The Texas Supreme Court has affirmed a First District Court of Appeals judgment that Houston’s preservation ordinance does not constitute zoning and therefore does not violate the City Charter or Chapter 211 of the Texas Local Government Code. The city’s position supporting historic preservation in Houston has now been upheld at every level of the Texas court system. Preservation Houston was among the local, state and national organizations that signed on to an amicus brief supporting the city’s position.
City Council revises Historic Preservation Ordinance
Houston City Council earlier today passed changes to the Historic Preservation Ordinance that will provide applicants with a streamlined process for project approvals and refine the list of projects eligible to receive City of Houston preservation tax incentives. Other revisions include improved remedies for enforcing violations of the preservation ordinance, including Houston's first legal provision to prevent demolition by neglect.