The City of Houston is at it again! We are weeks away for the Supreme Court decision and the city got nervous they were going to lose. They have put forth a bill that would get around the zoning laws and local code 211 to make our home in an historic district A PARK!
Here is the text of the bill. If you object to being included to regulation as a city park, please sign this petition and call your Texas Senator and your House Representative.
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the regulation of historic or culturally significant buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts by certain municipalities.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 315, Local Government Code, is amended by adding Section 315.007 to read as follows:
Sec.315.007.PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC AND CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES, OBJECTS, SITES, AND DISTRICTS IN CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES. (a) A municipality with a population of more than two million that does not exercise zoning authority under Chapter 211 may adopt and enforce an ordinance, order, or other regulation the primary purpose of which is to protect or maintain historic or culturally significant buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts. (b)A regulation under this section is not considered a zoning regulation for the purposes of Chapter 211 or other law, including a municipal charter, regardless of whether the regulation designates specific districts or other areas in the municipality. SECTION 2. A historic district or landmark that was approved before March 1, 2021, by the governing body of a municipality described by Section 315.007, Local Government Code, as added by this Act, is validated.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2021.
By signing this petition, you agree that you do oppose HB1200 and SB416.
Updates
April 29, 2021
The volume of support has secured us a meeting with key committee staff members to address the specific language in HB1200 and SB416. We are currently preparing a formal memorandum detailing how these provisions undermine established local code protections. This level of engagement provides the necessary leverage to challenge the city's attempt to circumvent existing zoning authority.
17 Comments
Having lived in the Houston Heights for over 40 years, invested years of time in community involvement and millions of dollars into our neighborhood in restoring multiple properties that have received HHA community improvement recognition, I strongly oppose these bills. Property owner's rights were unfairly revoked when the current Historical Preservation mandate was unfairly imposed. These bills simply worsen the situation by giving the COH a blank check to control "your" property.
I am a resident of Heights South Historic District. I, owner of a remodeling company located in the district, am currently repurposing a 100 year-old former drug store into my personal family home. I am committed to sensible Historic Preservation. I'm a former 8-year member of the Houston Archaeological & Historical Commission. I oppose these bills. As a property owner who signed the petition to establish the district, I and many others did so based on the language of the petition AND what we were told verbally. The City of Houston unilaterally changed the terms after the petitions were signed and districts established. This is yet another violation of the agreement the homeowners like myself made with the City.
Another over reach by the City of Houston on our rights as property owners.
I am opposed to my home being designated as located in a park.
Houston Historic designation for the Heights was supposed to go into a vote which never happened. It was just enacted. The Historic "committee" is not elected but hired and appointed with a rapid turnaround.
Local Politics are out of control. If we the homeowners don't step up to stop these bills no one else will! This bill will effect all Heights residents, please don't say this bill does not apply to me. I oppose this bill!
I strongly oppose House bill HB1200 and Senate bill SB416.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
The City of Houston is at it again! We are weeks away for the Supreme Court decision and the city got nervous they were going to lose. They have put forth a bill that would get around the zoning laws and local code 211 to make our home in an historic district A PARK!
Here is the text of the bill. If you object to being included to regulation as a city park, please sign this petition and call your Texas Senator and your House Representative.
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the regulation of historic or culturally significant buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts by certain municipalities.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 315, Local Government Code, is amended by adding Section 315.007 to read as follows:
Sec.315.007.PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC AND CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES, OBJECTS, SITES, AND DISTRICTS IN CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES. (a) A municipality with a population of more than two million that does not exercise zoning authority under Chapter 211 may adopt and enforce an ordinance, order, or other regulation the primary purpose of which is to protect or maintain historic or culturally significant buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts. (b)A regulation under this section is not considered a zoning regulation for the purposes of Chapter 211 or other law, including a municipal charter, regardless of whether the regulation designates specific districts or other areas in the municipality. SECTION 2. A historic district or landmark that was approved before March 1, 2021, by the governing body of a municipality described by Section 315.007, Local Government Code, as added by this Act, is validated.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2021.
By signing this petition, you agree that you do oppose HB1200 and SB416.
Updates
April 29, 2021
The volume of support has secured us a meeting with key committee staff members to address the specific language in HB1200 and SB416. We are currently preparing a formal memorandum detailing how these provisions undermine established local code protections. This level of engagement provides the necessary leverage to challenge the city's attempt to circumvent existing zoning authority.
17 Comments
As a resident of Heights South Historic District I oppose these bills and feel it is just another over reach and disregard for our property rights. Please do not pass these bills.
Having lived in the Houston Heights for over 40 years, invested years of time in community involvement and millions of dollars into our neighborhood in restoring multiple properties that have received HHA community improvement recognition, I strongly oppose these bills. Property owner's rights were unfairly revoked when the current Historical Preservation mandate was unfairly imposed. These bills simply worsen the situation by giving the COH a blank check to control "your" property.
I am a resident of Heights South Historic District. I, owner of a remodeling company located in the district, am currently repurposing a 100 year-old former drug store into my personal family home. I am committed to sensible Historic Preservation. I'm a former 8-year member of the Houston Archaeological & Historical Commission. I oppose these bills. As a property owner who signed the petition to establish the district, I and many others did so based on the language of the petition AND what we were told verbally. The City of Houston unilaterally changed the terms after the petitions were signed and districts established. This is yet another violation of the agreement the homeowners like myself made with the City.
Another over reach by the City of Houston on our rights as property owners.
I am opposed to my home being designated as located in a park.
Houston Historic designation for the Heights was supposed to go into a vote which never happened. It was just enacted. The Historic "committee" is not elected but hired and appointed with a rapid turnaround.
Local Politics are out of control. If we the homeowners don't step up to stop these bills no one else will! This bill will effect all Heights residents, please don't say this bill does not apply to me. I oppose this bill!
I strongly oppose House bill HB1200 and Senate bill SB416.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 50 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
As a resident of Heights South Historic District I oppose these bills and feel it is just another over reach and disregard for our property rights. Please do not pass these bills.