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R-02-08-22-13C1 - 8/22/2002RESOLUTION NO. R- 02- 08- 22 -13C1 WHEREAS, by Ordinance No. G- 95- 09 -14 -9Q adopted on September 14, 1995, the Round Rock City Council created a reinvestment zone therein designated as the Downtown Reinvestment Zone ( "DRZ "); and WHEREAS, the criteria for creation of the DRZ was that it was reasonably likely to attract major investment in the DRZ that would contribute to the economic development of the City; and WHEREAS, one of the goals of the Council for adopting the DRZ is to encourage new construction to blend with the existing historic nature of the downtown area by utilizing recommended architectural guidelines; and WHEREAS, one of the incentives offered to the owners of new residential construction that meets the architectural guidelines is the waiver of water and wastewater impact fees; and WHEREAS, Cathey Carter has constructed on her property located in the DRZ at 606 Pecan Avenue residential construction that meets the guidelines for waiver of water and wastewater impact fees, as shown by Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein, Now Therefore BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROUND ROCK, TEXAS, That the imposition of water and wastewater impact fees on the new residential construction on the property located at 606 Pecan Avenue is hereby waived, and the reimbursement to Cathey Carter of said fees in the amount of $2,928.00 is hereby authorized. :: ODMa\ wouoox\ o . \ WOox \Resacvrx \azeonci.weo /eia The City Council hereby finds and declares that written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of the meeting at which this Resolution was adopted was posted and that such meeting was open to the public as required by law at all times during which this Resolution and the subject matter hereof were discussed, considered and formally acted upon, all as required by the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, as amended. RESOLVED this 22nd day of August, 20 AT ST: . -ALaAt R . 114 /L d CHRISTINE R. MARTINEZ, City Secretar 2. NY -! ELL, Mayor City of Round Rock, Texas City of Round Rock 2008 Enterprise Dr. Round Rock, TX 78664 Tel: 218 -5550 Fax: 218-5563 Single Family Permit Permit Number: SF -01 -1159 Applicant .lames Randall Builder Address:606 Pecan Legal Description: Contractors Builder James Randall Builder Plumbing Plumb Cool Co Inc Mechanical Casa Mechanical Services Electrician Neal Electric Other Fields: Project Description: Single Family Construction Type: New Construction Value: $160,000.00 Phone: 244 -3178 Blockl Lot(s): 2 Phone: 244 Phone: 515 - 0310 Phone: 334 -7305 Phone: 835 -5300 Page 1 of 1 Printed: 11/7/01 Total Fees: $3,356.00 RCPT - 245566 $3,356.00 Total Receipts: $3,356.00 Approval Date: 11/7/01 Fees and Receipts: Number Description Amount Fee -00 -16267 Single Family Application $185.00 Fee -00 -16268 W & S Impact Fees as of 9/11 $2,928.00 ) Fee-00 -16269 Water Meter $43.00 Fee -00 -16270 Water and Sewer Line Inspect $200.00 free standing pole/Interior lighting .40 5 0 landscaped monument sign 20 illegal sign (see Sign Ordinance) -40 10 compliance with Historic Sign Ordinance 20 roof. scale, setback, height compatible 50 5 0 roof. scale, setback, height not compatible -55 classic washboard: wood or stucco 40 10 classic washboard: masonite or vinyl 30 unpainted brick or stone 50 4 0 4 x 8 sheeting or other non - approved materials -55 porch 2 60 square feet 20 porch a 100 square feet 40 4 0 tile. composition tile, or metal 10 10 tile in poor condition -10 composition sheets only -20 detached (same materials as house) 40 side or rear entry (carports) 20 front entry and/or non- approved -55 nonmetal 20 2 0 metal (painted nonmetallic color) 10 metal (or see note) -20 casings or shutters 15 15 stone lintels or wood sills 15 15 NOTE: Must have at least one of the following: casings, shutters, stone lintels, or wood sills. ornamental (3' or less) 10 chain link -20 Residential compatibility maximum points = 50 facade maximum points = 50 front porch maximum points = 40 roof maximum points = 10 garage/carport maximum points = 40 windows maximum points = 50 fence maximum points = 10 Total Max. Points = 250 Commercial .sign maximum points = 20 Total Max. Points = 260 Downtown Reinvestment Zone Architectural Checklist Residential Style Points Points Cowmen TOTAL 200 1 1200 points necessary to qualify 1220 points necessary to qualify Compliance with the Architectural Checklist may be waived/varied in accordance with the following 1. Historically designated properties which have received 11PC approval may bypass checklist. 2. Properties whose structure and/or architectural feature(s) are compatible with 51% or more of the frontage within a block will receive point credit for the particular feature(s). 3. Properties whose tax appraisal value is less than 330,000 may bypass the checklist for renovation. 