Page 2 - San Marcos, TX Development Code

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Subdivisions C H A PT E R

3. The Responsible Official shall consider the following Section 3.8.1.4 Administrative Adjustment Findings
criteria when evaluating a request for fee-in-lieu of
construction: A. The Responsible Official may in accordance with Section
3.6.1.1 approve an existing street design adjustment, subject to
a. Proximity to the nearest existing sidewalk; all of the following findings:

b. Proximity to public facilities, such as public or private 1. The approved adjustment meets the intent of this Article;
schools, libraries and other government buildings;
2. The approved adjustment conforms with the
c. The percentage of the block face that would be Comprehensive Plan and adopted City plans;
improved with the construction of the streetscape
improvements. 3. The approved adjustment does not increase congestion or
compromise safety;
d. Whether any public sidewalk improvements are
planned or contemplated in the area; and 4. The approved adjustment does not create additional
maintenance responsibilities for the City; and
e. Any other information deemed appropriate in the
professional judgment of the Responsible Official. 5. The approved adjustment has been designed and certified
by a Professional Engineer.
4. Sidewalk Benefit Areas. The City shall establish a
separate sidewalk account. The funds in the account shall Section 3.8.1.5 Streetscape Types
be earmarked solely for the development of sidewalks The required streetscape type is determined by the zoning district
either in the Comprehensive Plan Area in which the lot or building type. Additional design specifications for streetscape
is located, or for regional sidewalk connectivity that will improvements can be found in the Design Manual.
benefit all of the citizens of San Marcos. The City shall
expend cash contributions within ten years of the date any
such contribution is made.

Section 3.8.1.3 Nonconforming Streetscapes
A. Where a streetscape along an existing street is constrained by
an existing building, the Responsible Official may adjust the
streetscape standards to the minimum extent necessary to
accommodate the existing area between the face of the building
and back of curb.
B. The standards shall be modified in the following order:

1. Reduce or eliminate the planting area or consider counting
a forecourt in a new development towards the required
planting area.

2. If necessary, replace large canopy trees with small trees
that are more appropriate for the reduced area. If the
planting zone is eliminated, create a bumpout to provide
for tree planting.

3. Reduce the sidewalk to the minimum width necessary to
accommodate ADA accessibility.

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Downtown Design Final Draft: February 2021 San Marcos Development Code 3:55