Georgetown City Council voted 5-1 at its April 24 meeting to approve amendments to the city's unified development code, or UDC, relating to development standards, rules and procedures for properties listed in the historic resource survey and/or located in the Historic Overlay District.

Councilman John Hesser voted against the amendments, and Councilman Jerry Hammerlun was not in attendance.

Along with approving amendments presented by city staff, council voted to have Mayor Dale Ross create a council subcommittee, which will be comprised of three council members, to further review and discuss the Historic and Architectural Review Commission's mission, the balance between property rights and historic preservation, better notification to property owners and streamlining the approval process, Councilwoman Rachael Jonrowe said.

"The UDC is just a part of the puzzle," she said. "Like many of you, I would like to be able to say this is it, it's done, it solves all the issues. Unfortunately, I don't think this does it just yet."

City Council began discussing the commission, which reviews plans for changes to building, sites and signage within the historic overlay district in Georgetown, after approving the review on May 27, 2014.

A list of proposed amendments were presented to the council in October and again at the council's Feb. 10 meeting when City Council voted to postpone a decision until April 14 to allow time for additional public input.

Changes to the city ordinances are expected to help create a balance between land development regulations and historic preservation while simplifying the application review process by clarifying how the code is applied to the city's historic resources, said city Project Coordinator Andreina Davila. Other amendments include defining review responsibilities for the commission and the city's historic preservation officer.

Changes to the UDC amendments could be made before the second reading, which is scheduled for City Council's May 12 meeting, Mayor Dale Ross said.

Several citizens addressed the council with additional concerns over the proposed amendments.

Jonrowe, who recommended the subcommittee, said the group would be able to create a comprehensive set of recommendations regarding the city's design guidelines and the HARC bylaws.

"I think a lot of us agree that we are looking for a balance between preserving historic structures and allowing creativity to shine whether it's a homeowner or a business owner," she said. "I hope you would see my motion as an opportunity to give the three [council members] that the mayor would appoint to the subcommittee the opportunity to really get into this and create a holistic recommendation."

Hesser said after almost a year of discussions and presentations on the issues, he believes the city should dissolve HARC.

"I think HARC is in hindrance of property values," he said.

Councilman Steve Fought said he thought the amendments were a necessary first step to show the council is willing to make changes.

"Let's make these changes and move on," Fought said.

A detailed list of all proposed amendments is available online at www.harcamendments.georgetown.org.