AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Hold a public hearing and consider text and graphic amendments to the San Marcos Development Code and to the Design Manual, that would, among other things, update applicability and processes for certain development permits; update provisions concerning parkland dedication requirements; establish an optional “Development Overlay Regulating Plan” to accompany zoning change requests; provide standards for new and emerging development types within the Land Use Matrix; update and clarify landscaping and tree mitigation requirements for new development; correct typos and inconsistencies, and update the code to reflect recent changes to state law.
Body
Meeting date: February 10, 2026
Department: Planning & Development Services
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: N/A
Account or Project Number (C = CIP funds): N/A
Funds Available: N/A
Account Name: N/A
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: On August 19, 2025, City Council provided initial authorization to update the Land Development Code. This update will help implement the Vision SMTX Comprehensive Plan (adopted on October 15, 2024), improve development processes, align with state law, and address new types of development.
City Council Strategic Initiative: [Please select from the dropdown menu below]
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N/A
Comprehensive Plan Element (s): [Please select the Plan element(s) and Goal # from dropdown menu below]
☐ Arts and Culture - Choose an item.
☐ Economic Development - Choose an item.
☐ Environment & Resource Protection - Choose an item.
☒ Housing + Neighborhoods - HN-2: Promote diverse housing choices and attainability at all affordability levels to accommodate household size, preference, and characteristics over residents' life spans
☒ Land Use + Community Design and Character - LU-4: Institutionalize and/or incentivize land use policies, development practices, and conservation design elements that protect or improve the natural environment as the City grows
☒ Parks & Public Spaces + Health, Safety & Wellness - PPS-1: Provide an accessible, diverse connected network of parks, open spaces, and recreation facilities to serve the entire San Marcos community
☒ Transportation - TR-1: Develop a robust, balanced, multi-modal transportation system that provides safe, comfortable, and convenient mobility options for people of all abilities
☐ Core Services
☐ Not Applicable
Master Plan:
Vision SMTX Comprehensive Plan
Background Information:
The City of San Marcos is updating its Land Development Code (LDC) and Design Manual. On August 19, 2025, City Council provided initial authorization to update the LDC. This update will help implement the Vision SMTX Comprehensive Plan (adopted on October 15, 2024), improve development processes, align with state law, and address new types of development.
The Land Development Code establishes the rules and regulations which guide development within the City limits and its Extra-territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). These regulations cover various aspects, including:
• Land uses permitted in different zoning districts;
• The subdivision of property including the layout of lots;
• Setbacks and density;
• Parking requirements;
• Landscaping and tree standards;
• Infrastructure requirements;
• Environmental regulations; and
• Site/building design requirements.
Within the Commission packet is a justification table outlining the purpose and rationale for each amendment as well as the draft mark-up of the Development Code and Design Manual.
Following a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission, the amendments will be presented to the City Council for consideration and action.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
The following boards received informational presentations regarding the Land Development Code Amendments. No action was taken.
- Historic Preservation Commission: October 2, 2025;
- Planning & Zoning Commission: October 14, 2025;
- Parks & Recreation Advisory Board: October 23, 2025, and;
- Neighborhood Commission: November 19, 2025
Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the Development Code & Design Manual Amendments as presented.