Norhill Historic District

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Design Guidelines: Project Scope

As required by the City of Houston code of ordinances, the Houston Office of Preservation initiated a process to develop design guidelines for the Norhill Historic District.

The Norhill Historic District Design Guidelines are being created to:

  • preserve the historic character
  • maintain the traditional building scale in front
  • maintain the traditional lot coverage
  • develop context sensitive design
  • clarify the existing historic preservation ordinance
  • provide a user-friendly design guidelines document



Draft Norhill Historic District Design Guidelines

Please review the draft guidelines and let us know what you think. You may submit feedback and questions in the comment sections below.


Process and timeline

The Houston Office of Preservation (HOP) began working with the Norhill neighborhood in 2016 to develop a set of guidelines that would provide predictability to property owners and the community. Workshops and meetings were held to discuss the purpose, scope and details of proposed guidelines. The process was put on hold during the Covid pandemic. Last summer, the Norhill Neighborhood Association (NNA) asked the HOP to resume the process and submitted a revised draft that included measurable standards. The NNA hosted meetings to engage property owners in reviewing the draft restrictions.

The HOP is hosting meetings to review the latest draft and get comments from property owners in the district. When a significant number of property owners agree on the draft guidelines, the HOP will present them to the Houston Archeological and Historical Commission. The HAHC will consider the draft recommendations and vote request City Council approval or ask the HOP and the neighborhood to refine the guidelines.


NEXT MEETING:

Information will be posted soon.


Design Guidelines: Project Scope

As required by the City of Houston code of ordinances, the Houston Office of Preservation initiated a process to develop design guidelines for the Norhill Historic District.

The Norhill Historic District Design Guidelines are being created to:

  • preserve the historic character
  • maintain the traditional building scale in front
  • maintain the traditional lot coverage
  • develop context sensitive design
  • clarify the existing historic preservation ordinance
  • provide a user-friendly design guidelines document



Draft Norhill Historic District Design Guidelines

Please review the draft guidelines and let us know what you think. You may submit feedback and questions in the comment sections below.


Process and timeline

The Houston Office of Preservation (HOP) began working with the Norhill neighborhood in 2016 to develop a set of guidelines that would provide predictability to property owners and the community. Workshops and meetings were held to discuss the purpose, scope and details of proposed guidelines. The process was put on hold during the Covid pandemic. Last summer, the Norhill Neighborhood Association (NNA) asked the HOP to resume the process and submitted a revised draft that included measurable standards. The NNA hosted meetings to engage property owners in reviewing the draft restrictions.

The HOP is hosting meetings to review the latest draft and get comments from property owners in the district. When a significant number of property owners agree on the draft guidelines, the HOP will present them to the Houston Archeological and Historical Commission. The HAHC will consider the draft recommendations and vote request City Council approval or ask the HOP and the neighborhood to refine the guidelines.


NEXT MEETING:

Information will be posted soon.


Please comment on the draft design guidelines in the space below.

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  • Share I’ve only lived in Norhill for two years but, as young childless professionals, we found just enough house for us. We love the front porch community aspect of this area and have gotten to know so many of our neighbors walking our dogs. At recent neighborhood association meetings, a small group of people kept demanding the Association allow bigger homes for families. I was glad to see neighbors who have raised their families here say they had enough space. Also, my neighbors are other young professionals, older empty nesters, retirees, and families. The guidelines for Norhill allow all the homes to stay reasonably sized so all types of homeowners can be present in this area, making it a more vibrant and exciting community. on Facebook Share I’ve only lived in Norhill for two years but, as young childless professionals, we found just enough house for us. We love the front porch community aspect of this area and have gotten to know so many of our neighbors walking our dogs. At recent neighborhood association meetings, a small group of people kept demanding the Association allow bigger homes for families. I was glad to see neighbors who have raised their families here say they had enough space. Also, my neighbors are other young professionals, older empty nesters, retirees, and families. The guidelines for Norhill allow all the homes to stay reasonably sized so all types of homeowners can be present in this area, making it a more vibrant and exciting community. on Twitter Share I’ve only lived in Norhill for two years but, as young childless professionals, we found just enough house for us. We love the front porch community aspect of this area and have gotten to know so many of our neighbors walking our dogs. At recent neighborhood association meetings, a small group of people kept demanding the Association allow bigger homes for families. I was glad to see neighbors who have raised their families here say they had enough space. Also, my neighbors are other young professionals, older empty nesters, retirees, and families. The guidelines for Norhill allow all the homes to stay reasonably sized so all types of homeowners can be present in this area, making it a more vibrant and exciting community. on Linkedin Email I’ve only lived in Norhill for two years but, as young childless professionals, we found just enough house for us. We love the front porch community aspect of this area and have gotten to know so many of our neighbors walking our dogs. At recent neighborhood association meetings, a small group of people kept demanding the Association allow bigger homes for families. I was glad to see neighbors who have raised their families here say they had enough space. Also, my neighbors are other young professionals, older empty nesters, retirees, and families. The guidelines for Norhill allow all the homes to stay reasonably sized so all types of homeowners can be present in this area, making it a more vibrant and exciting community. link

