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Nacogdoches council tightens COA reapplications and adopts mural design guidance for historic districts
Summary
The council approved changes to Chapter 50 to bar repeat Certificate of Appropriateness reapplications for 180 days unless a new submission addresses reasons for denial, and adopted a supplemental mural design guideline endorsing historic accuracy, compatibility with overlay districts, upkeep expectations and a list of inappropriate mural content.
The Nacogdoches City Council on Oct. 15 approved updates to Chapter 50 of the City Code and adopted a supplemental design guideline to clarify how murals should be handled in historic overlay districts.
Jessica S., identified in the transcript as the community services director, told the council the changes were initiated by council and reviewed by the Historic Landmark Preservation Committee (HLPC). The principal change to Chapter 50 would prevent applicants from reapplying to HLPC for 180 days after a COA denial unless the new application explains how it addresses the reasons for denial.
"A person cannot reapply to HLPC for 180 days unless their new application addresses why the item was denied," Jessica S. said, explaining that the rule is intended to prevent repeated identical reapplications while allowing applicants to return promptly if they revise their proposal to respond to HLPC feedback.
HLPC reviewed the proposal at its Sept. 11 meeting and recommended the update to council. A council member moved to approve the proposed updates to Chapter 50 as drafted; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
Council then considered a supplemental chapter to the city's design guidelines that provides specific guidance for murals in historic districts. The supplement, drafted with input from HLPC and city staff, includes guidance to: consider compatibility with the specific historic overlay district (for example, Virginia Avenue or Zion Hill), encourage historically themed murals to be historically accurate, require murals be kept in good condition for their useful life, and identify content inappropriate for historic districts (examples given: imagery that resembles traffic signage, sexually explicit images, or gang-affiliated symbols).
Council members and the mayor discussed how the city would treat mural deterioration. The guidance does not prescribe a fixed lifespan; rather, staff said ordinary maintenance rules and the city's demolition-by-neglect authority would be used if a mural falls into disrepair. The mayor noted local interest in preserving the town's appearances and staff urged owners to maintain murals.
A council member moved to approve the supplemental historic district design guidelines related to murals; the motion was seconded and the motion passed. Council instructed staff to implement the guidance and to rely on existing ordinances for enforcement and maintenance issues.
Item C on the agenda was tabled for a later date. The council adjourned at the close of the meeting.
