This document provides information for a request to demolish an existing single-family residence at 330 Argo Ave and construct a new two-story residence with detached garage. The property is zoned for single-family use. The applicant is seeking approval to demolish 100% of the existing structure and construct a new 3,718 square foot home, which would utilize density bonuses to maximize lot coverage and floor-area ratio. While the Architectural Review Board did not approve the proposed design as compatible with the neighborhood, staff analysis found the design to be within zoning requirements regarding height, materials, and setbacks. A nearby resident expressed concerns about the proposed design not fitting the character of the neighborhood and questions about site changes.

1. CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Lety Hernandez, Director of Community Development Services
SUBJECT: Case No. 908F – 330 Argo Ave
Request of Elizabeth Haynes of Elizabeth Haynes Architect, applicant, representing
Andrew Holzmann, owner, for the significance review of the existing main structure and
compatibility review of the proposed design located at 330 Argo Ave in order to
demolish 100% of the existing residence and construct a new single-family residence
with detached garage under Demolition Review Ordinance No. 1860 (April 12, 2010).
DATE: December 11, 2023
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The property is zoned SF-B (Single-Family District B) and is located on the south side of the
street between Imlay St and Arbutus St. The applicant is seeking to demolish the existing single-
family residence and construct a new two-story residence with detached garage.

2. POLICY ANALYSIS
Lot Coverage / Floor Area Ratio Existing Proposed
Lot Area 7,500 7,500
Main House 1st
Floor* 1,159.5 2,144
Main House 2nd
Floor 0 833
Main House – Loft
Garage/Carport – 1st
Floor* 400 578
Garage – 2nd
Floor
Front Porch* 25 0
Side Porch* 0 159
Rear Porch*
Breezeway*
Shed*
Total Square Footage 1,584.5 sq ft 3,718 sq ft
Lot Coverage* (max 40%) 1,559.5 sq ft / 21% 2,881 sq ft / 38%
FAR (max .47 with bonus) 1,534.5 sq ft / .21 3,559 sq ft / .47
Bonuses Utilized
+2 – One-story detached garage
 Main Structure
o Height – 27ft 4-3/8-inches (max 28ft allowed)
o Siding – Metal Panel and Stucco
o Roof – Standing Seam Metal
 Accessory Structure
o Height – 13ft 10-1/4-inches (max 20ft allowed without bonus)
o Siding – Metal Panel and Stucco
o Roof – Standing Seam Metal
 Chapter 5 – Buildings and Building Regulation, Article IX. – Demolition
Demolition shall mean any intentional or unintentional act of dismantling, pulling down,
destroying, removing, razing or moving a structure or any structural portion thereof, or
commencing the work of moving or of total or substantial destruction of a structure or portion
thereof. For the purposes of demolition review as described in article IX, demolition is defined
quantitatively as:
(1) Removal or encapsulation of more than twenty-five (25) percent of the framed structure of
exterior walls facing public streets, or a street-facing elevation if the tract of land is
landlocked; or,
(2) Removal or encapsulation of more than fifty (50) percent of the framed structure of all
exterior walls and/or roofs.
Exception: Minor repair and routine maintenance.
Significant structure shall mean any structure or portion thereof that in whole or in part meets one
(1) or more criteria in section 5-134(h), and has been so determined by the city council.
Section 5-134(h): The architectural review board shall consider the following criteria when
determining the significance, as defined in this chapter, of existing structures:
(1) Was the structure designed by a noted architect?

3. (2) Has the structure been listed as having historic significance by any local, regional,
state or historic agency or society?
(3) Does the structure exhibit characteristics of a distinct architectural style?
(4) Does the structure belong to a distinctive set of buildings, such as a single structure
belonging to a row of similar structures?
(5) Is the structure a significant part of the fabric of the community due to its age, unique
architecture, historical significance or physical placement?
Compatibility shall mean harmony with the existing neighborhood, site configurations,
development patterns, and the character of the development envelope found within the adjacent
and immediate block area, as demonstrated in the demolition review application, including roof
pitch, scale, massing, garage and driveway location and setbacks. Adjacent and immediate block
area shall include but not be limited to all properties along:
(1) The specific block where the project is proposed;
(2) The block to each side of the project's block; and
(3) The blocks directly across the street of the three (3) blocks identified above.
Block shall mean a length of street right-of-way along one (1) side of the street from one (1)
intersection to the next adjoining intersection.
The project is currently completing the plan review process and any revisions and/or newly
discovered variances would need to be addressed prior to issuance of a building permit.
The Architectural Review Board considered the request at their November 21, 2023 meeting. The
motion to declare the existing main structure as not significant recommending approval of the
demolition as requested and proposed design as compatible did not receive the four (4)
affirmative votes as required per Section 2-48 of the City’s Code of Ordinances. – AYE (3)
(Gaines, Gottsman, Hagendorf), NAY (2) (Armes, White)
FISCAL IMPACT
No projected fiscal impact from this project has been calculated.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A – Web Packet
Attachment B – Response Cards
__________________________
Lety Hernandez
Director
___________________________
Buddy Kuhn
City Manager

4. Attachment A

5. Attachment A

6. Attachment A

7. Attachment A

8. Attachment A

9. Attachment A

10. Attachment A

11. Attachment A

12. Attachment A

13. Attachment A

14. Attachment A

15. Attachment B

16. Attachment B

17. Attachment B

18. 1
Lety Hernandez
Subject: FW: Questions Regarding Application for 330 Argo Ave
From: Alicia Fogg <>
Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 6:22 PM
To: Lety Hernandez <lhernandez@alamoheightstx.gov>
Subject: Re: Questions Regarding Application for 330 Argo Ave
Yes, please submit my comments to the board. To be clear, I oppose the project as it is currently designed.
Alicia
From: Lety Hernandez <lhernandez@alamoheightstx.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 3:36:11 PM
To: Alicia Fogg < >
Subject: RE: Questions Regarding Application for 330 Argo Ave
Ms. Fogg,
Thank you for contacting our office regarding the proposed project. Would you like for me to share your comments with the
board on your behalf?
Unfortunately, I am not aware of the reason why they are choosing to relocate the driveway or if the electrical pole is remaining in
the existing location. Your concerns can be answered on the day of the meeting. With regards to the tree removals, it is my
understanding that a 28” DBH Pecan and an 18” DBH Mesquite are being removed for this project.
Please let me know what you decide with regards to your comments so that I can ensure we forward them in time for their
review. I apologize for the delay in response.
Thank you,
Lety Hernandez
From: Alicia Fogg < >
Sent: Thursday, November 9, 2023 4:00 PM
To: Lety Hernandez <lhernandez@alamoheightstx.gov>
Subject: Questions Regarding Application for 330 Argo Ave
Hi Ms Hernandez,
I have recently received the notification for the property located at 330 Argo Ave.
I had a few questions regarding the design.
Overall I am for the redevelopment of the property, however, I strongly disagree with the assertion in the architect's letter that
the style of the house reflects the character of the neighborhood. Yes they are replacing a stucco cottage with a large stucco
and timber house that is very much a modern house. There is only one other modern style house on Argo Ave, which is not
located on the 300 block of Argo Ave. The house proposed is located in the middle of the cottage district, it is neither a cottage
nor anywhere close to an attempt to meet the overall design style of the neighborhood.
Some general questions, why are they moving the driveway from the east side of the property to the west? What will happen to
the current electrical pole that is located there? Are any of the trees staying on the property or are they all going to be removed
as part of the demolition?
Attachment B

19. 2
Sincerely,
Alicia Fogg
316 Argo Ave
Attachment B