    I’ve only lived in Norhill for two years but, as young childless professionals, we found just enough house for us. We love the front porch community aspect of this area and have gotten to know so many of our neighbors walking our dogs. At recent neighborhood association meetings, a small group of people kept demanding the Association allow bigger homes for families. I was glad to see neighbors who have raised their families here say they had enough space. Also, my neighbors are other young professionals, older empty nesters, retirees, and families. The guidelines for Norhill allow all the homes to stay reasonably sized so all types of homeowners can be present in this area, making it a more vibrant and exciting community.

    asked 2 months ago

    Hello and Thank You for your comments.

    The Historic Preservation team has worked very hard in making sure that the guidelines provide the sense of community that Norhill has been, and we hope to remain. Please stay tuned as we work through this process. We look forward to hearing more from you all.

    Thanks Again!

  • Share The Guidelines, as proposed, provide an invaluable framework for allowing for growth while at the same time preserve our historic character. I moved to Norhill for the 'small town' feel and for the feeling of open space in my backyard. Others speak of their right to build out their lot but what of my right to retain the serenity of my lot? The Guidelines are a balance of these two perspectives. As for garages, I am not in favor of any new 2 story garages. on Facebook Share The Guidelines, as proposed, provide an invaluable framework for allowing for growth while at the same time preserve our historic character. I moved to Norhill for the 'small town' feel and for the feeling of open space in my backyard. Others speak of their right to build out their lot but what of my right to retain the serenity of my lot? The Guidelines are a balance of these two perspectives. As for garages, I am not in favor of any new 2 story garages. on Twitter Share The Guidelines, as proposed, provide an invaluable framework for allowing for growth while at the same time preserve our historic character. I moved to Norhill for the 'small town' feel and for the feeling of open space in my backyard. Others speak of their right to build out their lot but what of my right to retain the serenity of my lot? The Guidelines are a balance of these two perspectives. As for garages, I am not in favor of any new 2 story garages. on Linkedin Email The Guidelines, as proposed, provide an invaluable framework for allowing for growth while at the same time preserve our historic character. I moved to Norhill for the 'small town' feel and for the feeling of open space in my backyard. Others speak of their right to build out their lot but what of my right to retain the serenity of my lot? The Guidelines are a balance of these two perspectives. As for garages, I am not in favor of any new 2 story garages. link

    The Guidelines, as proposed, provide an invaluable framework for allowing for growth while at the same time preserve our historic character. I moved to Norhill for the 'small town' feel and for the feeling of open space in my backyard. Others speak of their right to build out their lot but what of my right to retain the serenity of my lot? The Guidelines are a balance of these two perspectives. As for garages, I am not in favor of any new 2 story garages.

    vk asked 2 months ago

    Hello and Thank You for your comments.

    In the developing of these guidelines all things mentioned were considered. We appreciate your commitment to Norhill and to the design guideline process. Please stay tuned as we prepare to forward with the process.

    Once again, Thank You!

