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NOMINATION & DESIGNATION <br />FINDINGS <br />1. 2019 My Historic SMTX survey <br />provided solid recommendations for <br />one new NRHP district and multiple <br />district expansions. <br />2. There is over a 15-year gap between <br />the NRHP listing of three of the found <br />NRHP Historic Districts in San Marcos. <br />3. Currently, City Code and available <br />resources do not provide a clear path <br />to local designation. <br />4. Since the criteria for eligibility for local <br />landmark designation was updated <br />after 2019, many more properties are <br />likely eligible for local designation. <br />5. Currently, only one local historic <br />landmark is privately owned, <br />suggesting incentives and/or <br />information about designation is <br />lacking. <br />CASE STUDY: <br />AUSTIN'S TREE ORDINANCE <br />Administered by the City Arborist <br />appointed by the Planning and <br />Development Review Department, <br />a Heritage Tree has a diameter of 24 <br />inches or more, measured 4.5 feet <br />above natural grade, and is one of a <br />list of species. A Protected Tree has <br />a diameter of 19 inches or more and <br />measures 4.5 feet above natural grade. <br />Heritage Trees can only be removed <br />if an Administrative Variance or <br />Land Use Commission Variance has <br />been approved by Planning and <br />Development Review Department. For <br />both Protected and Heritage Trees, <br />the City Arborist must inspect the tree <br />review of the removal application. <br />If a Protected and Heritage tree is <br />damaged and presents an imminent <br />hazard to life or property, it may be <br />removed without a permit within 7 days <br />of being damaged. <br />SOLUTIONS <br />1. Re-evaluate the findings of the 2019 My Historic <br />SMTX survey to apply the updated local <br />landmark criteria. This may require engaging a <br />consultant. <br />2. Empower residents to engage in and seek <br />designation by developing clear, accessible <br />handouts and website content that explain its <br />implications, outlines the COA process, and <br />provides guidance on participating in HPC <br />meetings. <br />3. Encourage Legacy Tree designation inspired <br />by the City's first historic landmark to promote <br />the preservation of historic landscapes. The <br />Massachusetts Legacy Tree Program could serve <br />as a model. <br />4. Design a local landmark application that can <br />be completed by individuals or the HPC. See <br />Solution Sources below. <br />5. Establish an HPC subcommittee to communicate <br />the benefits of preservation to owners of high - <br />priority properties, and to provide owners <br />with information about their properties and <br />designation differences and processes. <br />6. Establish an HPC subcommittee to provide <br />technical support, including guidance and/or <br />assistance in researching, writing, and/or editing <br />nomination reports. <br />7. Establish an HPC subcommittee to evaluate <br />the feasibility of expanding the boundaries <br />of existing local and NRHP districts. This may <br />require additional survey and engagement with <br />property owners. <br />8. Consider creating a rolling schedule to evaluate <br />local and NRHP designation of individual <br />properties districts reaching 50 years of age. <br />9. Consider streamlining nomination processes to <br />maximize benefits and protection. <br />LOCAL SOLUTION SOURCES <br />See Longview and Denton, Texas for local <br />landmark PDF applications that are user friendly <br />and easily accessible. <br />CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION GOALS <br />