Highland Park Neighborhood Association

Conservation District proposed

Nov 07, 2002

HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY PLAN
Conservation District proposed
During the Highlands Community Plan development process, HPNA member Mark Carmona consistently suggested that we consider applying for status as a conservation district. His suggestion was approved and included in Highlands Community Plan.
What is a conservation district?
The Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD) ordinance is a neighborhood tool to address appropriateness of new construction in both residential neighborhoods and commercial districts.
The following information was researched and provided by the City of San Antonio Planning Department, Neighborhood Planning division:
The development of NCDs addresses concerns about protection of neighborhood character for new residential and commercial construction.
The NCD planning tool, in the form of a zoning overlay designation (a specific geographic area is identified in an "overlay" to the base zoning, however, it does not change the uses allowed within the base zoning designation) will be available to help implement neighborhood and community plans, through the application of neighborhood based design standards, individually tailored to address specific redevelopment issues.
Recognized as a means to promote neighborhood revitalization, NCD designation identifies a set of "character-defining element" (e.g. front porches, roof lines, detached garages, building heights, setbacks, etc.) for a specific residential and/or commercial area, that are adopted as design standards through a neighborhood ordinance.
When an infill development or rehabilitation project is proposed within a NCD area, a review of the neighborhood design standards is performed for the project, in an effort to retain neighborhood integrity, protect and stabilize property values, and prevent insensitive development. The review process is administered through the Planning Department.
As a zoning overlay designation, NCD status does not affect the use of property, nor does it require a property owner to rehabilitate existing structures to conform to the design standards. In addition, Conservation District designation alone does not increase property taxes.
Conservation District designation, whether used to protect distinctive architecture, combat incompatible development, or stabilize property values, is a neighborhood revitalization planning tool that provides a more predictable course of development, an efficient building permit process without the necessity of HDRC review, and a means of self-determination for residential and commercial neighborhood organizations.