Ord 2021-016/amending Chapters 3 and 4 of the San Marcos Development Code and Appendix A, Article 1 of the Design Manual, by, among other things, updating provisions concerning nonconforming streetscapes, the Character District 5 Downtown

Home Browse Search

IEXISTING DIVISION 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS This Article describes regulations for the construction of street improvements and streetscapes for existing streets throughout the City. It is intended to address when street and streetscape improve- ments are appropriate through the application of the pre -approved street types in this chapter. The City has an approved Design Manual which provides further details for streetscapes in the downtown and midtown intensity zones. Section 3.8.1.1 Applicability and Intent A. Intent 1. The intent of the existing street regulations is to provide the application of the streetscapes to existing streets to reflect the character and context of areas in the City. 2. The existing street regulations provide adequate travel lanes for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. 3. Administrative design adjustments approved by the Responsible Official pursuant to Section 3.6.1.1 may be appropriate when an existing building would impede expansion, when transitioning from a different street section or where strict compliance with this Development Code and the Street Design Manual would pose a safety hazard. B. General Applicability 1. Any new development activity and any addition or repair subject to the requirements of Section 3.1.1.1 and Section 2.7.1.1 must meet street type and streetscape standards of this Article for existing streets abutting the subject property. 2. The streetscape types of Section 3.8.1.5 shall be applied based on the zoning or use of the subject property. 3. Unless otherwise specifically provided, no permit for the construction, reconstruction, extension, repair or alteration of any building, structure or use of land and no building or land or any part of any building or land, may be occupied or used until the streetscape requirements of this Article have been met. 4. Gated public streets shall not be permitted. 5. Administrative design adjustments approved by the Responsible Official pursuant to Section 3.6.1.1 may be appropriate when an existing building would impede roadway expansion; when transitioning from a different street section; or where strict compliance with this Development Code and the Street Design Manual would pose a safety hazard. C. Applicability for Additions and Repairs 1. A building or site may be renovated or repaired without meeting the streetscape standards, provided there is no increase in gross floor area or improved site area. 2. When a building or site is increased in gross floor area or improved site area cumulatively by more than ten (10%) percent, the streetscape provisions of this Article must be met. D. Change in Use Exempt. A change in use does not trigger application of the streetscape requirements of this Article. Section 3.8.1.2 Standards A. Tree Planting 1. Unless otherwise noted below, all trees planted in accordance with this Article must be shade trees. 2. Where overhead utilities exist, one (1) understory tree shall be planted every twenty (20) feet on center, on average. 3. All required street trees must meet the design, type, and installation requirements of Sections 7.2.4.1, 7.2.4.2, and Appendix D of the San Marcos Design Manual. B. Fee -in -Lieu 1. A cash fee for the installation of all or part of the sidewalk required under Article 8 may be accepted in lieu of construction by the Responsible Official based on the criteria included in this Section. 2. The fee in lieu shall be set by resolution of the City Council based on the average cost of construction of sidewalks. 3:54 Cavi Marcos Development Cone Downtown Design i=final Dralt: i=ebruary 2021