Final Draft Comprehensive Plan & Downtown Area Plan!

The Final Draft of the Vision SMTX Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Area Plan are now available on the project website!

The Final Draft Plans were developed by the community over the past 2 years to create and achieve a vision for the future of our community! Comments were collected on the Public Review Draft during the month of January at an Open House, farmers market booth, and online comment platform. Comments received have been incorporated into the Final Drafts of the Plan. A summary of the Open House results and all virtual comments received can be found here.

Combined, the projects have received over 4,000 community comments throughout the plan development and represent over 100 meetings and engagement events! We thank the community for their dedication and participation in shaping the future of the places where San Marcans live, work, shop, and play so that San Marcos is a vibrant and unique city for all.

The Final Draft Plans will be considered for adoption by the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council at their upcoming meetings. Those interested in speaking in-person or virtually or to submit a written comment for the upcoming meetings can view instructions below:

Comprehensive Plan Adoption Schedule:

2/28: Planning Commission Public Hearing @ 6pm
3/21: City Council Public Hearing @ 6pm
4/4: City Council Public Hearing @ 6pm
4/18: City Council Final Consideration @ 6pm

Downtown Area Plan Adoption Schedule

2/28: Planning Commission Public Hearing @ 6pm
3/21: City Council Public Hearing & Consideration @ 6pm

National Register of Historic Places Nomination Underway!

In 2021 and 2022, the City of San Marcos was awarded two grants to fund the listing of the Dunbar Historic District & the Dunbar School Home Economics Building on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The city was awarded a $30,000 grant through the Underrepresented Community Grant Program of the National Park Service and a $15,000 grant through the Certified Local Government Program of the Texas Historical Commission.

The City has contracted with Stantec, a national firm whose staff includes historic preservation specialists, to pursue a NRHP district nomination for the Dunbar Historic District, to include the Calaboose African American History Museum and the Ulysses Cephas House, along with an individual NRHP nomination for the Dunbar School Home Economics Building. Concurrently, a project to stabilize the Dunbar School Home Economics Building is underway. Designation on the National Register provides formal recognition as well as access to historic tax credits and grant funding. Concurrently, a Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) project to stabilize the Dunbar School Home Economics Building is underway.

April 13 Community Meeting:

A Community Information Meeting covering both projects will be held on April 13, 2023 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at the Dunbar Recreation Center, 801 W. MLK Drive.

City staff and consultants from both projects will be on hand to provide a brief presentation and answer questions. To learn more about the National Register project, visit the Project Webpage or email planninginfo@sanmarcostx.gov.

Need Home Demolition Assistance?

Is there a home in your neighborhood that cannot be repaired, yet hasn’t been demolished? Community Development Block Grant funds may be able to help. Call 512-805-2644 or email cdbg@sanmarcostx.gov.

Development Fees

On January 17, 2023 City Council approved Ordinance # 2023-04 updating the City’s Development Fees which include Building, Engineering, Planning, Fire, and Neighborhood Enhancement (Environmental Health) Fees. The City completed a Cost of Service study to define what it costs the City to provide various fee-related services and updated our Development Fees based on that information along with comparing other City’s averages.

New fees go into effect on March 1st, 2023. To view the updated fees please visit: http://sanmarcostx.gov/1334/Fee-Schedule

Department COVID-19 Update

City Offices are Open with Virtual Meetings

The Planning and Development Services Department is open to the public Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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.

All meetings, such as Pre-Developments, will remain virtual. Planning and Zoning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and Zoning Board of Adjustments meetings are being conducted as hybrid (in-person/virtual) meetings. 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.

Inspections

Our inspectors are continuing to keep our single family and commercial construction projects moving while also maintaining their safety by social distancing and hand washing. Our department is still offering video call inspection services as requested, through Skype, for any occupied homes that may prefer that route. Please contact permitinfo@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.