Ord 2002-004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Wonder World Drive Land Use Plan City of San Marcos V. Development Plan A. Community Character This plan acknowledges the unique "Hill Country" character of the planning area and the public's desire to retain this unique character while accommodating future development in the area. Under current development practices, the community is not assured of high- quality development that preserves the area's character and maintains the quality of life. This section identifies some of the key components of community character that this plan seeks to preserve. Community Gatewavs Community gateways are the major entryways into the community. These gateways provide visitors with their first impression of the community and are also the most visible portions of the community for residents. Careful attention should be paid to these areas to make sure that these entryways are "attractive and present the desired high-quality character, particularly in regards to the other character concerns described below. Ranch Road 12 is one of the most significant gateways into the City of San Marcos. Viewshed Protection Views are one of the most difficult aspects of community character to address. While it is impossible to protect all aesthetically pleasing views, it is important to identify and protect some of the best Hill Country views within the planning area. The two key components to view protection are: 1. protecting the area viewed by encouraging natural building materials and encouraging homes and other development to be 'hidden' to the extent possible through preservation of vegetation and appropriate site design (for example, structures should not be visible above the tops of the trees on a ridge or hilltop). 2. protecting areas to view fi'om by making this a consideration in the layout of roads, site design for new developments, and the acquisition of park and open space. Photo by Carl H. Deal III Page 12 Adopted: January 14, 2002