8/16195 Downtown Reinvestment Zone architectural guidelines Purpose Downtown Reinvestment Zone The purpose of a downtown reinvestment zone is to encourage the conser- vation and protection of Round Rock's downtown neighborhood. The zone provides incentives to improve the quality of its environment through the conservation and maintenance of the neighborhood itself. The City and neighborhood would like to stabilize and protect property values, promote new development, encourage sensitive development, support continued economic vitality, encourage necessary capital improvements, and protect desirable and unique physical features. Voluntary guidelines will guide architectural and community development and enhance the neighborhood and its character. Neighborhood Goals The Neighborhood Planning Team (NPT) for downtown consists of 18 residents and property owners that represent the downtown area. Their goals for the downtown area are listed below. New buildings should blend with existing historical structures. The zone should preserve the unique historic flavor by maintaining Round Rock's historic buildings and sites. The area should be maintained as a historic and unique oasis for visitors and the entire community with a balanced mix of business, residential, municipal, education, dining, and family type entertain- ment. The Downtown Area should remain unique in the sense that the buildings should keep their original appearance, and structures should be painted, repaired, and well maintained. Graphics of homes adapted from A Field Guide to American Houses. Virgin and Lee McAlester. 1991. Page 1 Introduction The Downtown Reinvestment Zone is a program that provides a property owner financial incentives for new development or rehabilitation that meets the guidelines described herein. The downtown reinvestment zone is defined geographically by the Round Rock Original Plat, further defined by IH -35, Brushy Creek, the west line of the original P.A. Holder Survey, the Union Pacific railroad, and Lake Creek. Requirements and Incentives If the applicant receives the necessary amount of points, as determined by the Director of Planning and as specified in the Reinvestment Zone Archi- tectural Checklist, they can apply for a tax abatement. There are two sets of architectural guidelines for the area. The first is called "main street style." This type of architecture can be built on com- mercial property that fronts Round Rock Avenue (100 - 200 block), Mays Street, Main Street (W. 200 - E. 200), and McNeil Road. The second set is a "residential style." The residential style is broken into two subsets, for commercially zoned areas and residentially zoned areas. The difference between the two is that the commercial areas receive points for signage. Page 2 What Is a tax abatement? A tax abatement is basically a "freeze" on property value at a specified rate, for the property owner, for a set period of years. The purpose of the Reinvestment Zone tax abatement is to encourage investment in the downtown area for revitalization. The "freeze" (abatement) is for City of Round Rock municipal taxes only (it does not include Williamson County taxes, Round Rock Independent School District, or other non -city of Round Rock municipal taxes). New Construction on a Vacant Lot The City offers a 75% 5 year tax abatement for new construction on a vacant lot. The City will also waive water and wastewater impact fees for new residential construction that meets the guidelines. New Construction Tax Abatement Abatement Year 75% 1- 5 Renovations & Additions The city will give a 10 year 100% tax abatement for renovations and additions that qualify. To be eligible, the improvements must either be valued at least $25,000 or 25% of the structure's appraised value as determined by the Williamson County Appraisal District. All existing features that comply with the guidelines and are in good condition can be counted in the total points needed for renovations and additions. Interior renovations and repairs can also increase the appraised value of the property and help qualify a property owner for a tax abatement. However, points are not included in the Architectural Checklist for interior renovation for the tax abatement. Page 3 Renovations & Additions Tax Abatement 25% Example 550,000 (appraised value year 1) $12,500 (value of improvements; 25% of $50,000) $65,000 (appraised value year 2) apply for tax abatement 550,000 (appraised value for next 10 years for municipal taxes) $25,000 Example 3150,000 (appraised value year 1) $25,000 (value of improvements) 5180,000 (appraised value year 2) apply for tax abatement $150,000 (appraised value for next 10 years for municipal taxes) Tax Abatement Process a) The owner should set up a preconstruction meeting with the Department of Planning and Community Development (p &cd) to determine if the proposed plans will qualify for the abatement. b) The owner must submit their application to p &cd by March 31st of the calendar year the tax abate- ment is requested. c) P &cd staff will verify that the construction complies with the Architectural Checklist and Building Inspection staff will verify that construction has been completed. Structure at dme of abatement application must be in good condition. For example, no peeling paint, no needed repairs, no loose rocks, etc. d) Compliance with the Architectural Checklist will be confirmed every year and must comply each year to be eligible for the abatement. Any property owner that modifies their struc- ture in a manner that subtracts contributing characteristics would lose their tax abatement. The architectural checklist requirement may be waived for the following properties: 1. Historically designated properties which receive Historic Preservation Commission approval may bypass the checklist. 