, the owner must prove that:
• The property is incapable of earning a reasonable return,regardless of whether that return represents the
most profitable return possible;
• The property cannot be adapted for any other use,whether by the current owner or by a purchaser,which
would result in a reasonable return;and
• Efforts to find a purchaser interested in acquiring the property and preserving it have failed.
• The applicant shall consult in good faith with the Landmark Commission,local preservation groups, and
interested parties in a diligent effort to seek an alternative that will result in preservation of the property.
Such efforts must be shown to the Landmark Commission.
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Appeals
An applicant for a certificate of appropriateness or finding of economic hardship dissatisfied with the action of the
Landmark Commission related to the issuance or denial of a certificate of appropriateness or finding of economic
hardship shall have the right to appeal to the City Council within thirty (30) calendar days after the date of such
action.
Ordinary Maintenance
Nothing in the ordinance shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance and repair of any exterior
architectural feature of a property within a historic district which does not involved a change in design,material, or
outward appearance. In-kind replacement or repair is included in this definition of ordinary maintenance.
Demolition by Neglect
No owner or person with an interest in real property included within a historic district shall permit the property to
fall into a serious state of disrepair so as to result in the deterioration of any exterior architectural feature which
would,in the judgment of the Landmark Commission,produce a detrimental effect upon the character of the
historic district as a whole or the life and character of the property itself. Examples of such deterioration include:
1. Deterioration of exterior walls or other vertical supports.
2. Deterioration of roof or other horizontal members.
3. Deterioration of exterior chimneys.
4. Deterioration or crumbling of exterior stucco or mortar.
5. Ineffective waterproofing of exterior walls,roof, or foundations,including broken windows or doors.
6. Deterioration of any feature so as to create a hazardous condition which could lead to the claim that demolition
is necessary for the public safety.
Temporary Emergency Repairs
If the Building Official determines that a building or structures in a Historic Preservation Overlay District poses an
immediate threat to persons or property, the Building Official may order or conduct any temporary emergency
repairs necessary to make the building or structure safe without the requirement of a certificate of appropriateness.
The Building Official shall send a written report of such temporary emergency repairs to the Landmark
Commission. However, once such temporary emergency repairs have been completed,no further work may be
done on the building or structure unless a certificate of appropriateness is obtained.
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April 18, 2008 Pre-registration Deadline for Texas Historic Commission
Annual Historic Preservation Conference
May 1-3, 2008 Texas Historic Commission
Annual Historic Preservation Conference
Corpus Christi, Texas
10. Possible action and discussion on future agenda items -A Historic Preservation Member
may inquire about a subject for which notice has not been given. A statement of specific
factual information or the recitation of existing policy may be given. Any deliberation
shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on an agenda for a subsequent meeting.
11. Adjourn.
(c) Funds for Certified Local Governments. The Act provides that at least 10% of the
State s annual Historic Preservation Fund allocation from the Department of the
Interior shall be designated for transfer to Certified Local Government programs.
Although all Certified Local Governments shall be eligible to receive funds from this
allocation,there is no requirement that funds be awarded to all local governments that
are eligible.
(d) The need for rules. The following rules provide the procedures by which local
governments may become Certified Local Governments and by which application
may be made for federal funds. The rules are also intended to assure that the
performance of a certified local government is consistent with the identification,
evaluation, and preservation priorities of the Texas Historical Commission s
statewide, comprehensive, historic preservation planning process.
(e) County participation. Counties shall participate in the Certified Local Government
process through compliance with the Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 318,
which empowers the Commissioners Court of each county to appoint a County
Historical Commission, and specifies the duties of such a commission.
(f) Minimum requirements for certification of local governments.
(1) Cities and towns shall enforce appropriate state and local legislation for the
designation and protection of historic properties. Ordinances of these
municipal governments shall provide for the following:
\/ (A) authorization for historic preservation under the Texas Local
Government Code, Chapter 211, Municipal Zoning Authority as
amended;
2
(B) statement of purpose and evidence of substantial achievement in
carrying out same;
(C) designation of a city official, staff person, or other appropriate
resident of the municipal entity as local preservation officer;
(D) establishment by ordinance of a review commission, board, or
committee for historic preservation and the granting of specified
powers to it;
(E) definition of the process and criteria for the designation of historic
districts or individual historic properties with clear delineation of
the legal boundaries of such designated resources,
(F) establishment of standards and criteria for the review of alterations,
demolition, or new construction in designated historic districts or
to individual historic landmarks, such as with the adoption of the
Secretary of the Interior s Standards for Historic Preservation
Projects and/or the Standards for Rehabilitation;
(G) provision for delaying the demolition of an individual property in
a designated district for a period of no less than sixty days; and
(H) provision for penalties for noncompliance, and right to due
process.
