PRESENTER: Presenter
Katie Totman, Historic Preservation Officer
Applicant/Owner: Pamela Johnson
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of the first reading of an ordinance requested by Pamela Johnson granting the historic rehabilitation tax incentive for a period of 10 years for the property at 941 Lee Street, a locally designated historic landmark.
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DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood & Community Planning
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 1
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Case No: HTV26-175
Applicant/Owner:
Pamela Johnson
(830) 310-2498
Staff Contact:
Katie Totman, CNU-A
(830) 221-4086 | ktotman@newbraunfels.gov
The applicant is requesting the historic rehabilitation tax incentive for improvements made to the property at 941 Lee Street, an individually designated historic landmark known as the Schulz-Johnson House.
Chapter 66-57.1 “Incentives” allows a property owner of a historic landmark to apply for the historic rehabilitation tax incentive for a period of 10 years, if the improvements made to the property are of qualifying expenses totaling at least 10 percent of the appraised value of the property. The incentive freezes the taxable value of the property to the assessed value before the improvements were made.
The scope of work for the property included driveway replacement and French drains to help mitigate potential water damage to the property, addition of gutters, HVAC replacement, and repairs/new flooring in the guest house (former original garage to the property). Staff verified that the necessary permits and approvals were obtained for the scope of work.
The rehabilitation work carried out exceeded the 10 percent requirement and is compliant with the issued Certificates of Alteration.
The Historic Landmark Commission (HLC) held a regular hearing on June 9, 2026, to consider Part 1 and Part 2 of the application process as the work had previously been completed, and recommended approval of the request.
ISSUE:
City Council action is required to approve the Historic Tax Rehabilitation Incentive because it requires the adoption of an ordinance.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REFERENCE:
The proposed historic rehabilitation tax incentive is consistent with the following actions from Envision New Braunfels:
• Action 1.6: Incentivize infill development and redevelopment to take advantage of existing infrastructure.
• Action 2.2: Prioritize areas that are best suited for conservation and preservation.
• Action 2.25: Increase resources for historic preservation.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☒Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☐Community Well-Being ☐N/A
• Objective - Adopt the new Land Development Ordinance that implements goals of our residents identified in Envision New Braunfels, including but not limited to protecting historic structures, preserving and increasing green space and tree canopy, protecting natural resources, and safeguarding the character, integrity, and stability of neighborhoods.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The historic rehabilitation tax incentive allows property owners to maintain and improve historic properties.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval. The local historic rehabilitation tax incentive is a benefit the City of New Braunfels offers to owners of historic properties who wish to perform rehabilitative work while maintaining the historic character of their property and ensuring its longevity. It is an incentive to encourage the preservation and long-term maintenance of our community’s historic resources in accordance with the Comprehensive and Strategic Plans.