Vision SMTX Comprehensive Plan
Virtual Open House now available!

We are excited to announce that we have launched our first ever Virtual Open House as part of the Vision SMTX Comprehensive Plan Rewrite! If you weren’t able to join us at our Community Workshop on February 25th, this Virtual Open House will allow you another opportunity to learn about the Comprehensive Plan and provide your feedback now through March 19.

The Open House is an interactive virtual experience where participants can visit stations, provide comments, and help us set the vision and goals for the future of San Marcos. The Open House is available 24/7 in English and Spanish and is accessible via computer, phone, or mobile device. A physical take-home toolkit will also be available for pick-up by calling 512.393.8230 or emailing planninginfo@sanmarcostx.gov.

As part of the open house, we encourage participants to use social media to share pictures of some of their favorite places around the city and also to share some photos of themselves participating in the planning process. Use the hashtag #MYSMTX on social media to participate!

To access the Virtual Open House, visit: https://openhouse.visionsmtx.com

About Vision SMTX Comprehensive Plan: Vision SMTX will establish the goals and vision for the future of San Marcos for the next 20 years. Vision SMTX will create a visionary document that guides long-term decision-making for key components such as housing, the environment, economic development, transportation, and land use. The goal of rewriting our existing plan is to reflect the growth and changes our city has experienced since the original plan was adopted, while continuing to strengthen a San Marcos that is attractive, active, inclusive, safe, vibrant, and true to its character. For more information about Vision SMTX visit www.visionsmtx.com.

Downtown Design Update

Thank you to all who have participated in the Downtown Design series of events throughout 2020. A summary of the input received is posted on the project website. A Final Draft has been created incorporating recent community input and is posted on the project website. Below is an overview of past and upcoming meeting dates:

Past Meeting Dates:

Tuesday, February 9 - 6 p.m. The Planning and Zoning Commission considered the Final draft during a virtual public hearing. The Commission recommended approval of the Final draft with amendments. An overview of amendments can be viewed here.
Tuesday, February 16 - 3 p.m. A Virtual City Council Work Session was scheduled, however, due to inclement weather, this work session was cancelled.

Upcoming Meeting Dates:

Tuesday, March 2 - 6 p.m. Virtual City Council Public Hearing and 1st Reading of Final Draft
Tuesday, March 16 - 6 p.m. Virtual City Council Final Consideration of Final Draft

For more information on how to participate in the upcoming meeting dates, please visit the project webpage or email planninginfo@sanmarcostx.gov.

State Rent Relief Program

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has received approximately $1.3 billion in Emergency Rental Assistance funds from the newly passed Coronavirus Relief Bill Rental Assistance Program. TDHCA is using the funds to help Texas renters pay rent and utility bills (including past due rent and utilities).

TDHCA's Texas Rent Relief program website and phone systems are up and running and ready to answer questions. TDHCA will accept applications from landlords and tenants beginning February 15, 2021, at 8 a.m., Central Time.

Learn more and apply online visit texasrentrelief.com or apply by phone at 833-9TX-RENT (833-989-7368).

Plumbing Permit Fees Waived

In order to relieve the financial burden on residents and businesses as a result of plumbing repairs made necessary by the winter storm event, the San Marcos City Council is temporarily waiving fees for permits associated with these repairs. This temporary waiver is in effect through the end of day on Thursday, April 1.

In most cases, a plumbing permit will still be required for all repair work and may be applied for online, 24-hours-a-day at www.mygovernmentonline.org.

To find additional details about plumbing requirements and who may apply for the permit, visit www.sanmarcostx.gov/plumbing.

Department COVID-19 Update

City Closures and Virtual Meetings

As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations within San Marcos and Hays County continue to be on the rise, City facilities will remain closed to the public through the end of February. Facilities are scheduled to reopen to the public on Wednesday, March 3, however, city staff will continue to be available to assist residents by phone or email.

All meetings, such as Pre-Developments, will remain virtual. Planning and Zoning Commission meetings are being conducted online. Click here for information on how to view or participate in an upcoming meeting. Additional information and updates on COVID-19 can be found on the City's website.

We encourage customers to continue to use our 24/7 online permitting system at www.mygovernmentonline.org or to call to ask questions at 512.805.2630 (Permits) and 512.393.8230 (Planning) when possible.

Inspections

Our inspectors are continuing to keep our single family and commercial construction projects moving while also maintaining their safety by wearing face protection, social distancing, hand washing, and offering video inspections to homeowners. Our department is offering video call inspection services, through Skype, for all occupied home inspections to help ensure the safety of our citizens and our staff. Please contact Michael Gleason at mgleason2@sanmarcostx.gov for more information.

Contact the Planning and Development Services Department

The Planning Department's goal is to manage the growth and development of the community by carrying out adopted Council policies, and providing professional expertise. To contact us, visit our webpage or email us at planninginfo@sanmarcostx.gov. The public can sign up for the monthly Planning Newsletter here.

Vision SMTX Comprehensive PlanVirtual Open House now available!