(2) Counties shall enforce appropriate state legislation for the protection of
historic properties. By-laws adopted by an appointed County Historical
Commission shall provide for the following:
(A) designation of a county official, staff person, or other appropriate
resident of the county as local preservation officer;
(B) statement of purpose;
(C) establishment of a review board or committee for historic
preservation and the granting of specified responsibilities to it;
3
(D) definition of a process of surveying (identifying), evaluating,
registering, documenting and protecting (treatment) of individual
historic properties and districts;
(E)provision for developing and maintaining an inventory of surveyed
(identified) individual historic properties and districts;
(F) establishment of a system for the periodic review of Recorded
Texas Historic Landmarks, State Archaeological Landmarks, or
individual historic properties or districts listed in the National
Register of Historic Places located in the county; and
(G) adoption of the Secretary of the Interior s Standards and
Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation as the
standards for all County Historical Commission activities.
(3) The local government shall establish an adequate and qualified review
commission, board, or committee for historic preservation composed of
professional and lay members. The commission,board, or committee shall
fulfill the following requirements:
(A) the review commission,board, or committee shall have no fewer
than five members and no more than fifteen.
(B) Members of the review commission,board, or committee shall be
residents of the county or municipal entity for which they serve,
and shall represent the general ethnic make-up of that community.
(C) All review commission,board, or committee members shall have a
demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in historic
preservation. To the extent available in the community, the local
government is to appoint professional members from the
disciplines of architecture, history, architectural history, planning,
archeology, or other disciplines related to historic preservation
4
such as urban planning, American studies, American civilization,
cultural geography, or cultural anthropology.
N (D) When a professional in the fields of history, architecture,
architectural history,planning, or archeology is not represented in
the membership of the review commission, board, or committee,
then the commission,board, or committee shall seek outside
expertise in the appropriate discipline when considering National
Register nominations and actions that will affect historic properties
which are normally evaluated by a professional in such disciplines.
This expertise may be obtained through using a consultant in
advance on each occasion he or she is required. A government may
be certified without the minimum number or types of disciplines
noted in subparagraph (c) of this paragraph ,provided it can
demonstrate to the commission s satisfaction that a reasonable
effort was made to fill those positions, and that such expertise was
not available in the community.
(E)Terms of office shall be staggered, with initial terms of one, two,
and three years to prevent a simultaneous turnover of all review
commission, board, or committee members. Subsequent terms shall
be for a period of at least two years.
(F) Meetings of the review commission,board, or committee shall be
held monthly unless no applications for work have been received,
or unless no commission action is required.
(G) A handbook, approved by the Texas Historical Commission, shall
be provided each commission,board, or committee member.
(H) The review commission, board, or committee shall be represented
each year at a minimum of one informational or educational meeting
which is sponsored by the Texas Historical Commission, and
which pertains to the current work and functions of the review
5
commission,board, or committee or to other related historic
preservation topics. The Texas Historical Commission shall make
available orientation materials and training to all local commissions,
boards, or committees.
(I) Written minutes shall be maintained which record all actions of the
review commission,board, or committee and copies shall be
distributed to the members of the review commission,board, or
committee and to the Texas Historical Commission within sixty
days of the date of a commission,board, or committee meeting.
(J) The review commission,board, or committee shall monitor and
report to the Texas Historical Commission any actions affecting
any county courthouse, Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, State
Archaeological Landmark,National Register property, and any
locally designated landmark.
(4) The local government shall implement and maintain a system for the survey
and inventory of historic properties which shall be coordinated with, and be
complementary to, the historic sites inventory of the Texas Historical
Commission,and which shall be subject to the following provisions.
(A) The program of survey and inventory instituted by the local
government for properties within its jurisdiction shall be approved
by the Texas Historical Commission; it shall be consistent with
statewide, comprehensive, historic preservation planning and other
appropriate planning processes.
(B) All inventory material shall be maintained securely and shall be
accessible to the public, except that the location of archeological
sites shall be withheld to discourage looting.
(C) The survey shall be integrated into the Texas Historical
Commission s planning process, shall be used as part of the
6
process of designating local landmarks, and shall be involved in the
review of National Register nominations.
(D) Inventory information shall be made current periodically to reflect
changes, alterations, and demolitions.
(E)A building-by-building survey and inventory shall be made for each
historic district.
(5) The local government shall provide for public participation in the local historic
preservation program, including the process of nominating properties to the
National Register of Historic Places.
(A) All meetings shall be held in conformance with the Texas Open
Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 551.
(B) Careful minutes shall be kept of all meetings of the review
commission. The reasons for commission, board, or committee
decisions are to be fully stated in the minutes, which are to be kept
on file and available for review by the public.