  • Share I think that the restriction of 1900 sq. ft. is on the low side. Also, at one point there was a "no new 2-story garages" restriction. I believe that this has been removed. I am very much opposed to restrictions of 2-story garages. on Facebook Share I think that the restriction of 1900 sq. ft. is on the low side. Also, at one point there was a "no new 2-story garages" restriction. I believe that this has been removed. I am very much opposed to restrictions of 2-story garages. on Twitter Share I think that the restriction of 1900 sq. ft. is on the low side. Also, at one point there was a "no new 2-story garages" restriction. I believe that this has been removed. I am very much opposed to restrictions of 2-story garages. on Linkedin Email I think that the restriction of 1900 sq. ft. is on the low side. Also, at one point there was a "no new 2-story garages" restriction. I believe that this has been removed. I am very much opposed to restrictions of 2-story garages. link

    I think that the restriction of 1900 sq. ft. is on the low side. Also, at one point there was a "no new 2-story garages" restriction. I believe that this has been removed. I am very much opposed to restrictions of 2-story garages.

    924 West Cottage asked 3 months ago

    Hello and Thank You for your comments. 

    Please take the survey / poll which has been mailed to your address. As it relates to the two-story garages, that is a matter that is covered in your deed restrictions. It has been removed from the guidelines, however they are still prohibited by your deed restrictions and NNA.

  • Share We moved to Norhill because it was such a unique neighborhood. Smaller homes on smaller lots and the sense of a neighborhood is nice. The design guidelines are long overdue, they provide consistency to a process that is left to the subjective opinion of those interpretating the deed restrictions (whether the Neighborhood Association, City of Houston, property owners, investors and contractors flipping the property). The design guidelines will provide a consistent clarity to our community standards and everyone will know what can and cannot be done with the property. I believe these guidelines are a fair compromise on both schools of thought (larger is better / smaller is better) and I am hoping after 5+ years the guidelines can be approved and we can move past this and focus on living our lives in Norhill. Thank you for your effort in this endeavor, the time has come to get them approved. on Facebook Share We moved to Norhill because it was such a unique neighborhood. Smaller homes on smaller lots and the sense of a neighborhood is nice. The design guidelines are long overdue, they provide consistency to a process that is left to the subjective opinion of those interpretating the deed restrictions (whether the Neighborhood Association, City of Houston, property owners, investors and contractors flipping the property). The design guidelines will provide a consistent clarity to our community standards and everyone will know what can and cannot be done with the property. I believe these guidelines are a fair compromise on both schools of thought (larger is better / smaller is better) and I am hoping after 5+ years the guidelines can be approved and we can move past this and focus on living our lives in Norhill. Thank you for your effort in this endeavor, the time has come to get them approved. on Twitter Share We moved to Norhill because it was such a unique neighborhood. Smaller homes on smaller lots and the sense of a neighborhood is nice. The design guidelines are long overdue, they provide consistency to a process that is left to the subjective opinion of those interpretating the deed restrictions (whether the Neighborhood Association, City of Houston, property owners, investors and contractors flipping the property). The design guidelines will provide a consistent clarity to our community standards and everyone will know what can and cannot be done with the property. I believe these guidelines are a fair compromise on both schools of thought (larger is better / smaller is better) and I am hoping after 5+ years the guidelines can be approved and we can move past this and focus on living our lives in Norhill. Thank you for your effort in this endeavor, the time has come to get them approved. on Linkedin Email We moved to Norhill because it was such a unique neighborhood. Smaller homes on smaller lots and the sense of a neighborhood is nice. The design guidelines are long overdue, they provide consistency to a process that is left to the subjective opinion of those interpretating the deed restrictions (whether the Neighborhood Association, City of Houston, property owners, investors and contractors flipping the property). The design guidelines will provide a consistent clarity to our community standards and everyone will know what can and cannot be done with the property. I believe these guidelines are a fair compromise on both schools of thought (larger is better / smaller is better) and I am hoping after 5+ years the guidelines can be approved and we can move past this and focus on living our lives in Norhill. Thank you for your effort in this endeavor, the time has come to get them approved. link

    We moved to Norhill because it was such a unique neighborhood. Smaller homes on smaller lots and the sense of a neighborhood is nice. The design guidelines are long overdue, they provide consistency to a process that is left to the subjective opinion of those interpretating the deed restrictions (whether the Neighborhood Association, City of Houston, property owners, investors and contractors flipping the property). The design guidelines will provide a consistent clarity to our community standards and everyone will know what can and cannot be done with the property. I believe these guidelines are a fair compromise on both schools of thought (larger is better / smaller is better) and I am hoping after 5+ years the guidelines can be approved and we can move past this and focus on living our lives in Norhill. Thank you for your effort in this endeavor, the time has come to get them approved.

