By Matt Smith/Staff Writer
A proposed ordinance governing the designation of historic structures in Cleburne may result in property-tax breaks for participants. Downtown Redevelopment Manager Donna Jackson — who is also the city’s historical preservation officer — presented council members with the proposal during their Feb. 27 workshop session.
Jackson presented the proposed ordinance solely to request input and direction from council members. She said the ordinance is presently in the discussion phase and would need to go through the Historical Preservation Commission and Planning and Zoning Commission before coming to council members for a vote.
The purpose of the ordinance — according to a working draft — is to “provide for the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of landmarks of historical and cultural importance and significance [in Cleburne].”
Jackson said anyone owning a structure — residential or commercial — 50 or more years old could apply for designation as a historical landmark. Jackson added that adherence to the 50-year standard, which the Texas Historical Commission employs — will likely remain flexible to allow inclusion of more recent structures. Jackson said owners do not have to restore their buildings before applying for designation.
Cleburne structures already listed with the Texas Historical Commission or National Register would automatically be eligible for designation, Jackson said.
Jackson stressed that the commission did not wish to form historical districts and that participation would be voluntary, something city officials tended to agree with.
Structures submitted for designation will be judged on a number of criteria including significance of their history and architecture, association with famous people or events from local history or being representative of the work of a master builder, designer or craftsman among other things.
Those who have their homes or buildings designated a historical landmark would have to apply for a certificate of appropriateness before conducting alterations or new construction to the building.
“That doesn’t cover general maintenance and upkeep,” Jackson said. “That type of work won’t have to be approved.”
Jackson said only major changes or renovations would require approval and that the commission will not be strict to the point of dictating approved paint colors and such.
“We want to promote our historic landmarks and want people to be excited about participating,” Jackson said.
The current draft of the ordinance contains options for possible tax incentives on properties deemed historical landmarks. One option allows an exemption of 25 percent or $25,000, whichever is less, off the appraised value of the property. The exemption would be applicable for the first year of historic designation only. Another proposed tax break would give a break on restorations to the property that exceeds $1,250.
Jackson said the tax break options, like the overall ordinance, remain in the planning stages at this point and will require council approval before becoming effective.
City Attorney Wade Adkins advised council members to keep participation voluntary and cautioned against designating areas historic districts, which Adkins said caused problems in several Fort Worth neighborhoods among residents who did not wish to participate.
Mayor Ted Reynolds agreed.
“I think [the ordinance] is a great idea and it’s important we preserve our heritage,” Reynolds said. “We also don’t want to go overboard and create a paint-police commission or anything like that. We have to recognize people can do what they want, within reason, with their property. So, we don’t want to force this on anyone. But we do want to make things so people want to take part in this.”
Matt Smith can be reached at 817-645-2441, ext. 2339, or msmith@trcle.com.
