HOUSTON – Houston City Council voted to approve a proposed ordinance that would name six neighborhoods as part of a conservation district pilot program. This comes after a vote was tabled last Wednesday.
The idea behind the measure is to protect neighborhoods without deeds. The conservation district designation will allow property owners in the Independence Heights, Freedmen’s Town, Acres Home, Magnolia Park/Manchester, Pleasantville, and Piney Point (located in District F, not Piney Point Village) neighborhoods to identify the important aspects of their community, to promote new compatible development, and to encourage the “harmonious, orderly, and efficient growth and redevelopment of Houston neighborhoods,” according to a news release from the City of Houston.
The Planning and Development Department defines the district as “an area supported by property owners and designated by the city council in which certain development standards are established to preserve and protect a community’s character and recognize its heritage.”
Under the ordinance, it would require developers to meet some standards including building height or the number of stories of off-street parking and yard parking.
“There is an urgent concern in Houston neighborhoods – particularly among historical neighborhoods of color that do not have established deed restrictions. These neighborhoods are rapidly losing their character and historical significance from demolition and increased development that conflicts with the look and feel of their community,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner after Wednesday’s vote.
Turner said conservation districts are another tool to give property owners a say about the future of their neighborhood.
“This is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and this is not imposed on neighborhoods. The pilot neighborhoods have shown considerable interest in having a flexible preservation tool. From here, we will work with residents and property owners and provide notification and multiple engagement opportunities,” Turner continued.
Turner said during a meeting last Tuesday that those who oppose the measure should have a connection to the neighborhoods.
“If you don’t have a connection with these six, then I don’t think you should trump those people who live there and whose area is being gentrified,” Turner said.
The city says conservation districts may be tailored to the needs of the specific district. Read more about the menu of available standards that each neighborhood can consider.
Houston Planning and Development Department Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a conservation district?
A conservation district is an area supported by property owners and designated by the city council in which certain development standards are established to preserve and protect a community’s character and recognize its heritage. The established standards are tailored to each district according to the area’s character and needs, based on extensive community input. Conservation districts may be appropriate for neighborhoods that have an established character, and architectural or cultural importance, but lack the concentration of original historic materials to qualify for a historic district.
Where can districts be created?
Due to anticipated interest, and to effectively evaluate the program, department staff will undertake several pilot conservation district areas, where community interest has already been expressed. Upon completing efforts in these pilot areas, the director may thereafter recommend amendments to the ordinance.
What elements of a community’s character can a conservation district regulate?
The current proposal for Houston’s conservation districts includes the following list of attributes. A district may include some or all of these standards:
- Building height or number of stories
- Building size and massing, (the general shape and form of the structure)
- Front-facing building features
- Lot size and coverage
- Front and side building setbacks
- Off-street parking and yard parking
- Roofline and pitch
- Paving and hardscape covering
- General site planning (location of primary and secondary structures)
How do conservation districts benefit property owners?
A conservation district offers property owners another option to protect their community’s character and recognize an area’s heritage and cultural significance. It allows the existing property owners to identify the important aspects of their community and provides guidance for others wishing to develop properties sympathetic to the existing fabric and character of the neighborhood.
Another benefit is increased review when federal funding is being used in the community. For example, properties in conservation districts may receive significant increases in disaster relief funding.