    Dave asked 3 months ago

    Hello and Thank You so much for your comments.

    We are determined to get these design guidelines passed through for you all. We look forward to continuing a wonderful working relationship with each and every resident of Norhill.

  • Share My primary issue with the guideline is the very restrictive square footage limitations. First of all, I don't understand why there aren't 2 measurements as the Historic Heights has. Those measurable standards include a percentage for lot coverage and one for FAR (Floor Area Ratio). The FAR is higher to allow for more square footage for two story additions. It just makes sense. Why are doing it differently here? 1900 sq feet does not adequately allow for a second story. I would support numbers more in line with the Heights numbers. Lot coverage for 5000-5999 sq ft lots being 42% and the FAR being 49-50%. I very strongly oppose the restrictions this guideline puts on my properties. I encourage all responders to look into this. on Facebook Share My primary issue with the guideline is the very restrictive square footage limitations. First of all, I don't understand why there aren't 2 measurements as the Historic Heights has. Those measurable standards include a percentage for lot coverage and one for FAR (Floor Area Ratio). The FAR is higher to allow for more square footage for two story additions. It just makes sense. Why are doing it differently here? 1900 sq feet does not adequately allow for a second story. I would support numbers more in line with the Heights numbers. Lot coverage for 5000-5999 sq ft lots being 42% and the FAR being 49-50%. I very strongly oppose the restrictions this guideline puts on my properties. I encourage all responders to look into this. on Twitter Share My primary issue with the guideline is the very restrictive square footage limitations. First of all, I don't understand why there aren't 2 measurements as the Historic Heights has. Those measurable standards include a percentage for lot coverage and one for FAR (Floor Area Ratio). The FAR is higher to allow for more square footage for two story additions. It just makes sense. Why are doing it differently here? 1900 sq feet does not adequately allow for a second story. I would support numbers more in line with the Heights numbers. Lot coverage for 5000-5999 sq ft lots being 42% and the FAR being 49-50%. I very strongly oppose the restrictions this guideline puts on my properties. I encourage all responders to look into this. on Linkedin Email My primary issue with the guideline is the very restrictive square footage limitations. First of all, I don't understand why there aren't 2 measurements as the Historic Heights has. Those measurable standards include a percentage for lot coverage and one for FAR (Floor Area Ratio). The FAR is higher to allow for more square footage for two story additions. It just makes sense. Why are doing it differently here? 1900 sq feet does not adequately allow for a second story. I would support numbers more in line with the Heights numbers. Lot coverage for 5000-5999 sq ft lots being 42% and the FAR being 49-50%. I very strongly oppose the restrictions this guideline puts on my properties. I encourage all responders to look into this. link

    My primary issue with the guideline is the very restrictive square footage limitations. First of all, I don't understand why there aren't 2 measurements as the Historic Heights has. Those measurable standards include a percentage for lot coverage and one for FAR (Floor Area Ratio). The FAR is higher to allow for more square footage for two story additions. It just makes sense. Why are doing it differently here? 1900 sq feet does not adequately allow for a second story. I would support numbers more in line with the Heights numbers. Lot coverage for 5000-5999 sq ft lots being 42% and the FAR being 49-50%. I very strongly oppose the restrictions this guideline puts on my properties. I encourage all responders to look into this.

    Susan Mitchell asked 4 months ago

    Hello,

    Thank You for your comment. Yes, the Heights has two measurable standards, and both must be met thus most people have stated that they are too restrictive.

    The 1900 square feet is not a number set in stone. It is not permanent. 

    Please take the poll/survey that should be arriving in your mailbox between today and tomorrow and voice your opinion of the guidelines and what the square footage should be.

