Commission orders 120‑day compliance window for unpermitted turf and paved front yards in Sunset Heights

The City of El Paso Historic Landmark Commission voted to require two property owners in the Sunset Heights Historic District to bring front yards into compliance with district landscaping guidelines, giving both 120 days to meet a minimum of 50% living ground cover.

Staff member Provencio described two after‑the‑fact cases visible from the right of way: one involving extensive paving/hardscape that removed much of the original front‑yard landscaping, and another involving near‑complete coverage of a parcel with artificial turf. Provencio said design guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation prioritize living landscaping that complements the building and streetscape and noted that no new permits or approvals should be granted until the properties are in compliance.

For the paved‑over yard, Carlos Ignacio Hernandez, the grandson and representative of the property owner, said the work was completed as the household aged and trees and plants died. He described the household as on a fixed income and said he was concerned about how to pay for removal and replacement. “My grandfather has been living there for almost 70 years… he gets 1,200 a month,” Hernandez said, describing limited means and the difficulty of undertaking major concrete removal.

Commissioners discussed options to reduce cost — including neighborhood donations of plants, volunteer labor and coordination with a neighborhood association — and acknowledged removal of concrete can be more expensive than planting. The commission accepted staff’s recommendation but extended the compliance period to 120 days so planting can occur in cooler weather and to give property owners time to plan.

On a separate but related parcel, owner representative Keneska Velasquez said artificial turf had been installed in 2019 atop multiple lots after prior contamination and the loss of mature trees. Staff noted that artificial (nonliving) turf does not count toward the 50% living ground‑cover requirement and that, because of the parcel’s configuration, a land survey may be needed to determine which portions count as front yard or parkway. The commission approved staff’s recommendation with a 120‑day deadline and directed staff to work with the applicant on survey and measurement issues.

Both motions passed; commissioners and staff suggested neighborhood outreach (including the Sunset Heights Neighborhood Improvement Association) as a resource and listed horticultural/extension office advice for plant selection.

Votes at a glance
• Item (paved front yard — 706 Epsom Drive per staff): Motion to accept staff recommendations with the change that work be completed in 120 days — approved.
• Item (artificial turf — 1503 Hawthorne Street): Motion to accept staff recommendations with extension to 120 days and requirement that the front setback have 50% living ground cover — approved.

Next steps: property representatives were instructed to submit a simple landscaping plan or survey to the historic preservation office showing how they will achieve the 50% living ground cover; staff will withhold new permits until compliance is verified.