HISTORIC PRESERVATION APPEALS BOARD (HPAB)

Board Meetings

The Historic Preservation Appeals Board will meet in a combined training with the Historic Commission on May 18, 2023 at 1 p.m. See agenda at https://www.houstontx.gov/planning/Commissions/HAHC.html.

After September 1, 2021, the Houston Preservation Appeals Board (HPAB) will conduct meetings at the City Hall Annex in accordance with the provisions of Section 551.127 of the Texas Government Code. The Chair will be present in the room, though staff, board members, and the public may attend in person, or through a video conference link using Microsoft Teams.

To join the meeting, please see the following options:

  • In-person meeting at: 900 Bagby Street, City Council Chamber, Public Level, Houston, Texas
  • Join Microsoft Teams Meeting via the web

Note: Scheduled meetings are held only if there is a posted agenda.

July 31, 2023 Agenda

I. Approval of the June 26, 2023 Historic Preservation Appeals Board Minutes and
II. Consideration of and possible action on an appeal of the decision of the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission on June 29, 2023 for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 1113 Tulane St in Houston Heights West Historic District
III. Public Comment
IV. Adjournment

The Houston Archeological and Historic Commission reserves the right to convene an Executive Session on any item listed on this agenda as authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Gov’t Code Chapter 551, under any applicable exception, including but not limited to Sec. 551.071, Consultation with Attorney.

Getting Started

Download the Microsoft TEAMs program application for free at https://products.office.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/download-app. Please note that your computer requires speakers and a microphone in order to use Microsoft Teams. A free smartphone version of this app is also available from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Basic Virtual Meeting Instructions

  • Join the meeting via the link or by phone.
  • After joining, stay muted to minimize background disruptions. Please turn off your video to minimize transmission delays and protect your privacy.
  • If you are recognized by the Chair to speak, unmute yourself and consider turning on the app’s video during your speaking time.
  • State your name, spell your last name if requested, and make your comments in the specified time allowed. Say if you are in support, against, or undecided, and conclude when prompted.
  • To mute or unmute yourself on the phone, press *6. On the computer, use the microphone icon.
  • Please turn off your video after speaking. Remember, your image and background are made public.

Public Comments

The public may address the Historic Board on agenda items. Please submit comments or sign up to speak at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. All comments are made part of the public meeting record.

  • Submit comments on an item via email to historicpreservation@houstontx.gov.
  • You may also call the Historic staff at 832-393-6556. A staff member will take your comments, which will be read and included in the public record.
  • The Appellant will be allowed to speak first and is allowed five minutes for an opening presentation. All other speakers will be called on in the order of sign up and can speak for one minute. See agenda for speaker guidelines.

Exhibits

If you have materials or graphic information for the Historic Board to consider, submit it via email to historicpreservation@houstontx.gov 24 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting for it to be included in the final agenda packet.

Concluding the Virtual Meeting

Please hang up or disconnect to leave the meeting.

Questions? Contact the Planning Department at 832-393-6600 or email us at planningdepartment@houstontx.gov.

About the Board

The Historic Preservation Appeals Board (HPAB) is a 5-member board that hears appeals of decisions by the Houston Archaeological & Historical Commission (HAHC).

An applicant may appeal the decision of the HAHC by filing a written notice of appeal within 10 days of the HAHC decision (for demolitions, between 90-120 days after the HAHC decision). The written notice of appeal must include the grounds for the appeal and any supplemental material the appellant wishes the Board to review. The HPAB will not consider new information introduced at the hearing itself. Please see the adopted HPAB Procedural Rules (.pdf).

An email to the Planning & Development Department Houston Office of Preservation (HOP) staff is sufficient as written notice. Once an appeal request is received, staff schedules the hearing within 45 days, and notifies all parties of the date and time. The appellant is required to post a public notice sign on the property no later than 10 days prior to the hearing. See sign requirements (.pdf).

The HPAB may find in favor of the appellant, or uphold the decision of HAHC. In order to preserve the right to further appeal to City Council, the appellant may choose to hire a court reporter at the applicant’s expense.

Board Members

  • Truman Edminster, Position One
  • J.D. Bartell, Position Two, Chair
  • Douglas Elliott, Position Three, Vice Chair
  • Rob Hellyer, Position Four
  • Libby Viera Bland, Position Five

Ex-Officio Members

  • Samantha Bruer, Archivist, Houston Metropolitan Research Center

Executive Secretary

  • Margaret Wallace Brown – Director, Planning and Development, or
  • Jennifer Ostlind - Deputy Director, Planning and Development

Meeting Documents

Minutes

2023 HPAB Meeting Minutes

February 27, 2023 | May 18 Training Minutes| June 26, 2023

2022 HPAB Meeting Minutes

February 28, 2022 | October 10, 2022

2021 HPAB Meeting Minutes

February 8, 2021 | March 15, 2021 | May 10, 2021 | June 21, 2021 | September 13, 2021

2020 HPAB Meeting Minutes

January 13, 2020 | August 10, 2020

2019 HPAB Meeting Minutes

| September 30, 2019 | June 24, 2019 | April 29, 2019 | April 8, 2019 | October 21, 2019

2018 HPAB Meeting Minutes

| July 10, 2018 | April 5, 2018

2017 HPAB Meeting Minutes

| November 20, 2017 | March 9, 2017

2016 HPAB Meeting Minutes

| September 29, 2016 | May 26, 2016 | March 3, 2016

 

→ Click here to view the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission (HAHC)