Commission orders living ground cover for 805 Upson after after-the-fact paving

The El Paso Historic Landmark Commission on a recorded motion accepted staff's recommendation that the after-the-fact paving at 805 Upson Drive be corrected by restoring at least 50% living ground cover to both the front yard and the parkway, with the landscaping to be installed within three months and no new permits issued until the violation is remedied.

Staff told commissioners that the property, a contributing building in the Sunset Heights Historic District, had its parkway paved with decorative concrete and that front-yard paving was proposed after the fact. Staff said the district's design guidelines permit removal of grass and sod only if no more than 50% of the area is covered with impervious materials and that parkways must separately meet the 50% living cover requirement.

Applicant Mark Casilotees said trees were removed previously because of root damage and described plans to introduce low-water, low-maintenance plantings and trees to reduce upkeep. He asked whether anchored planters could count toward the coverage requirement; staff replied that movable planters are typically discouraged because they can be removed and that applicants should submit a planting plan showing mature plant size for credit toward the 50% threshold.

The commission approved the staff changes, reiterating that the parkway is evaluated independently from the front yard, that applicants may receive credit for mature plant size, and that staff would accept a planting plan showing how the 50% requirement will be satisfied. The applicant was directed to coordinate with the Historic Preservation Office on the required planting plan and area calculations.