Norhill Historic District

Share Norhill Historic District on Facebook Share Norhill Historic District on Twitter Share Norhill Historic District on Linkedin Email Norhill Historic District link

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:

December 18th, 2024 - Montie Beach Community Center


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:

December 18th, 2024 - Montie Beach Community Center


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

loader image
Forgot password?
Didn't receive confirmation?
Register Now
Seems like you are already registered, please provide the password. Forgot your password? Create a new one now.
  • Share Norhill was designed as a planned community of single-story craftsman-style homes for working families. The design specifically included much green space, space around homes to allow for trees and neighbor contact. These are major reasons people choose to live in Norhill. It is unique from other historic neighborhoods in Houston, or in the rest of the country, actually, in that it still consists of a higher percentage of those original -style homes than other historic areas. This necessitates the need for clear, dimensional and character guidelines to reduce confusion and conflict over what changes can be made to these properties. Citing dimensions, areas, characteristics of historic homes in other parts of the Houston Heights should have no bearing on guidelines for Norhill, as Norhill was constructed differently. As a 12-year resident of Norhill, I approve the draft guidelines prepared by the City. The more they are clear, specific, and consistent as far as appropriate with Norhill deed restrictions, the easier it will be for residents to understand historic parameters when they they choose to live in Norhill. on Facebook Share Norhill was designed as a planned community of single-story craftsman-style homes for working families. The design specifically included much green space, space around homes to allow for trees and neighbor contact. These are major reasons people choose to live in Norhill. It is unique from other historic neighborhoods in Houston, or in the rest of the country, actually, in that it still consists of a higher percentage of those original -style homes than other historic areas. This necessitates the need for clear, dimensional and character guidelines to reduce confusion and conflict over what changes can be made to these properties. Citing dimensions, areas, characteristics of historic homes in other parts of the Houston Heights should have no bearing on guidelines for Norhill, as Norhill was constructed differently. As a 12-year resident of Norhill, I approve the draft guidelines prepared by the City. The more they are clear, specific, and consistent as far as appropriate with Norhill deed restrictions, the easier it will be for residents to understand historic parameters when they they choose to live in Norhill. on Twitter Share Norhill was designed as a planned community of single-story craftsman-style homes for working families. The design specifically included much green space, space around homes to allow for trees and neighbor contact. These are major reasons people choose to live in Norhill. It is unique from other historic neighborhoods in Houston, or in the rest of the country, actually, in that it still consists of a higher percentage of those original -style homes than other historic areas. This necessitates the need for clear, dimensional and character guidelines to reduce confusion and conflict over what changes can be made to these properties. Citing dimensions, areas, characteristics of historic homes in other parts of the Houston Heights should have no bearing on guidelines for Norhill, as Norhill was constructed differently. As a 12-year resident of Norhill, I approve the draft guidelines prepared by the City. The more they are clear, specific, and consistent as far as appropriate with Norhill deed restrictions, the easier it will be for residents to understand historic parameters when they they choose to live in Norhill. on Linkedin Email Norhill was designed as a planned community of single-story craftsman-style homes for working families. The design specifically included much green space, space around homes to allow for trees and neighbor contact. These are major reasons people choose to live in Norhill. It is unique from other historic neighborhoods in Houston, or in the rest of the country, actually, in that it still consists of a higher percentage of those original -style homes than other historic areas. This necessitates the need for clear, dimensional and character guidelines to reduce confusion and conflict over what changes can be made to these properties. Citing dimensions, areas, characteristics of historic homes in other parts of the Houston Heights should have no bearing on guidelines for Norhill, as Norhill was constructed differently. As a 12-year resident of Norhill, I approve the draft guidelines prepared by the City. The more they are clear, specific, and consistent as far as appropriate with Norhill deed restrictions, the easier it will be for residents to understand historic parameters when they they choose to live in Norhill. link

    Norhill was designed as a planned community of single-story craftsman-style homes for working families. The design specifically included much green space, space around homes to allow for trees and neighbor contact. These are major reasons people choose to live in Norhill. It is unique from other historic neighborhoods in Houston, or in the rest of the country, actually, in that it still consists of a higher percentage of those original -style homes than other historic areas. This necessitates the need for clear, dimensional and character guidelines to reduce confusion and conflict over what changes can be made to these properties. Citing dimensions, areas, characteristics of historic homes in other parts of the Houston Heights should have no bearing on guidelines for Norhill, as Norhill was constructed differently. As a 12-year resident of Norhill, I approve the draft guidelines prepared by the City. The more they are clear, specific, and consistent as far as appropriate with Norhill deed restrictions, the easier it will be for residents to understand historic parameters when they they choose to live in Norhill.

    msmary45 asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your participation in this process. We also want to thank you for your commitment to the Norhill neighborhood. We look forward to completing these guideline and we can only hope that we continue to serve the residents of Norhill. We look forward to working with you all in the future.

