Project CodeSMTX Moves Toward Finalization

Code SMTX will create new zoning districts and development standards that can be applied in other intensity zones and will relieve pressure off of downtown San Marcos.

The City of San Marcos has been working on updating the city’s development standards for over a year.

The comprehensive plan, Vision San Marcos, was adopted in 2013. The plan’s goal was to guide future growth for the city of San Marcos and direct developments to appropriate areas.

Over the course of five years, prior to the adoption of the comprehensive plan’s adoption, over 7,000 new multi-family bedrooms were approved and/or constructed in areas identified as ‘Existing neighborhoods.’

Code SMTX will create new zoning districts and development standards that can be applied in other intensity zones and will relieve pressure off of downtown San Marcos.

In May 2016, the first draft of the code was made public for public comment.

The first public draft received over 1,000 comments from San Marcos residents and business owners.

City Council and the Planning and Zoning commission have held two joint workshops and eleven joint work sessions throughout the code’s development.

On May 24, 2017, City Council and P&Z released amendments to be considered for inclusion in the final draft of CodeSMTX, which is set to be adopted this fall.

The preliminary schedule says P&Z commission will discuss and finalize recommendations by the end of June and hand the project over to City Council. 

In August, the city will hear public comments and recommendations for the code before it is due to be finalized in October.

Four of the issues discussed by the summer amendments are new housing types in existing neighborhood, minimum parking standards, expanding notification to residents and water quality and drainage standards.

The amendment report can be viewed below.