    Thank You

  • Share Hello - I feel the living area restrictions are far too restrictive. For the scale to go from 40% for lots under 5k Sq FT, all the way down to 31% on lots over 7k sq ft is even more mind boggling. I purchased my home on a larger lot in Norhill with ideas of expansion in the future. I do not believe it is fair to implement such a large restriction, on people that have already made significant investments in the neighborhood. 1. Is there currently a restriction on home square footage by lot size? 2. If there is a limit in place, I do not believe it should be scaled down so drastically based on the size of the lot. 3. It would make more sense to be by surface area, as this allows people to build up, while still maintaining green space. 4. Will the poll questions arriving to residents mid April address max square footage? 5. The current knock on Norhill is that it is a great area to live, but many people will move out once they have kids due to smaller homes. I think we should be creating a neighborhood that wants young families, vs making them feel as if they need to leave. on Facebook Share Hello - I feel the living area restrictions are far too restrictive. For the scale to go from 40% for lots under 5k Sq FT, all the way down to 31% on lots over 7k sq ft is even more mind boggling. I purchased my home on a larger lot in Norhill with ideas of expansion in the future. I do not believe it is fair to implement such a large restriction, on people that have already made significant investments in the neighborhood. 1. Is there currently a restriction on home square footage by lot size? 2. If there is a limit in place, I do not believe it should be scaled down so drastically based on the size of the lot. 3. It would make more sense to be by surface area, as this allows people to build up, while still maintaining green space. 4. Will the poll questions arriving to residents mid April address max square footage? 5. The current knock on Norhill is that it is a great area to live, but many people will move out once they have kids due to smaller homes. I think we should be creating a neighborhood that wants young families, vs making them feel as if they need to leave. on Twitter Share Hello - I feel the living area restrictions are far too restrictive. For the scale to go from 40% for lots under 5k Sq FT, all the way down to 31% on lots over 7k sq ft is even more mind boggling. I purchased my home on a larger lot in Norhill with ideas of expansion in the future. I do not believe it is fair to implement such a large restriction, on people that have already made significant investments in the neighborhood. 1. Is there currently a restriction on home square footage by lot size? 2. If there is a limit in place, I do not believe it should be scaled down so drastically based on the size of the lot. 3. It would make more sense to be by surface area, as this allows people to build up, while still maintaining green space. 4. Will the poll questions arriving to residents mid April address max square footage? 5. The current knock on Norhill is that it is a great area to live, but many people will move out once they have kids due to smaller homes. I think we should be creating a neighborhood that wants young families, vs making them feel as if they need to leave. on Linkedin Email Hello - I feel the living area restrictions are far too restrictive. For the scale to go from 40% for lots under 5k Sq FT, all the way down to 31% on lots over 7k sq ft is even more mind boggling. I purchased my home on a larger lot in Norhill with ideas of expansion in the future. I do not believe it is fair to implement such a large restriction, on people that have already made significant investments in the neighborhood. 1. Is there currently a restriction on home square footage by lot size? 2. If there is a limit in place, I do not believe it should be scaled down so drastically based on the size of the lot. 3. It would make more sense to be by surface area, as this allows people to build up, while still maintaining green space. 4. Will the poll questions arriving to residents mid April address max square footage? 5. The current knock on Norhill is that it is a great area to live, but many people will move out once they have kids due to smaller homes. I think we should be creating a neighborhood that wants young families, vs making them feel as if they need to leave. link

    Hello - I feel the living area restrictions are far too restrictive. For the scale to go from 40% for lots under 5k Sq FT, all the way down to 31% on lots over 7k sq ft is even more mind boggling. I purchased my home on a larger lot in Norhill with ideas of expansion in the future. I do not believe it is fair to implement such a large restriction, on people that have already made significant investments in the neighborhood. 1. Is there currently a restriction on home square footage by lot size? 2. If there is a limit in place, I do not believe it should be scaled down so drastically based on the size of the lot. 3. It would make more sense to be by surface area, as this allows people to build up, while still maintaining green space. 4. Will the poll questions arriving to residents mid April address max square footage? 5. The current knock on Norhill is that it is a great area to live, but many people will move out once they have kids due to smaller homes. I think we should be creating a neighborhood that wants young families, vs making them feel as if they need to leave.