2. Properties whose structure and/or architectural feature(s) are compat- ible with 51% or more of the frontage within a block will receive point credit for the particular feature. 3. Properties whose tax appraisal value is less than 330,000 may bypass the checklist. NOTE: At any point in the process the property owner may appeal to the Development Review Board. Page 4 Main Street Style Guidelines Any property within the reinvestment zone that has frontage on Round Rock Avenue, Mays Street, Main Street (W. 200 - E. 200), or McNeil Road has the option of choosing the "main street style" or the "residential style." The Main Street Style is generally defined as 19th or early 20th century commercial style architecture typically of one or two stories. The front wall is constructed at the sidewalk edge or property line and doors and windows are symmetrically spaced. Depending on the period, building materials can range from simple unpainted brick to ornate metal or tin, with the most commonly used material being limestone. Traditionally, these buildings had covered sidewalks. Architectural Requirements COMPATIBILITY The architecture of all buildings and structures shall be compatible with main street style buildings and structures. Height will be subject to the limits imposed by the existing ordinance, however, the height, setbacks, scale, and roof line should be sensitive and compatible with the architecture of the surrounding historic buildings and structures. Along Main Street, in the downtown area, most of the structures are one and two stories high resulting in a relatively low building scale. The City may waive front and side setback regulations in order to encourage the main street style. NOTE: Properties whose structure and/or architectural feature(s) are compatible with 51% or more of the frontage within a block are considered compatible. FACADE Front facades and all structures shall be constructed of unpainted brick, stucco, stone, or ornamental metal to the extent feasible with the exception of signs, windows, doors, etc. The primary pedestrian entrance shall be located on Round Rock Avenue, Mays Street, Main Street, or McNeil Road. Ornamental metal is any ornate metal such as decorative tin or iron used for facade skin, details, and ornamentation, the shape and texture of which is designed to entice observa- tion. Other types of metal may be used where structurally required and shall be inte- grated into the design of the building or structure or shall be appropriately camouflaged. Page 5 FRONT Where feasible, the City encourages covered sidewalks (minim 3/4 width of sidewalk) such as canopies or fabric awnings that are structurally tied to the building facade. Fabric should be compatible with the overall color scheme of the facade. Vinyl and back lighted awnings are discouraged, and receive negative points. WINDOWS Nonmetal windows are preferred. Windows may be of metal, if painted a nonmetallic color. Windows must have stone sills and lintels. FENCE Any fences in the front should be ornamental and be no more than 3 feet in height. Chain link fences in front are discouraged. Ornamental fences constitute those in which materials, form, texture, and construction are designed to attract observation. Examples of ornamental fences include wrought iron, painted wood, stone, or brick. SIGN Signs should comply with Ordinance #2471, which establishes signage regulations in Historic Districts and for Historic Landmarks and the Sign Design Guidelines for Historic Districts. Page 6 Residential Style Guidelines Any property in the downtown reinvestment zone may choose the "residential style" for architectural guidelines as long as it fits into the overall compatibility and charac- ter of the neighborhood. It is the overall theme of the neighborhood that the Down- town Reinvestment Zone is designed to preserve unique architectural features. The Reinvestment Zone is trying to encourage new development with diversity and compatibility and does not seek to make every new or rehabilitated home or business look identical. The p &cd, at the request of the NPT took a visual survey of the neighborhood to identify its character, the key existing residential design elements, and an overall definition. In defining the residential style, a few important structural elements were noted and are priorities. These include few front facade garages, large covered porches, wood windows with casing or lintels and sills, and architectural variety. No specific period style is specified within the definition of residential style. From block to block, there are a variety of styles and periods. Architectural Requirements COMPATIBILITY In addition to the structural elements noted above, the scale of a building is impor- tant in maintaining the compatibility and character of the