6.3 - 1807 E Cesar Chavez - Berner-Clark-Mercado - inspection photos — original pdf

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City of Austin Planning Department P.O. Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767 -1088 www.austintexas.gov/planning January 24, 2024 EMERGENCE TR 4006AVEC LLC 1708 Willow St Austin TX 78702-4408 Re: Annual historic landmark inspection and partial ad valorem tax exemption Berner-Clark-Mercado House, 1807 E. Cesar Chavez Street, C14H-2000-0009 The Berner-Clark-Mercado House failed the annual historic landmark inspection due to the following conditions: Damaged porch deck, columns, trim; damaged foundation skirting; damaged fenestration; graffiti; work performed without historic review  Please know that our goal is to work with you to preserve this significant historic property and bring it into compliance with program requirements. For the Historic Preservation Office to recommend a property as eligible for partial exemption from ad valorem taxes in 2024, we request that you address these deficiencies by February 24, 2024. If it is not possible to complete the necessary repairs within this timeframe, please provide a plan and timeline for the work to be performed, and we will work with you on a strategy for bringing the property into compliance. The Historic Landmark Commission will consider the inspection results at their March 6, 2024 meeting, in order to provide a recommendation to the Office of the Chief Appraiser by April 1 regarding which properties are eligible for the partial tax exemption. You may provide comments regarding the exemption for your property by attending the Commission meeting on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at City Hall Council Chambers, 301 West 2nd Street beginning at 6:00 PM, or by providing written comments in advance of the meeting. The requirements for the partial ad valorem tax exemption for historic landmarks are established in the City of Austin’s Code of Ordinances, Title 11, Chapter 11-1, Article 2. §11-1-24 calls for the City to inspect each landmark property and certify that it “is being preserved and maintained as required by historic landmark regulation.” The City of Austin’s partial ad valorem tax exemption is based on Texas Tax Code §11.24. In its 86th legislative session, the Texas Legislature added requirements for owner consent or five years’ notice of a repeal or reduction of a historic tax exemption if the property “otherwise qualifies for the exemption.” Because this property has not received adequate maintenance, it presently does not meet the requirements of the City of Austin program and thus does not qualify for the exemption. Historic Preservation Office staff inspect each landmark to ensure that the property is being preserved and to catch problems early enough to avoid more costly repairs later. For questions, please contact the Historic Preservation Office at 512-974-3393 or preservation@austintexas.gov. Sincerely, Amber Allen Amber Allen Historic Preservation Office