Page 20 - San Marcos, TX Development Code

4 C H A PT E R Zoning regulations

Description. An open area at grade, or within 30 inches of grade, that serves as an open
space, plaza or outdoor dining area. A forecourt is designed for pedestrian activity that is
often related to the operation of the business(es) with entrances that open into the forecourt
Forecourt
and windows that look into the forecourt. Refer to Table 1.9 in the Design Guidelines for
ideas of how to maintain the street wall when utilizing a forecourt, as well as strategies that
activate the edge of the forecourt.
General Requirements:

• A forecourt must be no more than one-third of the length of
the building face, and in no case longer than 50 35 feet in
length.

• A forecourt must be no less than 10’ in depth.
• The depth of the forecourt should not exceed the general
50 ft. Maximum width.

• A maximum of one forecourt is permitted per lot.

• A forecourt meeting the above requirements is considered
part of the building for the purpose of measuring the build-to
zone.

• The forecourt shall include a landscaping feature (such as
planters) and features that encourage pedestrian activity (such
as benches or tables).

Description. A covered passage extending along the outside wall of a building supported by
Gallery
arches or columns that is open on 3 sides.
General Requirements:

• A gallery must have a clear depth from the support columns
to the building’s facade of at least 8 feet and a clear height
above the sidewalk of at least 9 feet.

• A gallery must be contiguous and extend over at least 75% of
the width of the building facade.

• A gallery may extend into a primary or side street setback.
• A gallery may encroach up 9 feet into the public right-of-way but
must be at least 2 feet inside the curb line or edge of pavement,
whichever is greater.

4:38 San Marcos Development Code Downtown Design Final Draft: March 2021