Development News for Boerne, Texas

Sign Permit Approved for Custom on Main at 129 South Main Street

The commission reviewed a request for a certificate of appropriateness for a sign permit at 129 South Main Street, known as Custom on Main. The applicant, Randy Stumm, proposed a new 75-inch by 15-inch aluminum composite sign with four colors and a gradient. The sign replaces a previous sign with no changes in dimensions and will be hung with 9.5 feet of clearance. Staff noted the sign meets UDC and historic district requirements: it is metal, uses a maximum of two typefaces, has no illumination, and uses earth-tone colors. The commission discussed the gradient color and its historical appropriateness, ultimately approving the sign permit.

Historic Landmark Commission Recommends Approval for UDC Amendments, Dissolving DRC

The commission discussed proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC) related to the Design Review Committee (DRC). The key changes include dissolving the DRC, transferring sign approval and variance duties to the Historic Landmark Commission (HLC), and transferring creative alternative duties to the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z). Staff explained that these changes are due to state legislation impacting commission memberships and aim to streamline processes. The HLC's workload is expected to increase by approximately four cases per year. The commission reviewed the red-lined UDC text and discussed the implications. The commission recommended approval of the proposed amendments.

Amended Certificate of Appropriateness Approved for Fence at 265 North Main Street

The commission considered an amended certificate of appropriateness for a side yard fence at 265 North Main Street. The property, a Texas German vernacular style home (Karstein-Luckenbach house), is a high-contributing structure. The proposed amendment involves a side yard fence consisting of a rock retaining wall with a cattle-style fence panel on top, stained 'Padre Brown'. The fence varies in height from approximately six feet down to five feet. While some commissioners expressed concern about the modern appearance of the cattle panel, the applicant explained the intent to cover it with climbing vines to create a green wall. The commission ultimately approved the amended certificate of appropriateness.

HLC Meeting Date Change Discussed, Leaning Towards August Thursdays

The commission discussed changing the HLC meeting date. Due to staff conflicts and the dissolution of the DRC, the options considered were the second Thursday or the third Monday of the month. The commission preferred to move meetings to August due to summer vacation schedules. Several commissioners expressed preferences for Thursdays over Mondays. The commission ultimately leaned towards the second Thursday of August as the new meeting date.