AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Ordinance 2016-25, on the second of two readings, amending Chapter 4, Article 4, Division 2 and associated definitions in Chapter 8 of the Land Development Code to modify the standards for exterior building materials applicable to non-residential buildings in commercial, public and industrial zoning districts; providing a savings clause; providing for the repeal of any conflicting provisions; and providing an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: July 19, 2016 - Public Hearing held
August 2, 2016 - Postponed to August 16th Meeting
August 16, 2016 - 1st Reading
September 20, 2016 - 2nd Reading
Department: Development Services
Funds Required: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Funds Available: N/A
Account Name: N/A
CITY COUNCIL GOAL: Goal #2 Beautify and Enhance the Quality of Place
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ELEMENT(s):
Economic Development - Goal 3, Objectives 2 & 3
Land Use - Goal 1, Objective 4
BACKGROUND:
City Council directed staff to pursue higher standards to improve the quality of nonresidential buildings within the City.
The draft standards clarify and establish building material standards as follows:
• Reduce the number of exempted properties
• Require masonry materials - with definitions provided
• 80% masonry for Commercial and Public Zoning Districts
• 70% masonry for Industrial Zoning Districts
• Establish an administrative waiver process to allow an addition of up to 10% of secondary or alternative materials and amending the current CUP process
Staff has reviewed existing standards in San Marcos and surrounding cities, examined standards in other cities in Texas and consulted with other city departments. Definitions were developed through research of the various sources such as the International Building Code (IBC) and the latest versions of online Dictionaries including Webster’s.
The draft ordinance and definitions were presented to the Council with a 8-0 approval recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission.
The Sub-Committee met on Friday, August 5th and again on Monday, August 8th. The meeting on Monday, August 8th included representation and input from the Masonry Council of Texas and the San Marcos Architects Alliance. The attached ordinance and documentation includes the changes recommended from the Sub-Committee.