(6) The local government shall satisfactorily perform the responsibilities
mandated in paragraphs (1-5) of this subsection, and those specifically
delegated to it by the State Historic Preservation Officer. The State Historic
Preservation Officer does not delegate to any Certified Local Government the
authority to nominate properties directly to the National Register of Historic
Places.
) (7) The local government may assume additional responsibilities agreed to by the
State Historic Preservation Officer.
7
(8) The State Historic Preservation Officer, or his designee, shall have a reasonable
opportunity to review all records and materials pertinent to the
implementation of these regulations.
(g) Participation by Certified Local Governments in the process of nominating properties
to the National Register.
(1) All documentation and materials necessary for the nomination of properties to
the National Register of Historic Places shall be received by the National
Register Programs office of the Texas Historic Commission. The department
shall notify the Certified Local Government of proposed nominations if there
is a reasonable certainty that the proposal will result in the implementation of
the nomination process.
(2) If the properties to be nominated lie within the jurisdiction of a Certified Local
Government,the National Register Programs office shall transmit the
nomination materials to the historic preservation review commission,board, or
committee within 30 days after the department has determined that the
nomination materials are complete and correct. This will be accompanied by a
preliminary National Register Programs office staff recommendation in regard
to the form, content, and merit of the proposed nomination.
(3) The historic preservation review commission, board, or committee and the
chief elected official of the Certified Local Government shall separately notify
the National Register Programs office,the owner of the property, and the
applicant as to their opinions in regard to the proposed nomination within 60
days of the receipt of the nomination materials. In the 60 day period, the
Certified Local Government shall provide a reasonable opportunity for public
comment.
8
(4) In the event that the historic preservation review commission, board, or
committee and the chief elected official agree that the proposed nomination
meets the criteria for listing properties on the National Register Programs of
Historic Places,the National Register Programs office will place the proposed
nomination before the State Board of Review at the earliest possible quarterly
meeting for its consideration.
(5) In the event the historic preservation review commission, board, or committee
and the chief elected official disagree that the proposed nomination meets the
criteria for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the National
Register Programs office will place the proposed nomination before the State
Board of Review at the earliest possible quarterly meeting.
(6) In the event the historic preservation review commission, board, or committee
and the chief elected official agree that the proposed nomination does not meet
the criteria for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, the historic
preservation review commission, board, or committee will return the
nomination materials to the National Register Programs office who shall take
no further action unless, within 30 days of the receipt of such nomination
materials to the National Register office, an appeal is filed with the National
Register Programs office. If such an appeal is filed, the National Register
Programs office shall place the nomination before the State Board of Review at
the earliest possible quarterly meeting.
(7) In the case of proposed nominations to the National Register of Historic
Places,the Certified Local Government shall be responsible for:
(A) verification of the accuracy of the nomination including the
names of all owners of properties included in the nomination,
and
9
(B) holding public information meetings concerning the proposed
nomination.
(h) Process for certification of local governments.
(1). The chief elected official of a city or town shall request certification from the
State Historical Preservation Officer. The request for certification shall include
the following:
(A) a written assurance by the local chief elected official that the
local government is fulfilling the standards for certification
outlined in paragraphs (f)(1)-(5) of this section;
(B) a copy of the local historic preservation ordinance,
(C) a list, with appropriate location maps, of areas currently
designated as historic properties under the local ordinance,
along with statements about the historical significance of the
properties,
(D) resumes for each member of the local review commission for
historic preservation including, where appropriate, data
documenting the expertise of members in the professional fields
related to historic preservation, and
(E) a copy of the local historic preservation plan, if available, or a
statement describing the local preservation program including
the activities of survey, designation, and protection.
\(,)'.IThe chief elected official of a county shall request certification from the state
historic preservation officer. The request for certification shall include the
following:
(A) a written assurance by the local chief elected official that the
local government is fulfilling the appropriate standards for
certification outlined in paragraphs (f)(1)-(5) of this section;
10
(B) a copy of the County Historical Commission s by-laws
including designation of a review board or committee with
specific responsibilities as outlined in subsection (f)(1)-(5) of
this section;
(C) a list, with appropriate location maps, of recorded Texas
Historic Landmarks, State Archeological Landmarks, and any
individual properties or districts surveyed(identified) and/or
listed on The National Register of Historic Places with
statements about the historical significance of the properties;
(D) resumes or completed standard forms outlining the experience
of each member of the local review board for the committee for
historic preservation including, where appropriate, data
documenting the expertise of members in the professional fields
related to historic preservation; and
(E) a copy of the local historic preservation plan, if available, or a
statement of goals and objectives for the local preservation
program, including the activities of survey(identification),
evaluation, registration, documentation, and protection
(treatment).
