The El Paso Historic Landmark Commission on Dec. 4 voted to require the removal or relocation of an after-the-fact metal structure in the driveway at 2147 King James Place and ordered corrections to landscaping violations, giving the homeowner 60 days to comply.

Staff told the commission the property, in the Austin Terrace Historic District, is non-contributing and built in 1995 but is still subject to the district’s design guidelines. Staff recommended that the metal structure be relocated to the back of the lot, the artificial turf be removed or reduced to comply with the 50 percent live-ground requirement, violations be corrected within a specified timeframe, and that no new permits be approved until the site is compliant.

Why it matters: Commissioners said unchecked driveway structures and pervasive front-yard hardscape can create a cascade of noncompliance that damages the long-term character of a historic district. Staff framed the decision as enforcement of setbacks, landscape standards, and the commission’s responsibility to protect district integrity.

Homeowner Lydia Cordova told the commission she did not realize a permit was required and described efforts since August to obtain approvals. "I didn't realize that I had to get a permit," she said; she told commissioners her contractor plans to move the structure 4 feet and lower it so it sits closer to the roof line. Staff and multiple commissioners expressed concern that moving the structure, lowering it, or other modifications may still leave the district exposed to future removal of historic fabric and urged compliance with landscaping rules.

One commissioner who dissented on removals said lowering the carport below the roof line and reducing its visual impact might be acceptable; other commissioners replied that the combination of the steel structure and existing artificial turf violations made a stricter remedy appropriate. After the vote staff clarified the successful motion requires the metal structure to be removed or relocated, requires the artificial turf to be removed or reduced so that at least 50 percent of the front-yard ground cover is living material, and sets a 60-day deadline to correct violations. Staff also advised the homeowner about appeals to city council and suggested reviewing the contract with the contractor for possible recourse.

The commission’s action is a recommendation-level permit decision; the homeowner may appeal to city council.