Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission Meeting on Nor Hill Design Guidelines – March 24, 2026

The Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission (HAHC) held a public meeting on Thursday, March 24, 2026, at 2:37 PM to receive comments on the draft Nor Hill Design Guidelines. No vote was taken; staff will use the comments to prepare a revised draft for a future vote. The meeting focused on measurable standards, public input, and commissioner recommendations.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Support for Guidelines with Modifications: Brian Wilson (Norhill board member), Adam Till (supports guidelines but suggested clarifications on living area definition, rear setback, and director revision authority), Lawrence Phibox (supports as mature and solid), Virginia Kelsey (supports but opposes planning director’s ability to revise guidelines), Emily Ardwan (Preservation Houston – supports with clarifications on massing and amendment process).
• Opposition or Concerns: Alexis Stifle (opposed to square footage restrictions, height proposals, and driveway limitations), Kazi Azair (wants more flexibility for families, opposed to including garage apartments in FAR), Sam Janukas (raised issues with deed restrictions, two-story garages, and wall section dimensions not meeting modern standards), Mary Schultz (supports expansion but wants to preserve bungalow character), Danielle Trailer (wants flexibility for modern families), Brett Backus (opposes larger houses, wants single-story preservation).
• Official Support: Russell Etherton (Councilmember Castillo’s chief of staff) voiced the councilmember’s support for the process and community engagement.
• Written Comment: Letha Allen submitted a letter opposing the provision allowing the planning director to revise guidelines, calling it undemocratic.

Discussion Items

• Survey Methodology: Staff (Terrence Jackson) explained the process began in 2017, with two surveys totaling 404 participants. All 855 Nor Hill property owners were contacted. Weighted averages were used to set standards such as minimum front setback for two-story additions (43.4–45.5 feet) and floor area ratio (FAR) for a 5,000 sq ft lot (2,300 sq ft).
• Definitions: Commissioners requested clearer definitions for “massing” (Commissioner Blakely) and “compatibility” (Commissioner Davis) to ensure consistent application.
• FAR and Lot Sizes: Commissioner Cosgrove noted irregularities in the FAR chart where larger lots could receive smaller allowable house sizes due to uneven tranches; staff agreed to review. Commissioner Jones questioned the 0.400 FAR for lots under 5,000 sq ft, suggesting it might be too restrictive for small lots.
• Porches and Conditioned Space: Commissioner Jones questioned why conditioned space above porches counts toward FAR; staff explained it prevents “beach house” style developments. Commissioner Davis argued that unconditioned attic or garage space should not count toward FAR, and staff indicated they may remove “finished” from the definition.
• Heights and Floor Elevations: Commissioner Hill raised concerns about ground-level variation affecting finished floor height; staff will consult with Commissioner Seidel. Commissioner Cosgrove suggested using joist elevation instead of ground. Multiple commissioners supported removing interior ceiling height regulations to allow architectural creativity.
• Architectural Styles and Proportions: Commissioner Blakely recommended adding floor plans and proportions from pattern books to section four to guide massing and compatibility. Commissioner Cosgrove suggested relocating section four (styles) into section two and adding references to the library’s Crane Ready Cut Company books. Ginger Burney (library) confirmed availability of original plans.
• Administrative Approvals: Staff clarified that “shall approve” provisions are removed, but administrative approvals for minor changes remain (e.g., rear porches).
• Fences and Impervious Cover: Commissioner Cosgrove noted these are not under HAHC jurisdiction and should be either removed or placed in the exemptions section. Staff agreed.
• Section Five (Stewardship): Commissioner Cosgrove recommended separating maintenance resources from measurable standards; staff agreed to split the section.
• Director Revision Authority: Multiple commissioners and public speakers (e.g., Virginia Kelsey, Letha Allen) opposed the provision allowing the planning director to revise guidelines without full public process. Staff noted legal review will address this.

Key Outcomes

• No Vote Taken: The meeting was for comment only; staff will revise the draft based on all input.
• Next Steps: Staff will produce a revised draft and present it at a future HAHC meeting (not April 23 due to a heavy COA docket). The revised draft will be posted for public review before the meeting, with a summary of changes. After HAHC approval, the guidelines will go to legal review, then the Quality of Life Committee, and finally City Council for adoption.
• Commitment to Transparency: Staff will provide a “track changes” style presentation at the next meeting, focusing only on modifications from the current draft.