(3) The State Historic Preservation Officer shall respond to the chief elected local
official within 60 days of receipt of an adequately documented written request
for such certification.
(4) The local government shall be certified to participate in the national historic
preservation program when certified by the State Historic Preservation Officer
and the Secretary of the Interior, as follows: When government fulfills the
requirements for certification, that officer will forward the decision to the
United States Secretary of the Interior, or his designee. If the Secretary does
11
not take exception to the request within 15 working days of receipt of such
notice from the State Historic Preservation Officer,the local government shall
be regarded as certified.
(5) Upon approval of a request for certification, according to the approved
certification process, the State Historic Preservation Officer shall prepare a
written certification agreement that lists the specific responsibilities of the
local governments when certified. The following shall be contained within the
written certification agreement:
(A) The four minimum responsibilities required of all Certified
Local Governments as outlined in paragraphs (f)(1)-(5) of this
section.
(B) Any additional responsibilities delegated to all Certified Local
Governments in the State.
(C) Any other delegated responsibilities.
(6) The State Historic Preservation Officer shall forward to the Secretary of the
Interior a copy of the approved request and a copy of the certification
agreement.
(i) Process for monitoring Certified Local Governments.
(1) The State Historic Preservation Officer shall conduct, at least once every 3
years, a review of Certified Local Governments to assure that each government
fulfills its responsibilities as provided for in this section. The State Historic
Preservation Officer or the certified local government may request a review on
an annual or biannual basis with consent from the other party.
(2) The State Historic Preservation Officer shall review the annual review reports
submitted by the local governments and other documents as necessary.
12
(3) The State Historic Preservation Officer shall review reports and documents
pertaining to the fiscal management of Historic Preservation Fund monies.
Auditing will be carried out by state auditors.
(4) The Certified Local Government shall make all relevant records and materials
available to the State Historic Preservation Officer, including copies of all
documentation of expenses.
(5) The performance of the Certified Local Government shall be reviewed by the
State Historic Preservation Officer on the basis of recognized standards for
historic preservation activities. These standards shall include but not be
limited to the Secretary of the Interior s Standards and Guidelines for
Archeology and Historic Preservation; National Register criteria for evaluation
in reviewing the local government s role in the National Register Program; state
survey grant requirements in assessing the local government s execution of the
survey requirement of the Certified Local Government regulations; and the
Secretary of the Interior s Standards for Historic and/or Standards for
Rehabilitation in considering the city s and town s role in overseeing work to
locally designated landmarks and districts.
(j) Process for revoking certification.
(1) If the State Historic Preservation Officer determines that a Certified Local
Government is inadequately fulfilling its responsibilities, the State Historic
Preservation Officer shall document such determination and recommend to the
Certified Local Government steps which may be taken to remove the
inadequacy.
(2) The Certified Local Government shall have between 30 and 120 days, the
exact number to be set at the discretion of the State Historic Preservation
13
Officer, in which to implement improvements and corrections acceptable to
the State Historic Preservation Officer.
(3) If, after the number of days set in paragraph (2) of this subsection
improvement has not occurred,that officer shall recommend to the Secretary
of the Interior the revocation of certification of the Certified Local
Government, citing specific reasons for the recommendation.
(4) Upon the revocation of certification by the Secretary of the Interior,the State
Historic Preservation Officer shall begin procedures for the suspension and
termination of financial assistance to that local governmental entity in
accordance with the National Register Programs Manual.
(k) Eligibility for receipt of historic preservation funds.
(1) Any Certified Local Government shall be eligible to apply for, and to receive,
grants from the local share of the state s Historic Preservation Fund which is
allocated annually. Any year in which the total appropriation for state grants
from the Historic Preservation Fund exceeds $65,000,000, one-half of the
excess shall also be transferred to Certified Local Governments according to
procedures to be provided by the secretary.
(A) Certified Local Governments receiving Historic Preservation
Fund monies shall be considered subgrantees of the State of
Texas.
(B) Historic Preservation Fund monies allocated to Certified Local
Governments may not be applied as matching shares for any
other federal grant.
(2) Historic Preservation Fund monies allocated to Certified Local Governments
are to be used only for activities that are eligible for Historic Preservation
14
Fund assistance and that are consistent with a statewide comprehensive
historic preservation planning process.
(1) Federal requirements for state and local financial responsibility.
(1) Local financial management systems of a Certified Local Government shall be
run in accordance with the federal Office of Management and Budget Circular
A-102, Attachment G, Standards for Grantee Financial Management
Systems.
(2) Local financial management systems shall be auditable in accordance with the
General Accounting Office s Standards for Audit of Governmental
Organizations, Programs, Activities, and Functions.
