March 7th, 2011
Meetings on SmartCode start Tuesday

The proposed Downtown SmartCode is a set of development rules designed specifically for downtown San Marcos that are based on building forms and architecture rather than land uses. The new code would require zoning changes for affected downtown properties from the traditional zoning designations of residential, commercial and industrial to new SmartCode designations based on urban and civic uses.

The public is invited to attend upcoming P&Z presentations and provide input regarding the proposed downtown coding changes on:

• Tuesday, March 8: Public Workshop on Downtown SmartCode, 6 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 630 E. Hopkins;
• Tuesday, March 22: Public Hearing on Downtown SmartCode, 6 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 630 E. Hopkins;
• Tuesday, April 12: Public Hearing on Downtown Rezoning, 6 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 630 E. Hopkins.

“This is an opportunity to achieve the Downtown Master Plan goals of creating a walkable, livable, and vibrant city that supports retail, restaurants, and entertainment options, with additional office and residential living space and with improved pedestrian and bicycle-friendly streets,” said Sofia Nelson, Senior Planner.

During a joint City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission workshop on Feb. 2, city staff presented public feedback received during the 2010 outreach meetings and outlined the next steps for review of the code.

Council members and commissioners agreed that the proposed coding changes should be referred to as “Downtown SmartCode” to reflect the area to which the current coding changes would apply.

Some of the outstanding issues under discussion include building heights and architectural standards.

The Historic Preservation Commission also discussed the Downtown SmartCode on Thursday, March 3, approving the plan with recommendations.

Affected property owners in the downtown area will receive a Public Hearing Notice by mail before April 1. To view the proposed downtown rezoning area and to learn more about the Downtown SmartCode, visit www.sanmarcostx.gov home page.

From October to December 2010, several small group informational sessions were conducted with the public, along with three downtown coding updates presented to the Downtown Association, Historic Preservation Commission and P&Z Commission. A downtown walking tour on November 30 highlighted the Downtown SmartCode outreach efforts.

For more information on upcoming meetings and workshops, please call the Planning-Development Services Department at 512-393-8230 or email planning_info@sanmarcostx.gov

— FROM THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS/MELISSA MILLECAM