HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes HARC 07.27.2023Minutes of the
Historic and Architectural Review Commission
City of Georgetown, Texas
Thursday, July 27, 2023
The Georgetown Historic and Architectural Review Commission met on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at
6:00 PM at Council and Court Building, 510 W 9th Street.
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The following Members were in attendance:
Present were: Lawrence Romero, Linda C Burns, Michael J Walton, Evan Hein, Alton Martin,
William J Harris
Public Wishing to Address the Board
On a subject that is posted on this agenda: Please fill out a speaker registration form which can be found on the
table at the entrance to the meeting room. Clearly print your name and the letter of the item on which you
wish to speak and present it to the Board Liaison prior to the start of the meeting. You will be called forward to
speak when the Board considers that item. Only persons who have delivered the speaker form prior to the
meeting being called to order may speak. Speakers will be allowed up to three minutes to speak. If you wish to
speak for six minutes, it is permissible to use another requestor's granted time to speak. No more than six
minutes for a speaker may be granted. The requestor granting time to another speaker must also submit a form
and be present at the meeting.
On a subject not posted on the agenda: A request must be received by the Advisory Board or Commission
Liaison prior to the day the agenda for this mee ng is posted. Each speaker will be given three minutes to
address the Board or Commission members. No action can be taken.
1. Regular Session
1.A Meeting Minutes
Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the July 13, 2023
regular meeting of the Historic and Architectural Review Commission -- Jessica
Lemanski, Planning Specialist
Moved by Alton Martin; seconded by Lawrence Romero to Approve Item 1.A.
Motion Approved: 4- 0
Voting For: Lawrence Romero, Linda C Burns, Michael J Walton, Alton Martin
Voting Against: None
1.13 Training and Discussion on Residential Fence Regulations in the Historic
Overlay Districts
Training on fence regulations presented by staff with discussion -- Maddison O'Kelley,
Preservation and Redevelopment Manager
Maddison O'Kelley presented the fence training materials to the Commission.
Discussion on screening definition.
Clarification on when fence requests are brought before HARC. If a fence meets all
Design Guidelines and UDC requirements, HARC does not have purview over the fence.
If a fence does not meet either the guidelines or the UDC, HARC reviews the fence. there
are additional steps that may be required of the applicant following HARC's decision.
Discussion on differences between Design Guidelines and Unified Development Code
requirements.
O'Kelley noted that fences abutting an arterial roadway do not require HARC's approval.
The only arterial roadway in Old Town is University Avenue. Discussion on road
classification of 15th Street.
Discussion on relationship between Design Guidelines, UDC, and International Building
Code.
Discussion on application of design guidelines in HARC's consideration of fence
requests. Chair Walton noted that criteria 1 is an important element to consider in
these requests. There have been instances where additional relevant information is
presented by the applicant at the meeting that could have an effect on HARC's
consideration of the request.
Chair Walton clarified that there is no "precedence" set by HARC decisions, as each
request is looked at individually and considered independently.
Commissioner Martin noted that fences tend to be emotionally charged requests, and he
intends to abide by the rules and regulations laid out within the Code and Design
Guidelines. He would like to help applicants understand their options.
Discussion on allowed materials. HARC has the authority to allow unapproved materials
should they feel there is justification for the request.
Clarification of repair and replacement of fences. O'Kelley noted that up to 30% of a
fence can be replaced without a permit of COA. There are also certain allowances for
rear yard replacements. Discussion on repair and replacement and legal non-
conformance.
Commissioner Romero and Chair Walton request that guidelines and available options
are clearly communicated to applicants and citizens in general, whether that be through
code or communication with the office.
No action was taken by the Commission on this item.
1.0 2023-18-COA (1304 E. University Avenue)
This item has been postponed to the August 10th regular meeting. No action was taken
by the Commission on this item.
A recording of this meeting is available via a public information request on the City's
website (Georgetown.org).
Adjournment
These mut s were approved at the meeting of
Chair
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Attest