GEORGETOWN, Texas — Changes have been approved for Georgetown's development code when it comes to structures in historic districts, grouping historic buildings in low, medium and high priorities.
"It's a huge part of what makes Georgetown a strong community," said Michael Walton, president of the group Preservation Georgetown.
Walton's neighborhood is filled with dozens of historic markers.
"It brings tourists here and those that live here are proud of our homes," he said.
Walton has been living in Georgetown's Historic District for about six years. He said changing the architecture of the area would take away from the town's personality.
The City of Georgetown said this discussion started last summer and surveys were conducted in September and October of 2018 to get input on the historic district rules from residents and those involved in the development process.
The new rules will be put into place for 1,677 houses and other structures throughout Georgetown listed in the 2016 Historic Resource Survey.
"The concern was that many homes would be destroyed and replaced with modern homes that don't fit the character of the town through design or size," Walton said.
Sofia Nelson is the city's planning director. She said it's a win for both preserving history and future development.
"I think what it allows us to do is focus our efforts in the right spot," Nelson said. "It strengthens our desire to be innovative yet respect the historic values it took so many people to get together."
The Unified Development Code will still need approval for any modifications made to the outside of a structure, with most being in Downtown Georgetown and Old Town districts.
Modifications for medium and high priority buildings in a historic district will continue to be reviewed by the Historic and Architectural Review Commission, but now low priority buildings will be reviewed by City Planning staff instead of HARC.
The only exception for modifications to be made to a low priority building that would require a review by HARC would be if the building was being demolished.
The changes will still require everyone developing or remodeling to go through a review process.
"We evaluate it based on design guidelines," Nelson said. "It will allow us to have consistency and evaluate all the requests that come in."
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Before there would have to be a 60-day hold for any priority building to be demolished, but now buildings with a low priority will not be put on hold after the application is approved.
Walton said it gives homeowners the opportunity to retain history, yet help others looking to develop.
"Ultimately it will retain our personality on why we live here for," Walton said.
The new rules will go into effect on April 24.
You can see an interactive map of the historic properties throughout Georgetown, here.
The group Preservation Georgetown will have an open house event over the weekend.
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