Norhill – Defining Features

Defining Features

This Historic District Profile was developed to help property owners. It explains the typical features of buildings found in Norhill. This can be helpful when you are planning a project that would change your home’s exterior.

One of the defining characteristics of a home in the Norhill neighborhood is its front porch. Bungalows typically had a large front porch, either under the main roof or under a projecting gable. Houses are clad with wood siding as well as (to a lesser extent) brick veneer. Many of them have fireplaces and chimneys.

On the Tudor cottages, the chimneys often take center stage next to the front door. Tudor houses typically have arched doorways and prominent front gables. The roof line along the gable, or above the porch, may be curved.

The neighborhood contains mostly single-family homes, with some duplexes. One-story garages and carports are usually plainly constructed, with no specific architectural style.

Once an Historic District is created, certain rules apply to the entire neighborhood. These rules require that changes to properties in the District must be appropriate. In other words, the historic character of the property must stay the same.

Exterior changes must be approved in advance. The Planning Department can help with this process. If the project is approved, the property owner receives a Certificate of Appropriateness. In many Houston neighborhoods, deed restrictions require that the neighborhood civic association also approve changes to a property. The civic association’s regulations and standards may differ from those of the City. The information shown here refers only to City requirements. Property owners should check with their neighborhood association before beginning any project.

When planning a building project within the Norhill Historic District, please refer to this chart. It shows which building elements are compatible and which are not. Definitions of common architectural terms can be found in the glossary.