AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
AC-23-06 (Achieve Apartments / Hwy 123 & Redwood Rd) Hold a public hearing and consider a request by Luke Caraway, on behalf of John Haberer, for an Alternative Compliance to the two-story minimum building height requirement of Section 4.4.3.6 of the Land Development Code to authorize one-story buildings on approximately 17.937 acres of land out of the Barnett K. Kane Survey, Abstract No. 281, generally located at the northeast corner of the Hwy 123 and Redwood Rd intersection. (W. Rugeley)
Body
Meeting date: July 25, 2023
Department: Planning & Development Services
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Background Information:
San Marcos Development Code (SMDC) Section 4.4.3.6 states that structures within CD-5 zoning shall be a minimum two-stories and 24’ in height. The intent of this requirement is to “ensure that building scale is compatible with other structures and the relationship of the building to the public space. A minimum building height also serves to promote a mixture of uses.” The applicant intends to construct 235 1-story apartment buildings that will have a peak roof height of 24’ 8”, which is roughly 4” less than an average 2-story residential structure. SMDC 4.3.4.4 states that single story buildings measuring 25’ can satisfy the 2-story requirement. The applicant indicated that their request to authorize 1-, instead of, 2-story apartments will facilitate more economical housing choices and will serve as a market differentiator to the 3 existing, minimum 3 story apartment developments.
Section 4.4.4.4 requires the Commission to make the following findings if approving:
1. The approved alternate meets the intent of the maximum two-story requirements.
2. The approved alternate conforms with the Comprehensive Plan and other adopted City plans; and
3. The approved alternate conforms to the Downtown Design Guidelines. (or that this is inapplicable to the location in question).
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of AC-23-06 with the three findings above and with the following conditions:
1. The alternative compliance shall be effective upon approval of Character District 5 (CD-5) zoning.
2. The alternative compliance shall not expire.
3. All residential structures shall be minimum 24’ in height.
4. All street facing facades between 0’ and 12’ in height must have minimum 40% transparency. And,
5. All street facing facades above 12’ in height must have minimum 25% transparency.