Boerne commission votes to dissolve Design Review Committee, reassign sign approvals to Historic Landmark Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended to City Council a set of amendments to the City of Boerne Unified Development Code that dissolve the Design Review Committee (DRC) and reassign its duties.

Staff presenter Willie Willingham told the commission the revisions transfer sign certificates of approval and sign variance review to the Historic Landmark Commission (HLC) and transfer review of creative alternatives to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Willingham said the Historic Landmark Commission had already held a hearing and recommended approval, and that the amendments align the code with a recent change in state law (Texas Senate Bill 1883) that affected membership rules for Impact Fee Advisory Committees.

Willingham said the DRC had a light caseload since its formation in November 2021 (two creative alternatives and a limited number of sign items historically), and staff argued the reassignment would align duties with each commission’s expertise. He told commissioners staff would provide training and case histories on creative alternatives if the commission requested it.

Commissioners asked about training, the HLC’s readiness to review citywide sign requests (including electronic/changeable signs), and whether the change stemmed from volunteer availability or statutory requirements. Staff said the reassignment was partly driven by SB 1883 and partly by workload and membership considerations; the HLC will receive training on its new duties.

Commissioner Byrd moved, Commissioner Taylor seconded, and the Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the UDC amendments to City Council. City Council will hold two hearings and make the final decision.