Title
Informational Update on the City of McKinney’s Historic Preservation Program
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
MEETING DATE: August 2, 2022
DEPARTMENT: Development Services - Planning Department
CONTACT: Paula Jarrett Nasta, AIA, Planning Manager
Jennifer Arnold, AICP, Director of Planning
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Receive an update on the city’s Historic Preservation Program.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• The purpose of this work session is to provide an informational update highlighting the existing historic preservation programs in McKinney, including the role of the Historic Preservation Advisory Board.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• The McKinney historic preservation program was established in December 1981 by Ordinance 1270 and the creation of the Historic “H” District zoning category. The Commercial Historic District (CHD) was later established in 1988 and the Residential Historic District following in 1989. The creation of these districts was generally aimed at regulating exterior alterations and new construction to ensure preservation standards and compatible infill in McKinney’s historic area.
• After nearly two decades of a primarily enforcement-driven program, the city established the Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ) and Historic Neighborhood Improvement Zone (HNIZ) programs in 2007 to provide programmatic, yet modest economic incentives for property owners and developers who were reinvesting in historic properties. The boundaries of the HNIZ and NEZ were slightly modified in 2008 just after the zones were established.
• In addition to regulations and incentives, the city has also invested resources to highlight and promote the historic town center. Activities such as the historic home recognition program and walking tours have been a staple in McKinney’s historic preservation program for the last 7+ years and promote awareness of these historic resources and incentives.