The Boerne Historic Landmark Commission on Nov. 4 approved demolition permits for two single‑family residences located outside the city's historic district but older than 50 years.

Staff told the commission that the house at 604 O'Grady Street, owned by MRCL Flat Iron LLC, was built in 1963 and is about 1,142 square feet. Staff said the property and an accessory shed appear in poor condition with visible foundation damage. The commission was told 84 notices were mailed within 500 feet and staff received 13 written responses in favor plus one mailed that day.

The commission also approved a demolition permit for the house at 144 Garden Street, owned by Stacy and Russell Knoll and represented at the meeting by Ben Adams. Staff said the Garden Street house was built in 1956, measures about 1,233 square feet per CAD records and has foundation problems and multiple additions. The owners indicated two on‑site sheds would be moved off‑site; staff noted a small "free little library" at the front of the property that the owners want to keep. For that application staff mailed 48 notices and reported six written responses in favor prior to the meeting plus one received that day.

In both cases staff recommended the commission hold hearings to determine whether the structures meet the Unified Development Code (UDC) criteria for historic or contributing status and concluded there was no architectural, cultural or educational value identified that would warrant preservation. On the site tours staff and a commissioner described pier‑and‑beam construction, multiple later additions and cracking and rot in foundation and siding, and said there was "nothing worth saving" visible during the inspections.

Commissioner Wright moved that the commission "accept the findings and approve a demolition permit request for [the] structure located at 604 O'Grady Street including the accessory dwelling." The motion was seconded by Commissioner Maydon and passed (vote tally not specified in the meeting record).

For 144 Garden Street, a motion "to accept the findings and approve a demolition permit request at 144 Garden Street" was made (recorded as a first by Commissioner Graves with a second by Commissioner Nichols) and the motion passed (vote tally not specified).

Staff also told the commission that under the city's updated rules a chain link fence on the Garden Street parcel will need to be removed as part of demolition work; the owner acknowledged that requirement. No public commenters opposed either demolition were recorded; staff reported written support from nearby property owners for both permits.

The commission completed the regular agenda, staff reminded members about the City of Boerne boards and commissions appreciation open house Wednesday, Nov. 12, and the meeting was adjourned.