At the July membership meeting Alex Hoffman and Jeff Howell of the Planning & Inspections Department for the City of El Paso, shared details about work being done on implementing Smart Codes in Five Points. Smart Codes would change zoning regulations for many commercial properties with an aim to correct discrepancies that exist for Five Points businesses between historic zoning and actual current-day use. Because of these discrepancies, business owners can often face problems and delays when they wish to build and renovate their properties. Some believe the current, historic zoning creates a potential for undesirable, disorganized development in Five Points.
The presentation included maps that illustrated the current non-conforming uses of commercial and residential properties that would be addressed through the Smart Codes, bringing the zoning into alignment with current usage in the majority of cases. There were many questions asked and discussed related to parking, landscaping, potential building heights, the distance of buildings from the sidewalk, and more. Questions were raised concerning the effect Smart Codes would have on property taxes which were addressed by Dinah Kilgore, executive director of the Central Appraisal District who also serves on the board of the Five Points Development Association. The codes themselves would not affect taxes, but improvements business owners make to their facilities could very well have a positive effect on property values.
Mr. Hoffman expressed his desire to hear from Five Points property owners concerning any specific situations that might impact the Smart Code plans. He wishes to have input from associations such as the Five Points Development Association as the details are drafted. He desires consensus in support of any new requirements before moving them forward. Plans for gathering input include the publication of a web page for the project that would present the Smart Code plans and also enable feedback to be submitted. When consensus is obtained, the matter will move to public hearings. Mr. Hoffman explained his desire for input saying, “If there are specific concerns, let us know. We will look for a way to rectify it.” This offer and the spirit of respect for Five Points was most appreciated by association members who commented at the end of the meeting, “It’s refreshing to have someone come down and ask us what we think.” and “Effort to build consensus is welcome and needed. I’m glad to see the change in approach.” An effort to implement Smart Codes in a larger residential/commercial segment of Five Points a few years ago failed largely due to concerns of residents that were not taken into consideration earlier in the process. The current plan focuses on a smaller portion of the mostly commercial properties in Five Points that surround Piedras.