(3) The state acknowledges its responsibility, through financial audit, for the
proper accounting of the Historic Preservation Fund share Management and
Budget Circular A-102, Attachment P, Audit Requirements.
(4) Certified Local Governments shall adhere to all requirements of the National
Park Service s National Register Programs Manual.
(A) Indirect costs may be charged as part of a grant to a Certified
Local Government only if that government s subgrantee meets
the requirements of the National Register Programs Manual.
(B) Unless the Certified Local Government has a current indirect
cost rate approved by the cognizant federal agency, only direct
costs may be claimed.
(5) The state and the Certified Local Government shall adhere to all requirements
mandated by the United States Congress regarding the use of allocated federal
and matching funds for this program.
15
(6) The Texas Historical Commission shall ensure that the funds awarded to any
applicant are sufficient to produce a specific impact. The funds must be
sufficient to generate effects directly as a result of the grant to the local
government. The requirement for producing measurable results may not be
waived even if there are many otherwise eligible applicants.
(7) The Texas Historical Commission shall make a reasonable effort to distribute
these monies among the maximum number of eligible local jurisdictions to the
extent that such distribution is consistent with 36CFR61.7 (f) (1). The State
shall make a reasonable effort to ensure that there is a reasonable distribution
of monies between urban and rural areas, and that no Certified Local
Government receives a disproportionate share of allocation.
(m) Application procedures for grants.
(1) The pre-application form.
(A) Certified Local Governments seeking grant assistance must file
a signed pre-application form with the Texas Historical
Commission, from which blank forms can be obtained, in order
to be eligible.
(B) A pre-application form should briefly describe the need, the
proposed work, probable professionals to be involved,
expected costs with matching capabilities, anticipated project
duration, and any deadlines and specific schedules the applicant
will adhere to. If a grant is awarded, a project proposal for
specific work based upon a set time schedule will be required
for review and approval prior to project commencement.
(C) The deadline for receipt of these completed pre-application
forms at the office of the Texas Historical Commission is
16
normally June 1 of each year, but for current deadlines, contact
the Certified Local Government office of the Texas Historical
Commission.
(D) As with other grants allocated through the Texas Historical
Commission, these grants must be matched on a 50-50 basis.
Since the funding is federal in origin, only nonfederal monies
may be used as a match, with the exception of General Revenue
Sharing and Community Development Block Grant monies.
(E) Funding decisions for the allocation of Certified Local
Government monies shall be based upon consideration by the
Texas Historical Commission of popular support for the local
historic preservation program, the level of historic preservation
activity on the part of the local commission, including the
designation of local landmarks and the survey of the
community s historic resources; as well as other factors deemed
appropriate by the Texas Historical Commission.
(F) Funds will be allocated to Certified Local Governments on a
competitive basis based upon priorities of the State Historic
Preservation Officer and the State Historic Preservation Plan.
Such priorities may be subject to change based upon changes in
federal historic preservation program priorities. Review of
applications will focus on but will not be limited to the
administration of the local historic preservation program with
respect to continued survey activity, evaluation of National
Register nominations, and implementation of a local historic
preservation plan and landmark designation authority.
(G) Announcement of the allocation and award of Certified Local
Government Grants will be made by the Texas Historical
Commission as early as possible in each fiscal year, but because
17
the actual date of this award is dependent upon federal funding,
the date of announcement may vary from year to year. A rigid
time schedule for completing projects should therefore, not be
proposed.
(H) The criteria for evaluation and the final ranking of all pre-
applications with their respective allocations from the
Commission,will be available upon request.
(2) The project proposal.
(A) Each grant award is contingent upon submittal of an acceptable
project proposal within two months of the date of
announcement. Grant awards for projects failing to submit an
acceptable project proposal by this deadline will automatically
revert to the Texas Historical Commission.
(B) The project proposal shall describe in detail what is to be
accomplished with the grant award, and shall be submitted for
the approval of the Texas Historical Commission prior to
project implementation. This proposal is to include:
(i) a description of the existing circumstances prompting
the need for this grant,
(ii) a description of the scope of the proposed work that
can be expected to be accomplished,
(iii) a listing of project personnel and their professional
qualifications, and
(iv) a budget summary and a detailed budget breakdown and
narrative. A budget narrative is to accompany the
proposed budget and explain expenditures by item.
-µms
Calculations justifying all entries shall be shown, and all
sources of matching funds identified. Applicants are to
18
match the amount requested with nonfederal cash funds
on a 50-50 basis.
(C) Project proposals are to be submitted to the Texas
Historical Commission for review and approval as soon as
feasible in order to expedite the project and to avoid delays
caused by backlogs at the deadline.
(3) Meeting with recipients.
