Historic Landmark Commission approves demolition permits for 306 Iron Street and 134 North Plant Avenue

The Boerne Historic Landmark Commission on April 7 approved demolition permits for two single‑family homes, citing poor condition and staff findings that the properties lack architectural or cultural value warranting landmark protection.

Frankie Linder, planning department staff, told the commission that the home at 306 Iron Street was built in 1967, is roughly 1,246 square feet and ‘‘in poor condition.’’ Linder said staff and Chairwoman Pena conducted a March site visit and that 83 notices were mailed to properties within 500 feet; staff received seven responses in favor of demolition and one without an opinion, some arriving after the packet was posted. Linder recommended the commission hold a public hearing and determine whether the request met the Unified Development Code (UDC) section 2.11 criteria for a contributing structure.

The public hearing produced no outside speakers. Commissioners who visited the site described visible structural and foundation issues and live electrical wires that made interior inspection unsafe. One commissioner asked whether the building was on a pier‑and‑beam foundation and noted vents under the structure; another said the house did not appear to be fit for occupancy. After discussion the commission accepted staff findings and approved the demolition permit for 306 Iron Street; the chair announced the motion had passed.

Ben Simmons, planning staff, presented the second demolition request for 134 North Plant Avenue, a 1955 house of about 1,300 square feet. Simmons said 72 notices were mailed and the city received 15 responses — 11 in favor and four opposed — with opponents expressing concern about diminished neighborhood character and uncertainty about what would replace the house. Simmons reiterated that the property is outside the historic district and staff’s key finding that it ‘‘does not have architectural, cultural, or educational value.’’

Jack Ballinger, the applicant’s representative, said the new owner intends to remove the existing structure and build a larger residence on the lot. Ballinger said the house has an older foundation and crawlspace and ‘‘it’d take a lot of work to get it up to date.’’ Commissioners debated the extent to which neighborhood character should factor into the decision and weighed whether foundation problems were repairable. After questions and discussion a commissioner moved to accept the findings and approve the demolition permit for 134 North Plant Avenue; the chair announced the motion passed.

What the commission decided and what happens next The approvals are permits to demolish the existing structures. Because both properties are outside the historic district, staff noted demolitions do not change zoning; future new construction would have to comply with city code and — if it were within the district — could require additional review by the planning and zoning commission and city council. The record in the meeting packet and staff remarks list notice counts and the stated community responses for both parcels.

The commission did not adopt any conditions restricting future redevelopment during the meeting. Staff indicated applicants would still need to meet applicable building codes and permitting requirements for any replacement structures.

Quotes "This property is located outside of the historic district, but it is older than 50 years old...it is approximately 1,246 square feet, and it is in poor condition," said Frankie Linder, planning staff. "Miss Penny bought the property...her plan was to tear down the home and rebuild," said Jack Ballinger, the applicant's representative.

Ending The commission moved on to sign permits and other agenda items after approving the two demolition permits. No appeal or formal stay was announced during the meeting; any subsequent building or redevelopment will require standard city permitting.