  • Share Just a quick note to confirm my strong support of the adoption of the Norhill Guidelines. I understand that there may be some "tweaks" to the document, but taken as a whole it is a good document with compromises made to address residents opinions. The concerns about the poll from recent meeting (Dec 18) seem to indicate that some residents would like a written explanation on weighted values . . . perhaps that could be posted here somewhere. I strongly support the moderate numbers of square footage allowable per square foot: 2000-2200 for 5000, 2200-2400 for 6000. While these far exceed original home sizes, these sizes also address current needs within reason. This small working class neighborhood should have modest scale/proportions to retain its historic charm. This includes green space around the house and sky space above the house/garage. I support the 1.5 story garage idea, which seems like a good compromise for the neighborhood, helping to retain modest proportions with some of the needs of residents without creating towering garages. Not everyone should live in small bungalows, and there are options nearby which can accommodate families who require large square footage for their activities. Thank you Terrence and team for your hard work on this project. Now it is time to take this project to the finish line. Happy holidays. on Facebook Share Just a quick note to confirm my strong support of the adoption of the Norhill Guidelines. I understand that there may be some "tweaks" to the document, but taken as a whole it is a good document with compromises made to address residents opinions. The concerns about the poll from recent meeting (Dec 18) seem to indicate that some residents would like a written explanation on weighted values . . . perhaps that could be posted here somewhere. I strongly support the moderate numbers of square footage allowable per square foot: 2000-2200 for 5000, 2200-2400 for 6000. While these far exceed original home sizes, these sizes also address current needs within reason. This small working class neighborhood should have modest scale/proportions to retain its historic charm. This includes green space around the house and sky space above the house/garage. I support the 1.5 story garage idea, which seems like a good compromise for the neighborhood, helping to retain modest proportions with some of the needs of residents without creating towering garages. Not everyone should live in small bungalows, and there are options nearby which can accommodate families who require large square footage for their activities. Thank you Terrence and team for your hard work on this project. Now it is time to take this project to the finish line. Happy holidays. on Twitter Share Just a quick note to confirm my strong support of the adoption of the Norhill Guidelines. I understand that there may be some "tweaks" to the document, but taken as a whole it is a good document with compromises made to address residents opinions. The concerns about the poll from recent meeting (Dec 18) seem to indicate that some residents would like a written explanation on weighted values . . . perhaps that could be posted here somewhere. I strongly support the moderate numbers of square footage allowable per square foot: 2000-2200 for 5000, 2200-2400 for 6000. While these far exceed original home sizes, these sizes also address current needs within reason. This small working class neighborhood should have modest scale/proportions to retain its historic charm. This includes green space around the house and sky space above the house/garage. I support the 1.5 story garage idea, which seems like a good compromise for the neighborhood, helping to retain modest proportions with some of the needs of residents without creating towering garages. Not everyone should live in small bungalows, and there are options nearby which can accommodate families who require large square footage for their activities. Thank you Terrence and team for your hard work on this project. Now it is time to take this project to the finish line. Happy holidays. on Linkedin Email Just a quick note to confirm my strong support of the adoption of the Norhill Guidelines. I understand that there may be some "tweaks" to the document, but taken as a whole it is a good document with compromises made to address residents opinions. The concerns about the poll from recent meeting (Dec 18) seem to indicate that some residents would like a written explanation on weighted values . . . perhaps that could be posted here somewhere. I strongly support the moderate numbers of square footage allowable per square foot: 2000-2200 for 5000, 2200-2400 for 6000. While these far exceed original home sizes, these sizes also address current needs within reason. This small working class neighborhood should have modest scale/proportions to retain its historic charm. This includes green space around the house and sky space above the house/garage. I support the 1.5 story garage idea, which seems like a good compromise for the neighborhood, helping to retain modest proportions with some of the needs of residents without creating towering garages. Not everyone should live in small bungalows, and there are options nearby which can accommodate families who require large square footage for their activities. Thank you Terrence and team for your hard work on this project. Now it is time to take this project to the finish line. Happy holidays. link