(A) A meeting at the offices of the Texas Historical Commission
will be required for all grant recipients, and will be attended by
the local project supervisor and the grant recipient s fiscal
officer. The purpose of the meeting is to establish priorities and
a timetable for completion, formalize a budget, and draw up
reimbursement procedures.
(B) A time and a date for the meeting will be arranged following
submittal of the project proposal.
(C)No project proposals will be reviewed by the Texas Historical
Commission after the review deadline. No work should begin
prior to receiving, from the Texas Historical Commission, a
written approval of the project proposal. No expenses incurred
before such approval date are reimbursable.
(4) The project contract. A contractual agreement, approved by the office of the
Texas attorney general, specifying the approximate scope of work, a timetable
for completion, and a list of budgetary concerns will be prepared by the Texas
Historical Commission on the basis of the project proposal and consultations
with the grant recipient. This contract shall also contain the minimum
requirements for Certified Local Governments as outlined in paragraphs (f)(1)-
19
(5) of this section. The agreement shall be signed by the parties involved,
including the appropriate legal representatives.
(5) Reimbursement procedures. As the grantee chooses, reimbursement may be
made as a single lump sum at the completion of the project, or periodically
upon receipt of verification of accrued expenditures. In either case the request
for reimbursement submitted to the Texas Historical Commission is to
contain:
(A) a written request for reimbursement listing
(i) the number of the request(1st, 2°d, etc.),
(ii) the project period covered,
(iii)costs previously reported,
(iv) costs presently listed, and
(B)verification of the claimed expenses and proof of payment in
accordance with Federal Management Circular A-87 and Office of
Management and Budget Circular A-102, revised.
(6) Project review. A periodic review will be made by staff of the Texas Historical
Commission to monitor project progress and to assist with difficulties
encountered. Additional reviews may be requested by the Texas Historical
Commission or the local grantee at any time. Following a review, the contract
may be amended by mutual agreement if necessary. Amendments may become
necessary if the project is proceeding more rapidly or slowly than anticipated;
work may be added to, or deleted from, the contract.
(7) Project certification and final report. Twenty-five percent of the money
amount of the grant awards will be retained by the Texas Historical
Commission and paid to the grantee upon certification of the completed
project and receipt of a detailed and documented final report. All material will
20
be reviewed within 21 days of submission to the Texas Historical
Commission.
(8) Fiscal records. The grant recipient is responsible for maintaining all financial
records (receipts, invoices, and timetables) in accordance with Federal
Management Circular A-87 and Office of Management and Budget Circular A-
102, revised, for period of three years beyond the project end date.
21
Revised 7/00
22
THC CLG FAQs
Q. Once the application to become a CLG is submitted, how long does it take to become certified?
The Texas Historical Commission (THC) will respond to the request for certification within sixty (60)
days of receipt of an adequately documented request for certification. If approved by the THC, the
application is then forwarded to the Secretary of the Interior, who has fifteen (15) working days to
respond. If no comment is received, the local government will be considered certified.
Q. What must be included in a historic preservation ordinance?
At a minimum, a local ordinance must include:
\/• A statement of purpose substantially similar to the language in the purpose clause of the state
enabling legislation, Chapter 211 of the Texas Local Government Code Sections 211.001, 211.003,
211.005.
• A clear delineation of any designated historic district boundaries
\• Definitions of appropriate terms used in the ordinance, i.e., alteration, area of influence, ordinary
maintenance, etc.
OfSpecific membership and duties of the historic district commission
N• Mandatory review of exterior alterations and demolitions of designated historic properties
\/• Adoption of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation to be used by the Commission
in reviewing applications for Certificates of Appropriateness
Provision for procedural due process including public hearings and public notification.
• Specific time frames for reviews and consideration of alternatives
• Provisions for noncompliance
` . Who_can be a member of a landmark commission or architectural review board?
`
Members of'tca
he local commission or board must meet certain qualifications. These ikiclude:
V• Having demonstrated interest, competence or knowledge in historic preservation
• To the extent available in the community, members should be preservation-related professionals.
• Must be residents of the county or municipality for which they serve.
Q. What if my community does not have the requisite number of preservation related professionals?
\
v In this case, the local government must demonstrate that it has made a reasonable effort to fill these
positions with a preservation-related professional.
Q. What are the duties of a landmark commission or architectural review board?
At a minimum, duties of a local commission or board must include:
\• Conducting a continuing survey of cultural resources in the community according to guidelines
established by the THC
N• Establishing written guidelines for the preservation of structures designated as historic under local or
state legislation. Also judging compatibility of requests for permits of alteration or demolition of
designated historic properties. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation shall be the
basic guidelines for review
N. Acting in an advisory role to other officials and departments of local government regarding the
protection of local cultural resources
• Acting as liaison on behalf of the local government to individuals and organizations concerned with
historic preservation
Working toward the continuing education of citizens within the CLG's jurisdiction regarding historic
preservation issues and concerns
V • Reviewing all proposed National Registration nominations for properties within the boundaries of the
CLG's jurisdiction.
e
Qc. often must a landmark commissioner or architectural review board meet?
