AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Receive a Staff presentation and hold a public hearing to receive comments for or against Resolution 2026-62R, approving the North of Campus Neighborhood Area Plan, including a focus on historic and cultural character, public amenities, streetscape and connectivity enhancements, and housing; and declaring an effective date; and consider approval of Resolution 2026-62R.
Body
Meeting date: May 5, 2026
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: City Council provided direction to create seven Area Plans in 2020 as part of the Comprehensive Plan effort. The boundaries for the Area Plans were approved in August 2022 and the North of Campus Neighborhood Area Plan kicked off in September 2023.
City Council Strategic Initiative: [Please select from the dropdown menu below]
Quality of Life & Sense of Place
Economic Vitality
Mobility & Connectivity
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 - Choose an item.
☒ Neighborhoods & Housing - Choose an item.
☒ Parks, Public Spaces & Facilities - Choose an item.
☒ Transportation - Choose an item.
☒ Core Services
☐ Not Applicable
Master Plan: [Please select the corresponding Master Plan from the dropdown menu below (if applicable)]
Vision SMTX Comprehensive Plan
Choose an item.
Background Information:
As part of the Vision SMTX Comprehensive Plan, City Council directed staff to create Area Plans to focus on the needs and challenges of specific smaller geographies around the city. The boundaries of these Area Plans were approved by City Council in the summer of 2022 and included the North of Campus Area at the intersection of Sessom Drive and North LBJ Drive. The North of Campus Neighborhood Area Plan kicked off in Fall 2023 and included seven key topics, with recommendations found within each:
• Getting Around
• History, Arts, and Culture
• Public Spaces and Amenities
• Streetscapes
• Business Community
• Existing Housing Stock
• Building Form and Development
The North of Campus Neighborhood Area Plan reflects the needs and priorities of a diverse range of stakeholders, including a seven-member Steering Committee, residents, working professionals, property owners, and business owners. Multiple opportunities for public input were provided throughout the 2-year planning process, including five Steering Committee meetings, one walking tour, three community workshops, one-on-one conversations, and both in-person and digital engagement.
Grounded in these community insights, the North of Campus Neighborhood Area Plan recommends actions that balance the preservation of the neighborhood’s unique assets with the need to address identified challenges, opportunities, and gaps.
The Plan adoption schedule is as follows:
• Update to Planning and Zoning Commission - January 27
• Update to Neighborhood Commission - February 18
• Update to City Council - March 31
• Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing & Action - April 14
• City Council Public Hearing - April 21
• City Council Public Hearing and Action - May 5
The North of Campus Neighborhood Area Plan is included in the Planning and Zoning Commission packet and can also be downloaded from the project website at the following link: <https://arcg.is/f84WH0> A paper copy of the Plan can be requested by emailing planninginfo@sanmarcostx.gov <mailto:planninginfo@sanmarcostx.gov> or calling the Planning and Development Services Department at 512.393.8230
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
April 14, 2026: The Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) unanimously recommended approval of the North of Campus Neighborhood Area Plan.
April 21, 2026: City Council received a staff presentation and held a public hearing with no Action for the North of Campus Neighborhood Area Plan.
Several typographical and grammatical changes were identified by City Council on the City Council online Message Board. Staff has reviewed and incorporated these typographical and grammatical changes into the Final Draft Plan that is included in the Council packet and on the project webpage. A list of all changes is included as an attachment in the packet.
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the North of Campus Neighborhood Area Plan.