neighborhood. The scale of a building is the size of the building relative to other buildings in terms of its height, width, and setback. New development should be in scale with existing development. That is, it should be similar in height, width, and setbacks. The illus- tration below depicts new development which is not in scale and not in character with the existing development. NOTE: Properties whose structure and/or architec- tural feature(s) are compatible with 5l% or more of the frontage within a block are considered compatible. new construction - not in scale with the existing buildings Page 7 FACADE Facades shall be constructed of unpainted brick, stone, stucco, or classic washboard Siding to the extent feasible with the exception of signs, windows, doors, etc. Washboard siding consists of any wood, masonite, or vinyl siding applied horizon- tally so that sections overlap with grain running lengthwise, the lower edge of the section being thicker than the upper edge. FRONT The reinvestment zone encourages large front porches. A front porch with 100 square feet or greater receives twice as many points as the minim size, 60 square feet raised profile composite shingles Stone ROOF Pitch should be compatible with the architectural style. Clay or ceramic tile, raised profile composite shingles, composition shingles, and metal roofs are acceptable. Standard composite sheets and tar layers with gravel or slag coating are discouraged and receive negative points. Page 8 GARAGEICARPORTS The reinvestment zone discourages front facade garages and assigns them negative points. Detached garages constructed in the same materials and similar roof line as the house are preferred and side entry or rear entry garages are also acceptable. Attached or detached carports are also permitted and should follow the same design guidelines as the detached garage. Attached carports receive the same points as assigned to side entry garages. WINDOWS Nonmetal windows are preferred. Windows may be metal if painted a nonmetallic color. Windows should have casing or stone sills and lintels. FENCE Any fence in front of a building should be ornamental wood, of a nonmetallic color, and be no more than 3 feet in height. Chain link fences in front are dis- couraged and receive negative points. Ornamental fences constitute those in which materials, form, texture, and construction are designed to attract observa- tion. Page 9 SIGNS Each business in the area can have one monument sign no more than 4 feet high and 20 square feet in area. Signs must be monument style (ground) in front of the establish- ment. Wooden and masonry signs with natural colors are recommended. Pole signs, plastic, and back lighted signs are discouraged and receive negative points. Small constant flood lights directed to the sign will be permitted. If metal is used, it must be painted a nonmetallic color. Landscaping around signs is recommended. Large spot lights, banners, promotional flags, blinking or movable lights, or devices used to attract attention are prohibited and receive negative points. Page 10 Step- by-Step Process for Tax Abatement Reinvestment Zone Boundary: Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 a) City staff verifies that construction is in accordance with the application and meets the above requirements. This verification will be done every year of the abatement. NOTE Step 5 The downtown reinvestment zone is defined geographically by the Round Rock Original Plat, further defined by IH -35, Brushy Creek, the west line of the original P.A. Holder Survey, the IG &N railroad, and Lake Creek. Property must be in the downtown reinvestment zone to apply for tax abatement. a) Owner requests a preconstruction meeting with the Department of Planning and Community Development (p &cd) staff, 221 E. Main St., 3rd Floor, 255 -3612. Parties will discuss proposed new construction or renovations and what needs to be accomplished to meet the Architectural Checklist and receive a tax abate- ment. b) Owner requests abatement application from p &cd. The structure must: a) reach the necessary amount of points in the Reinvestment Zone Architectural Checklist and b) any improvements or renovations must be valued at 25% or $25,000, whichever is less of the property's value. NOTE: All existing features that comply with the guidelines and are in good condition can be counted in the total points needed for renovations and additions. Photographs showing the existing details of the structure should be attached to the application. a) Owner obtains a building permit from the Building Inspection Department (BID) located at 2008 Enterprise, 218 -5550. b) The BID will issue a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Final Inspection indicat- ing completion of work. Owner submits application for the Downtown Reinvestment Zone abatement to p &cd after work has been completed. Receipts and cancelled checks or other verifiable bid or estimates of work completed, along with a copy of the CO should be attached to the application to verify that the work has been completed and that the renovations are valued at $25,000 or 25% of the structure's ap- praised value. Deadline for