0.5
The THC requires the landmark commission or architectural review board of a CLG community to meet
once a month unless no business is at hand.
�(oLL.
Q. W ct can I, an average citizen, do to help establish a historic district in my area?
To begin with, you will need to gain the support of both your elected officials and the citizens of your
l potential historic district. Take time to speak to the citizens, hold a public meeting, and explain the
/X` advantages of historic districts.
Remember, a historic district is established to benefit the public. The public is always welcome at
meetings and should be encouraged to attend and participate.
Q. What role does a CLG play in the National Register of Historic Places process?
One of the minimum duties of a landmark commission is to review all proposed National Registration
nominations for properties within the boundaries of the CLG's jurisdiction (CLGs can be administered by
a city or county).
To which laws must CLGs and landmark commissions or architectural review boards pay specific
attention?
Of course, all State and Federal laws are applicable, but specific attention must be paid to Texas Open
Meetings laws, the Freedom of Information Act, gift laws and, naturally, the local historic district
ordinance.
Q. What does "Section 106 Review" mean?
Section 106 refers to a particular part of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 that requires -°
every Federal agency to "take into account" how each of its undertakings could affect historic
properties.
Section 106 Review refers to the federal review process designed to ensure that historic properties are
considered during federal project planning. The review process is administered by the Advisory Council
on Historic Preservation, an independent agency, in consultation with the State Historic Preservation
Officer. The Council must be afforded a reasonable opportunity to comment on such projects. Any
project involving federal funds is subject to Section 106 Review.
It is important to note that Section 106 Review extends to properties that possess significance and are
determined eligible for listing on the National Register, but have not yet been listed.
Q. What are preservation tax incentives?
Preservation tax incentives are available for any qualified project that the Secretary of the Interior
designates as a certified rehabilitation of a certified historic structure. A certified historic structure is
any building that is listed individually in the National Register or located in a registered historic district
and certified as being of historic significance to the district. A certified rehabilitation is any rehabilitation
of a certified historic structure that is certified as being consistent with the historic character of the
property and the district in which it is located. Property owners are eligible for a 20 percent tax credit
on rehabilitation costs if all criteria are met.
To be eligible for tax incentives for rehabilitation, a project must meet the basic tax requirements of the
Internal Revenue Codes as well as the certification requirements.
Q. What is the Purpose of CLG Grants?
The grants are to assist local governments in documenting and promoting the preservation of historic
and archaeological sites. Examples of eligible projects include conducting architectural and
archaeological surveys, nominating properties to the National Register of Historic Places, printing
alking tour booklets, and preparing historic preservation plans.
Q. What can CLG grant money be used for?
These pass-through grants can be used for local historic preservation projects, including surveys of
historic properties/districts, preparation of nominations to the National Register of Historic Places.
Other examples of what Texas CLG grant money has been used for include:
• Surveys of historic areas within a community to establish National Register historic districts
• Cemetery surveys
• Educational workshops
• Development of design guidelines for use by landmark commissions in their review of new
construction and alterations to properties within historic districts
• Preparation of local preservation ordinances
• Preservation plans for the protection of local historic resources
• Walking tour brochures for historic districts and areas
Q. What other criteria govern whether a local historic preservation project is eligible for funding?
There are two other factors that determine if a project is eligible for funding:
• all CLG grants must result in a completed, tangible product and/or measurable result
• all must be carried out in accordance with the applicable Secretary of the Interior's Standards for
Archeology and Historic Preservation (a copy of the Standards may be obtained from the THC)
Q. Who May Apply for the Grants?
sties and counties which have been "certified" by the THC and the National Park Service are eligible to
k apply for grants. Certification includes enforcing state or local historic preservation legislation and
appointing a historic preservation or landmark commission. The THC assists local governments in
meeting certification requirements. There are currently over 40 CLGs in Texas.
Q. What is the Local Government's Responsibility?
) Local governments are required to match the grant amount on a 50/50 basis with local funds,
( donations, and services. They are also required to maintain adequate financial and administrative
records. This is often done by volunteer members of the local historic preservation commission, and
some local governments assign a paid employee to assist with the grant management.
