Page 10 - San Marcos, TX Development Code

4 C H A PT E R Zoning regulations

Section 4.3.4.2 Ground Floor Elevation Section 4.3.4.4 Minimum Two-Story Requirements

A. Ground floor elevation is measured from the average curb level A. Minimum two-story requirements apply to the first 30 feet of
of the adjoining street, or if no curb exists, the average level of the building and may include a roof top patio where a minimum
the center crown of the street to the top of the finished ground of 60% of the patio is covered.
floor.
B. A building with a single story measuring a minimum of 25 feet
Figure 4.12 Measuring Ground Floor Elevation
from finished floor to finished ceiling can satisfy the minimum
two-story requirement.

C. Intent. The intent of the two-story minimum requirement
is to ensure that the building scale is compatible with other
structures and the relationship of the building to the public
space. A minimum building height also serves to promote a
mixture of uses.

D. Alternative Compliance Findings. The Planning and Zoning
Commission may in accordance with Section 2.8.4.1 allow an
alternative to the minimum two-story requirements, subject to
the following findings:

1. The approved alternate meets the intent of the minimum
two-story requirements;

Section 4.3.4.3 Story Height 2. The approved alternate conforms with the Comprehensive
Plan and other adopted City Plans; and
A. Story height is measured from the top of the finished floor to
the ceiling above. 3. The approved alternate conforms to the Downtown
Design Guidelines. In CD-5D and the five downtown
B. Minimum ground story height applies to the first 30 feet of the Design Contexts, the approved alternate conforms to the
building measured inward from the street facing facade. At Downtown Design Guidelines.
least 50% of the ground story must meet the minimum ground
story height provisions. 4. Consider the following:
Figure 4.13 Measuring Story Height
a. Is the applicant proposing a one-story portion to a
new building or a new building that is just one-story?

b. If the proposal includes a one-story portion, is this
portion being used to transition to a neighborhood
context? Does the one-story portion have a specific
use that is best served by a one-story in height
building?

c. Does the one-story portion of the building also
include a rooftop amenity space that resembles a
second story?

d. If the proposal is for a one-story building:

4:28 San Marcos Development Code Downtown Design Final Draft: March 2021