    Norhill Scott asked 4 months ago

    Hello,

    There has been no attempt to prevent anyone from expanding on their property. That has never been a question in the guidelines. There are neighborhoods like Woodland Heights that do not allow a restriction, however a proposed addition on a non-contributing home, that is massive can still be denied by the HAHC. These guidelines address massing, and Norhill is a more intimate neighborhood than Woodland Heights. The lots are smaller. 

    We are listening to your issues, but we must also listen to your neighbors, who may not want what seems like a mid-rise looking into their yard or home. Despite, your issues with the guidelines, I do not believe such a mass would be approved by the HAHC or the NNA. 

    To answer your questions:

    1) No there is not, however a proposed addition would be reviewed by staff and the HAHC. Massing and whether the original home has an addition that is subordinate.

    2) Thank you for your thought.

    3) That has and will further be taken into consideration.

    4) The poll/survey questions will have a few questions about square footage.

    5) Please, take a look at Norhill, the lots are smaller. The homes are smaller. This is how the neighborhood was built. I apologize that you feel that way, but Norhill has characteristics just as Woodland Heights, The Heights, and Old Sixth Ward. It is our duty to create design guidelines that lend to the make up of the neighborhoods and the future of them. The city of Houston is not doing this to force anyone out.

  • Share I am very concerned about the weight on which the City seems to give the comments on this website. How do we even know these people are my Norhill neighbors? I know all of my actual neighbors in North Norhill really support these guidelines and we all love the historic nature of our neighborhood. Thats why we live here. Why do people want to move in to a very long established historic neighborhood and change it? My right to have my privacy in my yard and not have your gargantuan house looming over me is paramount! There are thousands of unrestricted blocks in Houston. If you bought in Norhill in the last 20 years, you knew what you were getting. I am also concerned about these comments because people don’t seem to know what’s really going on! They don’t know the distinction between deed restrictions, historic designation, and guidelines. How can their opinions be valid when they don’t even understand the issues? Makes no sense. on Facebook Share I am very concerned about the weight on which the City seems to give the comments on this website. How do we even know these people are my Norhill neighbors? I know all of my actual neighbors in North Norhill really support these guidelines and we all love the historic nature of our neighborhood. Thats why we live here. Why do people want to move in to a very long established historic neighborhood and change it? My right to have my privacy in my yard and not have your gargantuan house looming over me is paramount! There are thousands of unrestricted blocks in Houston. If you bought in Norhill in the last 20 years, you knew what you were getting. I am also concerned about these comments because people don’t seem to know what’s really going on! They don’t know the distinction between deed restrictions, historic designation, and guidelines. How can their opinions be valid when they don’t even understand the issues? Makes no sense. on Twitter Share I am very concerned about the weight on which the City seems to give the comments on this website. How do we even know these people are my Norhill neighbors? I know all of my actual neighbors in North Norhill really support these guidelines and we all love the historic nature of our neighborhood. Thats why we live here. Why do people want to move in to a very long established historic neighborhood and change it? My right to have my privacy in my yard and not have your gargantuan house looming over me is paramount! There are thousands of unrestricted blocks in Houston. If you bought in Norhill in the last 20 years, you knew what you were getting. I am also concerned about these comments because people don’t seem to know what’s really going on! They don’t know the distinction between deed restrictions, historic designation, and guidelines. How can their opinions be valid when they don’t even understand the issues? Makes no sense. on Linkedin Email I am very concerned about the weight on which the City seems to give the comments on this website. How do we even know these people are my Norhill neighbors? I know all of my actual neighbors in North Norhill really support these guidelines and we all love the historic nature of our neighborhood. Thats why we live here. Why do people want to move in to a very long established historic neighborhood and change it? My right to have my privacy in my yard and not have your gargantuan house looming over me is paramount! There are thousands of unrestricted blocks in Houston. If you bought in Norhill in the last 20 years, you knew what you were getting. I am also concerned about these comments because people don’t seem to know what’s really going on! They don’t know the distinction between deed restrictions, historic designation, and guidelines. How can their opinions be valid when they don’t even understand the issues? Makes no sense. link