submitting the application is March 31st of each year. b) City will use the appraised value calculated by the Williamson County Appraisal District for all existing and appraised value at the time the application for the tax abatement is submitted. An appeals process through the Development Review Board is available should the application be denied. City approves the abatement. Once the abatement has been given, the City may revoke the abatement if the owner alters the structure in a way that detracts from the reinvestment zone requirements or does not maintain the property. compatibility maximum points = 50 facade maximum points = 30 front maximum points = 30 windows maximum points = 50 gn maximum points = 40 Max. Total Points = 200 Downtown Reinvestment Zone Architectural Checklist Main Street Style unpainted brick,stone stucco ornamental metal 8/16/95 Points Points Comments ' roof, scale, setback', height compatible I 40l roof, scale, setback', height non-compatible 50 30I 20 30 ' coveted sidewalk, decorative metal back -lit and non - approved awning 3 -30 0 ' nonmetal metal (painted nonmetallic color) metal casings or shutters stone lintels or wood sills 20 10 -20 15 15 free standing pole interior lighting landscaped monument sign illegal sign (see Sign Ordiance) compliance with Historic Sign Ordinance -40 -40 40 -40 40 1 160 points necessary to qualify. • Setback requirement is waived for existing structures. Compliance with the Architectural Checklist may be waived /varied in accordance with the following: 1. Historically designated properties which receive HPC approval may bypass checklist. 2. Properties whose structure and /or architectural feature(s) are compatible with 51% or more of the frontage within a block will receive point credit for the particular feature(s). 3. Properties whose tax appraisal value is less than $30,000 may bypass the checklist for renovation. NOTE: Main Street Style is appropriate for properties that front the 100 -200 block of Round Rock Avenue, Mays Street, Main Street (W. 200- E. 200), and McNeil Road. Those properties may choose either main street style or residential style for their architectural requirements. free standing pole/interior lighting -40 -- __ landscaped monument sign 20 illegal sign (see Sign Ordinance) -40 compliance with Historic Sign Ordinance 20 roof, scale setback, height compatible 50 -- __ roof, scale, setback, height not compatible -55 classic washboard wood or stucco 40 classic washboard: masonite or vinyl 30 unpainted brick or stone 50 4 x 8 sheeting or other non - approved materials _ -55 porch?: 60 square feet 20 porch a 100 square feet 40 tile, composition tile. or metal 10 Clem poor condition . -10 composition sheets only -20 detached (rune materials as house) 40 side or rear entry (carports) 20 front entry and/or non- approved -55 nonmetal 20 metal (painted nonmetallic color) 10 metal (or see note) -20 casings or shutters 15 stone lintels or wood sills 15 NOTE: Must have at least one of the following: casings, shutters, stone lintels, or wood sills. ornamental (3' or less) 10 chain link -20 Residential compatibility maximum points = 50 facade maximum points = 50 front porch maximum points = 40 roof maximum points = 10 garage/carport maximum points = 40 windows maximum points = 50 fence maximum points = 10 Total Max. Points = 250 Commercial Sign maximum points = 20 Total Max. Points = 260 Downtown Reinvestment Zone Architectural Checklist Residential Style Poin TOTAL 1 200 points necessary to qualify 1220 points necessary to qualify Compliance with the Architectural Checklist may be waived/varied in accordance with the following 1. Historically designated properties which have received HPC approval may bypass checklist. 2, Properties whose structure and/or architectural feature(s) are compatible with 51% or more of the frontage within a block will receive point credit for the particular feature(s). 3. Properties whose tax appraisal value is less than S30.000 may bypass the checklist for renovation. 8/16/95 DATE: August 16, 2002 SUBJECT: City Council Meeting — August 22, 2002 ITEM: Resource: Joe Vining, Planning Director History: The purpose of the Downtown Reinvestment Zone is to encourage the conservation and protection of Round Rock's downtown neighborhood. The program provides property owners with financial incentives for new development and rehabilitation within the district. One incentive is a waiver of water and wastewater impact fees for new development that meets the architectural criteria in the program's guidelines. The property owner at 606 Pecan, a Reinvestment Zone applicant, has constructed a new residence that meets the criteria set forth in the guidelines. She has paid the impact fees and requests a refund. Funding Cost: $2,928.00 Source of Funds: Water and Wastewater Impact fees Outside Resources: N/A Benefit: Stabilize and protect property values by encouraging new development in the downtown. Public Comment: N/A 13.C.1. Consider a resolution waiving water and wastewater impact fees in the amount of $2,928 to Cathey Carter for a property in the Downtown Reinvestment Zone. Sponsor: Planning and Community Development Department