Planning & Development
Historic Preservation: Norhill
Design Guidelines: Project Scope
As required by the City of Houston Code of Ordinances, the Houston Office of Preservation initiated a process to develop design guidelines for the Norhill Historic District.
The Norhill Historic District Design Guidelines are being created to:
- preserve the historic character
- maintain the traditional building scale in front
- maintain the traditional lot coverage
- develop context sensitive design
- clarify the existing historic preservation ordinance
- provide a user-friendly design guidelines document
Process and Timeline
The Houston Office of Preservation (HOP) began working with the Norhill neighborhood in 2016 to develop a set of guidelines that would provide predictability to property owners and the community. Workshops and meetings were held to discuss the purpose, scope and details of proposed guidelines. The process was put on hold during the Covid pandemic. Last summer, the Norhill Neighborhood Association (NNA) asked the HOP to resume the process and submitted a revised draft that included measurable standards. The NNA hosted meetings to engage property owners in reviewing the draft restrictions.
The HOP is hosting meetings to review the latest draft and get comments from property owners in the district. When a significant number of property owners agree on the draft guidelines, the HOP will present them to the Houston Archeological and Historical Commission. The HAHC will consider the draft recommendations and vote request City Council approval or ask the HOP and the neighborhood to refine the guidelines.
Project Manager
Terrance D. Jackson
Project Manager
Planning and Development Dept.
City of Houston
T: 832.393.6621
E: terrance.jackson@houstontx.gov
P&D Office - 611 Walker
Contact P&D Dept
611 Walker, 6th Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.393.6600
planningdepartment@houstontx.gov
