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Historic preservation staff explain design‑review process and certificates of appropriateness
Summary
Edward Holland of the Office of Historic Preservation outlined the design‑review process, noting the office reviews roughly 2,200 administrative cases yearly, oversees 34 historic districts, and aims to streamline approvals while protecting historic resources under the UDC and COA processes.
Edward Holland, manager of San Antonio’s Office of Historic Preservation, briefed the board on design‑review responsibilities and how staff handle certificates of appropriateness (COA) and administrative approvals.
Holland said the office covers 34 historic districts and processes approximately 2,200 administrative reviews annually, most of which are routine. He described how administrative approvals, design guidelines and staff assistance are intended to speed typical changes (for example, a roof alteration that meets guidelines) while reserving commission review for more complex or inconsistent proposals. The office also works with federal and state requirements when projects implicate historic tax incentives or federal reviews.
Holland emphasized customer service and coordination with applicants to reduce repeat submissions and shorten review time; he said the office can sometimes issue approvals in a matter of days when materials and code compliance are complete. The presentation included a map of districts and examples of when requests are elevated to commission hearings.
Board members asked about demolition of historic properties and hardship claims; staff described the high burden of proof for economic hardship in demolition requests and said the UDC makes demolishing designated historic properties difficult unless strict criteria are met.