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ADMINISTRATION
.,anitary or heating facilities or other essential equipment ger to the building occupants or those in the proximity of any
required by this code, or because the location of the struc- structure because of explosives,explosive fumes or vapors or
ture constitutes a hazard to the occupants of the structure or the presence of toxic fumes,gases or materials,or operation of
to the public. defective or dangerous equipment, the code official is hereby
authorized and empowered to order and require the occupants
108.1.4 Unlawful structure.An unlawful structure is one
to vacate the premises forthwith.The code official shall cause
found in whole or in part to be occupied by more persons
to be posted at each entrance to such structure a notice reading
than permitted under this code, or was erected, altered or
occupied contrary to law. as follows: "This Structure Is Unsafe and Its Occupancy Has
Been Prohibited by the Code Official."It shall be unlawful for
108.2 Closing of vacant structures.If the structure is vacant any person to enter such structure except for the purpose of
and unfit for human habitation and occupancy, and is not in securing the structure, making the required repairs, removing
danger of structural collapse,the code official is authorized to the hazardous condition or of demolishing the same.
post a placard of condemnation on the premises and order the
structure closed up so as not to be an attractive nuisance.Upon 109.2 Temporary safeguards. Notwithstanding other provi- '
sions of this code,whenever,in the opinion of the code official,
failure of the owner to close up the premises within the time
specified in the order,the code official shall cause the premises there is imminent danger due to an unsafe condition, the code
official shall order the necessary work to be done,including the
to be closed and secured through any available public agency
or by contract or arrangement by private persons and the cost boarding up of openings,to render such structure temporarily
thereof shall be charged against the real estate upon which the safe whether or not the legal procedure herein described has
structure is located and shall be a lien upon such real estate and been instituted;and shall cause such other action to be taken as
the code official deems necessary to meet such emergency.
may be collected by any other legal resource.
108.3 Notice. Whenever the code official has condemned a 109.3 Closing streets. When necessary for public safety, the
structure or equipment under the provisions of this section, code official shall temporarily close structures and close, or
notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place in or about the order the authority having jurisdiction to close, sidewalks,
structure affected by such notice and served on the owner or the streets, public ways and places adjacent to unsafe structures,
person or persons responsible for the structure or equipment in and prohibit the same from being utilized.
dance with Section 107.3.If the notice pertains to equip- 109.4 Emergency repairs.For the purposes of this section,the
.,it shall also be placed on the condemned equipment.The code official shall employ the necessary labor and materials to
notice shall be in the form prescribed in Section 107.2. perform the required work as expeditiously as possible.
108.4 Placarding.Upon failure of the owner or person respon- 109.5 Costs of emergency repairs.Costs incurred in the per-
sible to comply with the notice provisions within the time formance of emergency work shall be paid by the jurisdiction.
given,the code official shall post on the premises or on defec- The legal counsel of the jurisdiction shall institute appropriate
tive equipment a placard bearing the word"Condemned"and a action against the owner of the premises where the unsafe
statement of the penalties provided for occupying the premises, structure is or was located for the recovery of such costs.
operating the equipment or removing the placard.
109.6 Hearing. Any person ordered to take emergency mea-
108.4.1 Placard removal. The code official shall remove sures shall comply with such order forthwith.Any affected per-
the condemnation placard whenever the defect or defects son shall thereafter,upon petition directed to the appeals board,
upon which the condemnation and placarding action were be afforded a hearing as described in this code.
based have been eliminated. Any person who defaces or
removes a condemnation placard without the approval of
the code official shall be subject to the penalties provided by SECTION 110
this code.
DEMOLITION
108.5 Prohibited occupancy. Any occupied structure con-
demned and placarded by the code official shall be vacated as 110.1 General.The code official shall order the owner of any
ordered bythe code ofbyith premises upon which is located any structure,which in the code I
Any person who shall occupy a official's judgment is so old,dilapidated or has become so out
placarded premises or shall operate placarded equipment,and of repair as to be dangerous, unsafe, insanitary or otherwise
any owner or any person responsible for the premises who shall unfit for human habitation or occupancy, and such that it is
let anyone occupy a placarded premises or operate placarded I
unreasonable to repair the structure, to demolish and remove
equipment shall be liable for the penalties provided by this
code. such structure; or if such structure is capable of being made
safe by repairs, to repair and make safe and sanitary or to
demolish and remove at the owner's option;or where there has
SECTION 109 been a cessation of normal construction of any structure for a
EMERGENCY MEASURES period of more than two years, to demolish and remove such
structure.
1,...1 Imminent danger.When,in the opinion of the code offs-
cial,there is imminent danger of failure or collapse of a build 110.2 Notices and orders.All notices and orders shall comply
ing or structure which endangers life,or when any structure or with Section 107.
part of a structure has fallen and life is endangered by the occu- 110.3 Failure to comply. If the owner of a premises fails to
pation of the structure,or when there is actual or potential dan- comply with a demolition order within the time prescribed,the
4 2006 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE® 1