Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Caleb Gasparek, Historic Preservation Officer
Contact Info
(830) 221-4086 - CGasparek@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Presentation and briefing regarding proposed amendments to Chapter 66 Historic Preservation for the protection and preservation of historic trees within historic districts and historic landmarks.
Body
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
In the summer of 2020, City staff was approached by residents of the Sophienburg Hill Historic District and the Historic Landmark Commission (HLC) with a request to amend Chapter 66 to include guidelines and protection measures for historic and heritage trees within the City’s historic districts and historic landmarks.
The City’s current tree preservation ordinance only applies to commercial properties and excludes residential properties. The HLC and others have been concerned about removal of trees in various historic districts. In response, staff prepared some draft edits to the Historic Preservation Ordinance to provide protection measures for certain trees in historic districts and landmarks, while providing a framework for the removal and replacement of trees.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
|
City Plan/Council Priority: Envision New Braunfels Comprehensive Plan |
Action 1.11: Update policies and codes to achieve development patterns that implement the goals of this plan. Action 1.2: Create plans for neighborhoods and transitional areas to maintain quality of life. Action 2.2: Prioritize areas that are best suited for conservation and preservation. Action 2.25: Increase resources for historic preservation. Action 5.17: Review and update Tree and Landscape ordinances to ensure New Braunfels remains a green city and expands its tree canopy. Action 7.14: Increase tree canopy for increased shade to encourage walking |
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposed draft includes a tree mitigation fund as an option which can be used to plant and maintain trees within historic districts, historic landmarks, open spaces, and city parks.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
The draft ordinance amendments were reviewed and recommended for approval by the Historic Landmark Commission at their November meeting, and by the Parks Board (which also serves as the City’s Tree Board) at their December meeting.