Page 35 - San Marcos, TX Design Manual

A APPENDIX Design Guidelines

Section A.1.4.11 Ways to Create and Activate Outdoor and becomes an inviting place. These can also be used as a
Space strategy for incremental development through an alternative
compliance in Section 4.3.3.3.F – Build to Zone – of the
A. Overview. In some development situations, retaining open Development Code.
space on a lot is desirable to accommodate outdoor functions.
In some situations, this may mean a building is located on one B. Examples of Creating Oudoor Space. The following Table 1.12
half of the site, while the other half is left open. In others, this illustrates ways in which this outdoor space on a site can be
may mean the corner of a lot is left open to function as a plaza, utilized. The intent is to activate the space and to engage the
and in others, the building may be set back to accommodate street with pedestrian-oriented amenities. These alternatives
for outdoor functions along that façade. While parking may be can also apply when considering alternative compliance related
a component of the open space function in some situations, to additions to existing buildings in Section 4.3.3.3.E of the
this space is primarily used for pedestrians and is utilized by Development Code, “Nonconforming Build-to Requirement”,
the business(es) that open into the space. Some may use the and Alternative compliance for Section 4.3.3.3.F for projects
space for outdoor dining, while others may use it for retail that may be pursuing incremental development of a lot.
display space. By programming the space with active and
passive uses, it becomes vital to the function of the building,

Table 1.12 Activation of open space

Alley accessed parking and landscape treatments
• Landscape buffer screens parking (when parking is
allowed).
• Outdoor use area activates the sidewalk edge.
• Side entrance orients to parking.

SIDEWALK

shared plaza
• Outdoor seating flanks side entry.
• Walkway connects to parking in rear.
• Landscape edge defines building line.
• Entries open onto the plaza.

SIDEWALK

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