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Commission recommends council approval for revised site plan at previously tabled Manuel and Jose lot
Summary
The Brownsville Historic Preservation Commission recommended that the City Council approve a revised site plan for a lot (previously tabled in September 2024) that includes two structures and an accessory dwelling unit; the commission discussed building orientation, siding material and operable windows before forwarding the recommendation.
The Brownsville Historic Preservation Commission voted to recommend that the City Council approve a revised site plan for a lot formerly associated with "Manuel and Jose," a case the commission had tabled in September 2024. The revised drawings show two structures with increased separation between buildings and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU); the commission's recommendation will go to the City Council for final action.
Staff presented photographs of the vacant lot and earlier demolition of the original house, and then showed the amended site and floor plans. Presenters emphasized that the redesign increased the spacing between structures to meet ordinance requirements, and described the ADU's placement and separate entrance. The presenter noted the ADU entry was placed to the side (northwest on the main building; southeast for the ADU) because the owners had lost lot area during redesign.
Commission discussion focused on elevations, siding and window types. Staff suggested horizontal HardiePlank as a durable alternative to wood siding because of local termite issues; commissioners and the presenter discussed single-hung windows for operability and to provide cross-ventilation in power outages. A commissioner raised concerns about fixed (picture) windows in kitchens and whether bedrooms would meet egress/ventilation requirements; staff said bedrooms must have a minimum number of operable window area and that most proposed windows would be operable except possibly some bathroom windows.
Property owner Kimberly Trevino spoke during the public hearing and said she agreed with the recommendations and had no objections. Commissioners opened and closed the public hearing by motion; after further discussion, a motion to recommend approval of the revised plan and forward recommendations to the City Council passed on a voice vote.
The commission advised the applicant to complete required building permits and a certificate of appropriateness and to refine elevations so that the drawings clearly align porches and entries. The transcript does not record a roll-call tally for the vote.
