[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6569996,"mediaKeyId","3193964-aa72c428d286b14df5669c8089296d24","parentId",3193964,"title","Landmark commissioners discuss appeal reversing a windows decision and request training with zoning board","audioSeconds",686,"startMs",1554510,"endMs",2241480,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3193964-aa72c428d286b14df5669c8089296d24&start=1554&end=2241","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3193964-aa72c428d286b14df5669c8089296d24/thumbnail_1554510.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6569996/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/Landmark-commissioners-discuss-appeal-reversing-a-windows-decision-and-request-training-with-zoning-board","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569996-d379979c2eed4301f24bfa889e2b0d23/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172727&Signature=nqXaghf5Dkjt4xxpSvYLGclZcSYc00FNXJRx9aVXbVZe0PQQ4dmnwMDwfV7Hl~dcC7sGqJ1VUcwN61mAXWhSyHdxkZ1t3LNzk88k3XWA8U5A9Y0TsUSIxDmkfh57txwqzrIhCNiHtPDSWxyGaEbKbJKeaeJ~lIKx13G~HXr1~CkEDW0pSjeClI2SUe0XajBoHz3LqzIPY13T2~Fp9hVPS6auzD4vYO8DtFPWBnSTJ3RJYf8KINCthb0jH~-DZW-go3Kn4hM5Lvr89tpjWdJqF7uojdBLCMRu8bpW70dBpHf4cjNbY9Pv-1iHDhvRay3PBeip7rLwQiTDvdmfpsgHng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Galveston","date","2025-05-05T00:00:00Z","article","Landmark commissioners used a May 5 meeting discussion item to review an appeal of a recent decision that the Zoning Board of Adjustment overturned on a windows issue. Vice Chairperson Christian Bourgeois raised concerns that the zoning board found the Landmark Commission had not followed its own rules in that case and sought staff guidance on how to reduce future reversals.

Staff members explained the zoning board’s role as an appeals body that reviews whether the commission followed its procedures and regulations. Staff advised commissioners that when a motion departs from staff recommendations, the commission should clearly state on the record the specific reasons and tie those reasons to sections of the Design Standards for Historic Properties. The transcript notes staff provides the zoning board with the applicant’s narrative, the original staff report and a transcript of the Landmark Commission meeting.

Commissioners discussed whether the zoning board has sufficient expertise in historic-design rules and whether better coordination or joint training sessions could reduce misunderstandings. Staff suggested they would propose a training or joint meeting with the zoning board’s chair to review appeals procedures and expectations. Commissioners also noted that when Landmark Commission members attend a zoning-board appeal proceeding, they may speak during the public hearing but only the chair or vice chair can officially represent the commission.

Speakers urged clearer on-the-record rationale for decisions that differ from staff recommendations to strengthen the commission’s position if an appeal occurs. Staff noted appeals are uncommon and offered to work with the zoning board on training.

—","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Galveston - Landmark Commission - May 05, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners discussed a recent appeal heard by the Zoning Board of Adjustment that overturned the commission on a windows issue. Members and staff emphasized the need to document reasons when a motion diverges from staff recommendations and suggested joint training with the zoning board.","taxTitle","Galveston , Galveston County, Texas","taxId",5145,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6570001,"Commission denies Hardie siding request for contributing house at 1711 Post Office",683,833410,1517174,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3193964-aa72c428d286b14df5669c8089296d24&start=833&end=1517","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3193964-aa72c428d286b14df5669c8089296d24/thumbnail_833410.jpg","/articles/6570001/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/Commission-denies-Hardie-siding-request-for-contributing-house-at-1711-Post-Office","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6570001-5d34866904d05a2e4be395c4e77aa623/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172727&Signature=ALK7C8jWu7xqhW9M6o7Jzygfvlw7qJu2vd8Q6ZBWJEagDuj93KucczOIEapssoKcNJ3Ay-rRTXH57yMXEE9BDpo-LbrkWU8COYFH6ieqzLwT~RbQzATC~6ln01G8v-F0tswZZwRNEb7W5iyEdlnkdkh9PW9M6HdlKNnUDBkJKsoTFduWyKkC9MXJPRiCtTicmrQTnZMUguxQmLCKU~UoJUqRCoKbUNivQI-PeEIkPSTqRx0hbB~eTMsPkiH3gGDUBXCcby3WwHAqupGLH-d53LB06MTPhanm0QMPFBPiUWLLKvKylYTdFO0TpJZmFl4b2yUEUC1XaEQ1M0MtWR-brA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Galveston Landmark Commission denied a certificate of appropriateness request on Monday, May 5 for replacing exterior wood siding with smooth cement (Hardie) siding on parts of the contributing property at 1711 Post Office.

