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El Paso staff outlines proposed updates to historic-landmark preservation code, no council action
Summary
City planning staff presented comprehensive revisions to El Paso City Code Chapter 20.2 to clarify designation, interim protections, demolition rules and administrative review; the council did not vote and staff will hold public outreach meetings in June.
City planning staff on Tuesday presented proposed amendments to El Paso City Code Chapter 20.2, the cityhistoric landmark preservation ordinance, and asked the public and council for feedback before bringing the package back for action.
The presentation, led by Tony De La Cruz of the Planning & Inspections Department, summarized changes intended to clarify application procedures, close procedural gaps and align local rules with requirements tied to the city's Certified Local Government status under the State Historic Preservation Office.
De La Cruz said the proposed amendments would (1) formalize interim protections for buildings nominated for designation when owners do not consent, (2) tighten demolition and "demolition by neglect" procedures and provide an enforcement pathway using the Building Standards Commission, (3) set expiration periods for administrative approvals and certificates of appropriateness, and (4) expand staff-level administrative review authority for small projects such as accessory structures and certain railings, ramps, security bars and solar equipment.
De La Cruz explained that interim protection would be time-limited (180 days) and that designation without owner consent would require supermajorities from the Historic Landmark Commission, City Plan Commission and city council. He said demolition requests for locally designated properties would trigger at least two public hearings within a 60-day statutory waiting period.
Council members asked for additional materials and outreach. Representative Nino and others urged more community meetings tailored to district schedules; Representative Sansevito requested a redline version comparing the existing code to proposed language. De La Cruz said staff will provide a redline and hold four outreach meetings June 16and 17 in different parts of the city.
No ordinance or resolution was before the council for a vote; staff said it will return with revisions and a formal proposal after public comment and additional edits.
For residents in El Paso's nine local historic districts, the changes could alter permit timelines, the consequences of property deterioration and the processes for appeals and administrative approvals. The presentation emphasized clarity and streamlining as primary goals.
Minutes show the presentation ran through the city's map of historic districts, examples of noncontributing vs. contributing properties, and proposed limits and timeframes for administrative permits and certificates.
The planning department invited additional public feedback at the posted outreach sessions and said it will bring a formal ordinance back to council after the public-input period.