    I am very concerned about the weight on which the City seems to give the comments on this website. How do we even know these people are my Norhill neighbors? I know all of my actual neighbors in North Norhill really support these guidelines and we all love the historic nature of our neighborhood. Thats why we live here. Why do people want to move in to a very long established historic neighborhood and change it? My right to have my privacy in my yard and not have your gargantuan house looming over me is paramount! There are thousands of unrestricted blocks in Houston. If you bought in Norhill in the last 20 years, you knew what you were getting. I am also concerned about these comments because people don’t seem to know what’s really going on! They don’t know the distinction between deed restrictions, historic designation, and guidelines. How can their opinions be valid when they don’t even understand the issues? Makes no sense.

    Brenda actually in Norhill asked 4 months ago

    Hello,

    As city employees, the Historic Preservation staff must consider everyone's thoughts. Yes, there is a lot of confusion with the deed restrictions, historic designation, and the guidelines but that is why we want to make sure we answer everyone with an honest answer, the best we can. We as staff would prefer to have the conversation and explain the difference of the three, rather than not. The comments on this page are welcome. Please if you would like to contribute to the Norhill Design Guidelines, please check your mailbox for the poll/survey questions for the guidelines. There is a 30 day window to complete the questionaire.

    Thank You

  • Share As a long time resident of Norhill, we bought our house because we wanted the security having historic protections and deed restrictions afforded us. It is very frustrating to see people choosing to buy a home in our protected community and wanting to change it. We support the clarifying guidelines, which are well overdue. We support continued protections that ensure our family home won’t be dwarfed by some massive new addition on our block, removing views and trees and the privacy we bought and paid for. People like to yell a lot about their property rights. My immediate slice of this neighborhood is still all small homes, with only minimal additions. That hasn’t stopped young couples, empty nesters, single professionals, or young families from buying on my street in the more than a decade our family has lived here. Those concerns are much ado about nothing! Nationally, historic preservation has protected property values and our price per square foot is in line with the most sought after areas in Houston! on Facebook Share As a long time resident of Norhill, we bought our house because we wanted the security having historic protections and deed restrictions afforded us. It is very frustrating to see people choosing to buy a home in our protected community and wanting to change it. We support the clarifying guidelines, which are well overdue. We support continued protections that ensure our family home won’t be dwarfed by some massive new addition on our block, removing views and trees and the privacy we bought and paid for. People like to yell a lot about their property rights. My immediate slice of this neighborhood is still all small homes, with only minimal additions. That hasn’t stopped young couples, empty nesters, single professionals, or young families from buying on my street in the more than a decade our family has lived here. Those concerns are much ado about nothing! Nationally, historic preservation has protected property values and our price per square foot is in line with the most sought after areas in Houston! on Twitter Share As a long time resident of Norhill, we bought our house because we wanted the security having historic protections and deed restrictions afforded us. It is very frustrating to see people choosing to buy a home in our protected community and wanting to change it. We support the clarifying guidelines, which are well overdue. We support continued protections that ensure our family home won’t be dwarfed by some massive new addition on our block, removing views and trees and the privacy we bought and paid for. People like to yell a lot about their property rights. My immediate slice of this neighborhood is still all small homes, with only minimal additions. That hasn’t stopped young couples, empty nesters, single professionals, or young families from buying on my street in the more than a decade our family has lived here. Those concerns are much ado about nothing! Nationally, historic preservation has protected property values and our price per square foot is in line with the most sought after areas in Houston! on Linkedin Email As a long time resident of Norhill, we bought our house because we wanted the security having historic protections and deed restrictions afforded us. It is very frustrating to see people choosing to buy a home in our protected community and wanting to change it. We support the clarifying guidelines, which are well overdue. We support continued protections that ensure our family home won’t be dwarfed by some massive new addition on our block, removing views and trees and the privacy we bought and paid for. People like to yell a lot about their property rights. My immediate slice of this neighborhood is still all small homes, with only minimal additions. That hasn’t stopped young couples, empty nesters, single professionals, or young families from buying on my street in the more than a decade our family has lived here. Those concerns are much ado about nothing! Nationally, historic preservation has protected property values and our price per square foot is in line with the most sought after areas in Houston! link

