AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
AC-20-03 (La Cima Multifamily) Hold a public hearing and consider a request by Eric Willis, on behalf of La Cima Commercial L.P., for an Alternative Compliance to the block size requirements in Section 4.4.3.2 of the Multifamily Residential Design Standards in Ordinance 2014-35 for a proposed multifamily residential development located at the northwest corner of West Centerpoint Road and Flint Ridge Road, Hays County, Texas. (A. Brake)
Body
Meeting date: July 28, 2020
Department: Planning and Development Services
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: n/a
Account Number: n/a
Funds Available: n/a
Account Name: n/a
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: n/a
City Council Strategic Initiative:
N/A
Comprehensive Plan Element (s): [Please select the Plan element(s) and Goal # from dropdown menu below]
☐ Economic Development - Choose an item.
☐ Environment & Resource Protection - Choose an item.
☒ Land Use - Set appropriate density & impervious cover limitations in environmentally sensitive areas to avoid adverse impacts on water supply
☒ Neighborhoods & Housing - Diversified housing options to serve citizens with varying needs and interests
☐ Parks, Public Spaces & Facilities - Choose an item.
☐ Transportation - Choose an item.
☐ Core Services
☐ Not Applicable
Master Plan: n/a
Background Information:
This property is part of the larger La Cima Development included in a Development Agreement with the City of San Marcos (originally approved in 2014, amended in 2018 and most recently in March 2020).
The applicant is requesting an Alternative Compliance to deviate from the Multifamily Residential Design Standards, including block requirements, building location requirements, fencing and screening requirements, pedestrian and circulation requirements, and refuse and recycling dumpster requirements, which apply to the Site and Building Design Criteria of the Multifamily Residential Design Standards found in Ordinance 2014-35. Multifamily residential was added to the Development Agreement as a land use in 2018. It was during this amendment process that City Council agreed to allow the use with the understanding that the standards found within this ordinance would be followed. Any deviations from these standards require approval from the City Council.
Per the approved Development Agreement (Resolution 2020-50R), a request to annex and rezone the property is required prior to development of the property. A schematic site development plan provided by the applicant indicates that the maximum block size proposed is approximately 14.5 acres. However this site plan has not been approved.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
n/a
Alternatives:
n/a
Recommendation:
While the proposed multifamily deviations do not meet the intent statements found within Ordinance 2014-35, the request is consistent with the criteria for approval of an Alternative Compliance. In addition, the entire La Cima development is regulated by a Development Agreement. Due to these factors, Staff is providing a neutral recommendation and leaves a decision of approval or denial up to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
Should the Commission choose to recommend approval of the Alternative Compliance, Staff recommends the following conditions:
General:
1. This Alternative Compliance applies to multifamily constructed on the subject property. The remainder of the property shall follow the regulations outlined in the La Cima Development Agreement (2020-50R);
2. Alternative Compliance is contingent on MF-24 zoning change request; and
3. This Alternative Compliance shall not expire.