    Just a quick note to confirm my strong support of the adoption of the Norhill Guidelines. I understand that there may be some "tweaks" to the document, but taken as a whole it is a good document with compromises made to address residents opinions. The concerns about the poll from recent meeting (Dec 18) seem to indicate that some residents would like a written explanation on weighted values . . . perhaps that could be posted here somewhere. I strongly support the moderate numbers of square footage allowable per square foot: 2000-2200 for 5000, 2200-2400 for 6000. While these far exceed original home sizes, these sizes also address current needs within reason. This small working class neighborhood should have modest scale/proportions to retain its historic charm. This includes green space around the house and sky space above the house/garage. I support the 1.5 story garage idea, which seems like a good compromise for the neighborhood, helping to retain modest proportions with some of the needs of residents without creating towering garages. Not everyone should live in small bungalows, and there are options nearby which can accommodate families who require large square footage for their activities. Thank you Terrence and team for your hard work on this project. Now it is time to take this project to the finish line. Happy holidays.

    Karen asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you so much for your comments. The team is going to be looking into the 1 1/2 story garages to see if we can make it a reality and have that included in the guidelines. We appreciate your kind words and we appreciate you attending the meetings and workshops. 

  • Share I support the draft design guidelines as they will preserve Norhill’s historic charm. The framework provides a consistent and clear path to secure Norhill’s magic - one of the many reasons people want to live in this beautiful neighborhood. Other parts of the Heights are being swallowed by huge homes which block the sun and breezes of neighbors. Furthermore, I support the one-story garage for the backyard privacy. Thank you for all your hard work on this final draft. I truly appreciate your time and efforts. on Facebook Share I support the draft design guidelines as they will preserve Norhill’s historic charm. The framework provides a consistent and clear path to secure Norhill’s magic - one of the many reasons people want to live in this beautiful neighborhood. Other parts of the Heights are being swallowed by huge homes which block the sun and breezes of neighbors. Furthermore, I support the one-story garage for the backyard privacy. Thank you for all your hard work on this final draft. I truly appreciate your time and efforts. on Twitter Share I support the draft design guidelines as they will preserve Norhill’s historic charm. The framework provides a consistent and clear path to secure Norhill’s magic - one of the many reasons people want to live in this beautiful neighborhood. Other parts of the Heights are being swallowed by huge homes which block the sun and breezes of neighbors. Furthermore, I support the one-story garage for the backyard privacy. Thank you for all your hard work on this final draft. I truly appreciate your time and efforts. on Linkedin Email I support the draft design guidelines as they will preserve Norhill’s historic charm. The framework provides a consistent and clear path to secure Norhill’s magic - one of the many reasons people want to live in this beautiful neighborhood. Other parts of the Heights are being swallowed by huge homes which block the sun and breezes of neighbors. Furthermore, I support the one-story garage for the backyard privacy. Thank you for all your hard work on this final draft. I truly appreciate your time and efforts. link

    I support the draft design guidelines as they will preserve Norhill’s historic charm. The framework provides a consistent and clear path to secure Norhill’s magic - one of the many reasons people want to live in this beautiful neighborhood. Other parts of the Heights are being swallowed by huge homes which block the sun and breezes of neighbors. Furthermore, I support the one-story garage for the backyard privacy. Thank you for all your hard work on this final draft. I truly appreciate your time and efforts.

    Esmeralda asked 27 days ago

    Hello,

    Thank you for your kind words and comments. We also would like to thank you for attending and participating in this process. 

  • Share I also want to express my support for the Neighborhood Design Guidelines. I very much appreciate the character of the current Norhill architecture and want to see it preserved. Gillian Steinhauer, 1102 Peddie Street. on Facebook Share I also want to express my support for the Neighborhood Design Guidelines. I very much appreciate the character of the current Norhill architecture and want to see it preserved. Gillian Steinhauer, 1102 Peddie Street. on Twitter Share I also want to express my support for the Neighborhood Design Guidelines. I very much appreciate the character of the current Norhill architecture and want to see it preserved. Gillian Steinhauer, 1102 Peddie Street. on Linkedin Email I also want to express my support for the Neighborhood Design Guidelines. I very much appreciate the character of the current Norhill architecture and want to see it preserved. Gillian Steinhauer, 1102 Peddie Street. link

    I also want to express my support for the Neighborhood Design Guidelines. I very much appreciate the character of the current Norhill architecture and want to see it preserved. Gillian Steinhauer, 1102 Peddie Street.

    Gillian asked 26 days ago

    Thank you so much for your comments. We appreciate your willingness to support us with this draft.