Daniel (staff member) explained that the house was classified as low/noncontributing in the 2015 historic-sites survey but was reclassified as medium and contributing after 2016 restoration work that removed nonhistoric additions and restored the front facade. Staff told the commission the east and west side facades are location C (less-visible secondary walls) and the south facade is location D (rear facade not typically visible from the street). While locations C and D allow more flexibility, staff concluded that the use of cementitious Hardie siding on a contributing structure is not compatible and recommended denial. Staff recommended retaining or replacing with wood siding matching existing dimensions and visual appearance; administrative approval for matching wood was noted as feasible.

Applicant Shannon Graber told the commission that visible sides of the house had been restored with wood and that the request now concerns the rear of the house and roughly one-third of the west side, areas she said are not historic wood and contain a mix of plywood and nonhistoric materials. Graber cited storm and sun damage, termite history (not currently active), energy-efficiency and maintenance costs; she said repainting had cost roughly $23,000 since 2016 and that Hardie siding would offer longer maintenance cycles, moisture and pest resistance and improved durability during storms.

Neighbor Doug Coop spoke in support, saying the house is well maintained and noting a recent nearby approval (April 9) for Hardie on the rear of 1721 Post Office and 11 vinyl windows, which he suggested as precedent. Graber said the east side gaps have been infilled and repainted and asked the commission to permit Hardie on the rear and the back portion of the west side only.

A commissioner moved to deny case 25LC019 \"based on staff recommendations.\" The motion was seconded and passed; the transcript records that two notices had been returned in favor and that six notices were sent, but it does not include a roll-call vote tally.

The commission’s denial means the applicant’s request to replace the specified portions of siding with Hardie was not authorized; staff noted wood siding of the same dimension and appearance can be administratively approved for compatible replacement on a contributing structure.

—","The Galveston Landmark Commission on May 5 denied a request to replace exterior wood siding with smooth cement (Hardie) siding on portions of a contributing property at 1711 Post Office, following staff advice that Hardie is not compatible on contributing structures.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6570006,"Commission approves garage apartment at 1407 Ball with condition on window configuration",306,495695,801700,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3193964-aa72c428d286b14df5669c8089296d24&start=495&end=801","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3193964-aa72c428d286b14df5669c8089296d24/thumbnail_495695.jpg","/articles/6570006/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/Commission-approves-garage-apartment-at-1407-Ball-with-condition-on-window-configuration","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6570006-2a3453e8fabe40bac6b4f0fa612daac9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172727&Signature=dtI-rtF4lRwE3MCb88E1WeaSTwF3rvGWFhJXnTvEWonyxjkUq8aG0cFqKZaLDrNHavc2fa3uZYMHN9CCq0lB8PpDirtTfIzqP233GLPOqAkjh80VEm2ASCsn4V2dAUpNA7hB~NRiTy-5lUL6eknPX3KkBGBlQ-vshiMqismlxdNvS~vubp5X4y98yMM9AOnGQNd-4a~fHQVbSbcyWuIZ5Gsh~1aTOttPLzYOosMpi3NuNqaB5R6op1Pvl7eyKFQzv0fYOB5NEWLQHaZ6zEM-9UKuMTzph0kHoJxmO4J3ebq3Zh9hRGngnjMnRKRc4gSI4XJKj0G~4fS4rM-SuXStjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Galveston Landmark Commission on Monday, May 5 approved a certificate of appropriateness for a new garage apartment at 1407 Ball, approving staff’s recommended conditions including a 1-over-1 light configuration for new windows.

Daniel (staff member) told the commission that staff found the proposed work generally conforms to the design standards with respect to material, size, placement and massing, but recommended a 1-over-1 window configuration for new construction and listed standard conditions in the staff report. Staff noted five public notices were sent and one response was returned in favor and that the cover-page photo in the staff report was incorrect; exhibit B contains the correct historic-sites inventory photo.

Architect Bridal Easterwood, representing the applicant, said the design replaces an existing garage and adds a second story. Easterwood asked the commission to permit 2-over-2 windows with surface-applied mullions (\"proud of the glass\") because that was the owner’s preference; she said the accessory dwelling is intended for family use and not as a short-term rental.

