AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Ordinance 2015-20, on the second of two readings, amending the San Marcos Smartcode by amending Section 1.5.2 and corresponding provisions to set a limit of seven stories as the maximum building height allowed by warrant, correcting Table 1.2 to reflect a building height limit of two stories in a T3 Transect, and amending Table 1.2 to reduce the building height limit from five stories to three stories in a T4 Transect; providing a savings clause; providing for the repeal of any conflicting provisions; and providing an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: June 2, 2015 - 1st Reading
June 16, 2015 - 2nd Reading
Department: Planning and Development Services
Funds Required: NA
Account Number: NA
Funds Available: NA
Account Name: NA
CITY COUNCIL GOAL: Community Wellness/ Strengthen the Middle Class
BACKGROUND:
On March 30, 2015, City Council held a workshop to discuss the Height Warrant process within the Downtown SmartCode District. Staff received direction to review the SmartCode Height Warrant process and bring back language that would cap height Warrant requests at 7 stories. Staff has reviewed the language and has included two additional recommended changes. The three changes are as follows:
1. Reduce the total allowable building height that could be requested through the warrant process to a maximum of 7 stories
2. Correct a clerical issue in which table 1.2 provides an erroneous "not applicable" for building height in T3 by changing it to 2 stories.
3. Reduce building height in the T4-Downtown District to 3 stories from 5, to match the T4-New Development District height requirements.
The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing at their May 12, 2015 meeting and made the following recommendations:
· Motion to deny recommended SmartCode changes carried by a 5 - 3 vote
· Motion to approve change to table 1.3 in order to fix erroneous clerical error regarding principal height in the T3 District from "not applicable" to 2 stories carried by an 8 - 0 vote.