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Wonder World Drive Land Use Plan City of San Marcos Preservation of Open Space and Existine: Vee:etation The natural Hill Country landscape of the planning area is one of its most distinguishing characteristics. Preservation of large contiguous areas of open space not only provide benefits for water quality, wildlife habitat, and other environmental concerns, but also help preserve the visual character of the area. In addition, by preserving as much existing vegetation as possible in developing areas, the negative visual impacts of urban development can be reduced and the natural beauty of the area preserved. Development Aesthetics New development generally detracts from the visual character of the natural landscape. Although new development will always result in a change in the landscape's character, the most egregious negative impacts can be minimized through appropriate site design and regulatory control over development. Low quality signs and excessive signage can have a detrimental impact on community aesthetics and property values. This is particularly noticeable in scenic areas, such as the Hill Country. Reasonable limits on business signs can be very effective at preserving the natural beauty of the planning area. Off-site signs (i.e., billboards) are generally inappropriate for this area. "Change is inevitable - ugliness is not." Scenic America Landscaping of new development, particularly higher intensity development such as businesses and apartments, can significantly improve the visual character of development. Landscaping should be required along street frontages, in and around parking lots and other paved areas, around building foundations, and within yard areas of all non-single-family development. The City should encourage the use of native landscaping and drought-tolerant vegetation. Architectural styles and building materials should enhance the property and surrounding properties. Lower quality building materials often have a detrimental impact on the property values of surrounding properties. Minimum design guidelines and review procedures should be in place to prevent new development from detracting from the overall character and aesthetics of the community. Additionally, development within the planning area should be encouraged to use traditional Hill Country building materials, such as stone, wood, and other natural materials that would help preserve the general "Hill Country" character of the area. Excessive and improperly shielded lighting of properties can negatively impact adjacent properties, can be a safety hazard for drivers, and contributes to urban light pollution, which impacts the visibility of the night sky. Lighting can be installed that adequately and safely illuminates property and roads without negatively impacting neighboring Adopted: January 14, 2002 Page 1 3