A commissioner moved to approve case 25LC018 with staff recommendations; the motion was seconded and passed. Commissioners confirmed the approval included staff condition 1(a) requiring 1-over-1 windows. The transcript records no roll-call tally.

The approval allows the garage apartment to be constructed as shown in the applicant’s exhibits, provided the window configuration conforms to the 1-over-1 condition in the staff report.

—","The Galveston Landmark Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for a two-story garage apartment at 1407 Ball on May 5, subject to a condition requiring 1-over-1 window configuration as specified in the staff recommendation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":91,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6570011,"Landmark Commission approves painted CMU in alley at 2400 Mechanic despite staff objection",448,47305,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3193964-aa72c428d286b14df5669c8089296d24&start=47&end=495","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3193964-aa72c428d286b14df5669c8089296d24/thumbnail_47305.jpg","/articles/6570011/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/Landmark-Commission-approves-painted-CMU-in-alley-at-2400-Mechanic-despite-staff-objection","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6570011-0c1220836f86f332da16bff96c02684e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172727&Signature=GNDA3xvfR3f3q63CRXafeYimJb0xOGKoRu~bNcDNeSbHknNs8WelL4jrb9wLOLN2gVmCRQLfdDWNwYDcziQFBfX5xLnoDEbQQaJKZgVmrv5NZ7vzrWN9r31D8obLCCkweg7JvSJJRrvyOoobPc8Su24imjWYUkZvC8G4a4LgFPoUBWxtaFwqnqy5CWLHGd-PBUVPSoGrzGBkm8~7i7sdTcoGdENTXoQ7JU517QFWt4gdomR5jpjAXm8eWv7NQE-9SapTOfjeSZQrbLOKnSfuN2sfmt3Xztn74ZEhQWmvV45kN5zuK~IK19Q9vsVAXUquC5J53ONP18Bz8oZBA7EdLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Galveston’s Landmark Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness on Monday, May 5, allowing the owner of 2400 Mechanic to remove a failing brick veneer from the rear garage wall, finish the exposed concrete masonry unit (CMU) and paint it, despite staff recommending denial.

Staff had recommended denying the request because the work does not conform to the Design Standards for Historic Properties, which the staff report says favor repair and retention of brick, stone or stucco in the Strand Mechanic Historic District. Catherine (staff member) told commissioners that while the rear facade is in a less-visible location and allows some flexibility, the design standards still call for materials compatible with the district and that staff recommends the brick veneer be repaired and retained.

The applicant, identified in the meeting as Mr. Watson, said the wall in question was built during a 1995 renovation and that brick ties are failing and the brick was \"literally falling off\" when work began. Watson said the interior garage structure was previously demolished and rebuilt under an earlier approval and that steel supports and rebar had deteriorated following flooding during Hurricane Ike, which contributed to the current condition. He noted adjacent alley walls include painted masonry and CMU and asked the commission to allow the painted CMU as a cost-saving, durable alternative.

Staff reported that 51 notices were sent and none were returned. The staff report also notes that on Jan. 6, 2025, the commission approved earlier alterations under case 24LC036 that included demolition of the internal garage structure and new surface parking and roof terrace; the current request concerns only the rear garage facade material.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the application, citing the wall’s 1995 construction and the failing condition of the brick; another commissioner seconded. The motion passed; the commission did not adopt staff’s recommendation to deny. The meeting record does not include a roll-call tally for the vote.

The commission’s approval allows the applicant to reinstall the garage openings and leave the rear wall as painted CMU instead of replacing the brick veneer, subject only to the motion as stated at the meeting. No specific conditions beyond the approval motion were recorded on the public transcript.

The commission moved on to the next agenda item after the vote; the record shows no public commenters for this case and no additional written conditions noted on the transcript.

—","The Galveston Landmark Commission on May 5 approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing removal of a failing brick veneer and painting of a CMU rear garage wall at 2400 Mechanic, diverging from staff recommendations that the brick be repaired and retained.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Landmark commissioners discuss appeal reversing a windows decision and request training with zoning board

Commission denies Hardie siding request for contributing house at 1711 Post Office

Commission approves garage apartment at 1407 Ball with condition on window configuration

Landmark Commission approves painted CMU in alley at 2400 Mechanic despite staff objection