    As a long time resident of Norhill, we bought our house because we wanted the security having historic protections and deed restrictions afforded us. It is very frustrating to see people choosing to buy a home in our protected community and wanting to change it. We support the clarifying guidelines, which are well overdue. We support continued protections that ensure our family home won’t be dwarfed by some massive new addition on our block, removing views and trees and the privacy we bought and paid for. People like to yell a lot about their property rights. My immediate slice of this neighborhood is still all small homes, with only minimal additions. That hasn’t stopped young couples, empty nesters, single professionals, or young families from buying on my street in the more than a decade our family has lived here. Those concerns are much ado about nothing! Nationally, historic preservation has protected property values and our price per square foot is in line with the most sought after areas in Houston!

    RVTM asked 4 months ago

    Hello and Thank You for your comments.

    We really need more comments like this, as we only hear the opposite. Please take the poll/survey that has been mailed to all Norhill residents. Your feedback will prove to be vital to this process.

  • Share These guidelines are very restrictive. We are not going to see people move into the neighborhood. Why are we making these changes now? Don’t we want to see progress? on Facebook Share These guidelines are very restrictive. We are not going to see people move into the neighborhood. Why are we making these changes now? Don’t we want to see progress? on Twitter Share These guidelines are very restrictive. We are not going to see people move into the neighborhood. Why are we making these changes now? Don’t we want to see progress? on Linkedin Email These guidelines are very restrictive. We are not going to see people move into the neighborhood. Why are we making these changes now? Don’t we want to see progress? link

    These guidelines are very restrictive. We are not going to see people move into the neighborhood. Why are we making these changes now? Don’t we want to see progress?

    Alisa asked 5 months ago

    Hello and Thank You for your comments.

    This has been going on for years, this is not something that just happened over night. Every historic district is set to get design guidelines at some point.

    To answer your question, some see this as progress. However, we do not expect everyone to agree.

  • Share Thank you for sharing the draft guidelines. My comments: 1) Rather than a firm restriction on 2 story garages, could we move to establishing acceptable guidelines for those structures. Fully agree with the comment below that 2-story garages are NOT garage apartments. The inability to have a study or playroom is needlessly limiting when many 2 story garages already exist in the neighborhood and can keep the 'harmony' with appropriate guidelines. on Facebook Share Thank you for sharing the draft guidelines. My comments: 1) Rather than a firm restriction on 2 story garages, could we move to establishing acceptable guidelines for those structures. Fully agree with the comment below that 2-story garages are NOT garage apartments. The inability to have a study or playroom is needlessly limiting when many 2 story garages already exist in the neighborhood and can keep the 'harmony' with appropriate guidelines. on Twitter Share Thank you for sharing the draft guidelines. My comments: 1) Rather than a firm restriction on 2 story garages, could we move to establishing acceptable guidelines for those structures. Fully agree with the comment below that 2-story garages are NOT garage apartments. The inability to have a study or playroom is needlessly limiting when many 2 story garages already exist in the neighborhood and can keep the 'harmony' with appropriate guidelines. on Linkedin Email Thank you for sharing the draft guidelines. My comments: 1) Rather than a firm restriction on 2 story garages, could we move to establishing acceptable guidelines for those structures. Fully agree with the comment below that 2-story garages are NOT garage apartments. The inability to have a study or playroom is needlessly limiting when many 2 story garages already exist in the neighborhood and can keep the 'harmony' with appropriate guidelines. link

    Thank you for sharing the draft guidelines. My comments: 1) Rather than a firm restriction on 2 story garages, could we move to establishing acceptable guidelines for those structures. Fully agree with the comment below that 2-story garages are NOT garage apartments. The inability to have a study or playroom is needlessly limiting when many 2 story garages already exist in the neighborhood and can keep the 'harmony' with appropriate guidelines.

    Brianna asked 5 months ago

    Hello and Thank you for your comments.

    Please take up any garage issues (garage apartments, two-story garages, etc.) with the Norhill Neighborhood Association. The Historic Preservation Office is going to allow you all (residents and NNA) to work that issue out amongst yourselves.

Page last updated: 12 Apr 2024, 01:23 PM