  • Share Having attended all of the design guidelines meetings we wanted to be certain our voice is heard. We purchased a home in Norhill three years ago specifically because of the limitations/protections afforded by a historic district. We were in favor of the original draft guidelines as written. And while we are not thrilled with some of the intervening compromises, we are in favor of approving the final draft as last presented to protect the quality of life for all Norhill residents. Norhill is an incredibly unique neighborhood in Houston and needs to be protected. on Facebook Share Having attended all of the design guidelines meetings we wanted to be certain our voice is heard. We purchased a home in Norhill three years ago specifically because of the limitations/protections afforded by a historic district. We were in favor of the original draft guidelines as written. And while we are not thrilled with some of the intervening compromises, we are in favor of approving the final draft as last presented to protect the quality of life for all Norhill residents. Norhill is an incredibly unique neighborhood in Houston and needs to be protected. on Twitter Share Having attended all of the design guidelines meetings we wanted to be certain our voice is heard. We purchased a home in Norhill three years ago specifically because of the limitations/protections afforded by a historic district. We were in favor of the original draft guidelines as written. And while we are not thrilled with some of the intervening compromises, we are in favor of approving the final draft as last presented to protect the quality of life for all Norhill residents. Norhill is an incredibly unique neighborhood in Houston and needs to be protected. on Linkedin Email Having attended all of the design guidelines meetings we wanted to be certain our voice is heard. We purchased a home in Norhill three years ago specifically because of the limitations/protections afforded by a historic district. We were in favor of the original draft guidelines as written. And while we are not thrilled with some of the intervening compromises, we are in favor of approving the final draft as last presented to protect the quality of life for all Norhill residents. Norhill is an incredibly unique neighborhood in Houston and needs to be protected. link

    Having attended all of the design guidelines meetings we wanted to be certain our voice is heard. We purchased a home in Norhill three years ago specifically because of the limitations/protections afforded by a historic district. We were in favor of the original draft guidelines as written. And while we are not thrilled with some of the intervening compromises, we are in favor of approving the final draft as last presented to protect the quality of life for all Norhill residents. Norhill is an incredibly unique neighborhood in Houston and needs to be protected.

    Tiffany Till asked 26 days ago

    Hello,

    Thank you for your comments. As you may know this process has been going on for years and the historic preservation team is working as hard as we possibly can to try to please everyone. Of course we know that we cannot. We are happy that you would be in support, but if you do not mind us asking:

    What is it that you would have changed back? What changes were made that you would like taken out?

    Thank You

  • Share I am in favor of these design guidelines. on Facebook Share I am in favor of these design guidelines. on Twitter Share I am in favor of these design guidelines. on Linkedin Email I am in favor of these design guidelines. link

    I am in favor of these design guidelines.

    LLR asked 19 days ago

    Hello and thank you so much for your comments.

  • Share Greetings all, I have been a Heights resident since 1990 and a homeowner in Norhill since 2000. I have witnessed the vast changes around the area over these decades - and I want to express my support for the Neighborhood Design Guidelines. I am particularly concerned that Norhill retain the historic character this neighborhood has with its bungalows and large number of 1930's-era kit homes. I have seen the explosion of buildings in nearby neighborhoods like Woodland Heights and do not want to see Norhill evolve in that manner. I believe the character and harmony of this historic district would be lost were design guidelines such as these not adopted and enforced. There should be front and rear lot line setbacks and guidelines for added protection to this historic representative neighborhood. Thank you for ensuring the continued nature of Norhill's character through the clarifications these guidelines provide. Peace, Duane Bradley 4023 Pineridge St. Houston, TX 77009 on Facebook Share Greetings all, I have been a Heights resident since 1990 and a homeowner in Norhill since 2000. I have witnessed the vast changes around the area over these decades - and I want to express my support for the Neighborhood Design Guidelines. I am particularly concerned that Norhill retain the historic character this neighborhood has with its bungalows and large number of 1930's-era kit homes. I have seen the explosion of buildings in nearby neighborhoods like Woodland Heights and do not want to see Norhill evolve in that manner. I believe the character and harmony of this historic district would be lost were design guidelines such as these not adopted and enforced. There should be front and rear lot line setbacks and guidelines for added protection to this historic representative neighborhood. Thank you for ensuring the continued nature of Norhill's character through the clarifications these guidelines provide. Peace, Duane Bradley 4023 Pineridge St. Houston, TX 77009 on Twitter Share Greetings all, I have been a Heights resident since 1990 and a homeowner in Norhill since 2000. I have witnessed the vast changes around the area over these decades - and I want to express my support for the Neighborhood Design Guidelines. I am particularly concerned that Norhill retain the historic character this neighborhood has with its bungalows and large number of 1930's-era kit homes. I have seen the explosion of buildings in nearby neighborhoods like Woodland Heights and do not want to see Norhill evolve in that manner. I believe the character and harmony of this historic district would be lost were design guidelines such as these not adopted and enforced. There should be front and rear lot line setbacks and guidelines for added protection to this historic representative neighborhood. Thank you for ensuring the continued nature of Norhill's character through the clarifications these guidelines provide. Peace, Duane Bradley 4023 Pineridge St. Houston, TX 77009 on Linkedin Email Greetings all, I have been a Heights resident since 1990 and a homeowner in Norhill since 2000. I have witnessed the vast changes around the area over these decades - and I want to express my support for the Neighborhood Design Guidelines. I am particularly concerned that Norhill retain the historic character this neighborhood has with its bungalows and large number of 1930's-era kit homes. I have seen the explosion of buildings in nearby neighborhoods like Woodland Heights and do not want to see Norhill evolve in that manner. I believe the character and harmony of this historic district would be lost were design guidelines such as these not adopted and enforced. There should be front and rear lot line setbacks and guidelines for added protection to this historic representative neighborhood. Thank you for ensuring the continued nature of Norhill's character through the clarifications these guidelines provide. Peace, Duane Bradley 4023 Pineridge St. Houston, TX 77009 link

