Historic Preservation Commission

Introduction

Established in 2023, the Historic Preservation Commission shall have exclusive authority to approve the designations of properties as local historic landmarks and the inclusion of properties in a local historic district pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, § 211.0165. The Commission shall be empowered to:

  • Adopt criteria for the evaluation of significance of historic landmarks and rules for the delineation of historic district boundaries, subject to approval by the city council.
  • Review and act on the designation of historic landmarks and the delineation of historic districts, subject to approval by the city council.
  • Recommend and confer recognition upon the owners of historic landmarks or properties within historic districts by means of certificates, plaques, or markers.
  • Review and recommend to city council and other applicable city boards and commissions all proposed changes to the zoning ordinance, building code, comprehensive plan or other adopted policies of the city that may affect historic preservation.
  • Implement and maintain a system of survey or inventory of significant historic, architectural, and cultural properties or resources and all properties located within designated historic districts located in the city.
  • Monitor and report to the Texas Historical Commission all actions affecting any Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, State Archaeological Landmark, National Register property, and any locally designated property, as deemed necessary.
  • Create sub-committees from among its membership and delegate to these committees such responsibilities as necessary to carry out the duties of the commission.
  • Increase public awareness of the value of historic, cultural, and architectural preservation by developing and participating in public education programs.
  • Review and act on all certificate of appropriateness applications.
  • Review and act on all appeals on action taken by the historic preservation officer regarding the administrative review of certificate of appropriateness applications.
  • Develop, prepare, and adopt specific design guidelines, subject to approval by the city council, for use in the review of all certificates of appropriateness applications.
  • Recommend to city council the acquisition of historic properties endangered by demolition where their preservation is essential to the purpose of this division and where private preservation is not feasible.
  • Propose incentive program(s) to city council for the owners of historic properties.

Rules and Regulations

Commission Membership

The City Council appoints the five members of the Commission. The Council shall attempt to maintain a balance of interest and skills on the Commission by assessing the individual qualifications of the candidates, including, but not limited to, their knowledge and demonstrated interest in preservation-related fields such as architecture, history, archaeology, planning, or urban or community design. All members shall have a knowledge of and demonstrated interest in historic preservation.  

Members

Vacant (Chair)

Appointment: 
Term expires: February 2027

Kay Peebles (Vice Chair)

Appointment: 2024
Term expires: February 2026

Frances Sorrow

Appointment: 2024
Term expires: February 2027

Lea Bowman

Appointment: 2024
Term expires: February 2026

Vacant

Appointment: 
Term expires: February 2027

Meetings

The Historic Preservation Commission meets monthly on the first Wednesday at 6pm. See the City website calendar for upcoming meeting dates.