    Greetings all, I have been a Heights resident since 1990 and a homeowner in Norhill since 2000. I have witnessed the vast changes around the area over these decades - and I want to express my support for the Neighborhood Design Guidelines. I am particularly concerned that Norhill retain the historic character this neighborhood has with its bungalows and large number of 1930's-era kit homes. I have seen the explosion of buildings in nearby neighborhoods like Woodland Heights and do not want to see Norhill evolve in that manner. I believe the character and harmony of this historic district would be lost were design guidelines such as these not adopted and enforced. There should be front and rear lot line setbacks and guidelines for added protection to this historic representative neighborhood. Thank you for ensuring the continued nature of Norhill's character through the clarifications these guidelines provide. Peace, Duane Bradley 4023 Pineridge St. Houston, TX 77009

    Duane Bradley asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you sir for the kind words. The Norhill design guideline team has worked really hard in resolving the very issue you speak of. We are happy to present these guidelines to the residents as this shall be a representation of what they wanted and how they would like to keep the character of the neighborhood intact. 

  • Share Is there a virtual / zoom option for next week’s meeting. I’d really like to participate, but I’m able to make there at that time. on Facebook Share Is there a virtual / zoom option for next week’s meeting. I’d really like to participate, but I’m able to make there at that time. on Twitter Share Is there a virtual / zoom option for next week’s meeting. I’d really like to participate, but I’m able to make there at that time. on Linkedin Email Is there a virtual / zoom option for next week’s meeting. I’d really like to participate, but I’m able to make there at that time. link

    Is there a virtual / zoom option for next week’s meeting. I’d really like to participate, but I’m able to make there at that time.

    Gddunton asked about 1 month ago

    Unfortunately, no there is not a virtual option. If you would like to submit any questions you may have to Lets Talk Houston or you can email the HOP staff for any questions and/or concerns.

  • Share What is scheduled time for the meeting? on Facebook Share What is scheduled time for the meeting? on Twitter Share What is scheduled time for the meeting? on Linkedin Email What is scheduled time for the meeting? link

    What is scheduled time for the meeting?

    Trey P. asked about 2 months ago

    The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 pm. However, we will allow time for you all to start showing up before we begin.

  • Share Thank you for the response. So to clarify, there is no historical preservation rationale to limit the height on garages, but this is a deed restriction conversation? on Facebook Share Thank you for the response. So to clarify, there is no historical preservation rationale to limit the height on garages, but this is a deed restriction conversation? on Twitter Share Thank you for the response. So to clarify, there is no historical preservation rationale to limit the height on garages, but this is a deed restriction conversation? on Linkedin Email Thank you for the response. So to clarify, there is no historical preservation rationale to limit the height on garages, but this is a deed restriction conversation? link

    Thank you for the response. So to clarify, there is no historical preservation rationale to limit the height on garages, but this is a deed restriction conversation?

    Gddunton asked 2 months ago

    If I am not mistaken, there is a requirement that a 1 story garage ridge height is not to exceed 17 feet. But I think that is about it. The deed restrictions cover garages more than the guidelines do.

Page last updated: 05 Dec 2024, 10:38 AM