Res 2026-017 Approving the City of San Marcos Historic Preservation Plan

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ALTERNATIVE LOCAL ZONING FINDINGS 4 1. The 2019 My Historic SMTX survey noted that historic district designation may not be successful for areas with cultural significance that have experienced demolitions, alterations, and infill. 2. Character Districts are local zoning classifications and Conservation Corridors are local zoning overlays that are regulated in the San Marcos Development Code; however, Neighborhood Conservation Districts are not included in the SMDC. 3. San Marcos City Council adopted an ordinance for Corridor Overlay Districts in 2018, but it has not been used yet. Neighborhood Conservation Districts are similar to Character Districts and allow for controlled growth without imposing the more rigid restrictions of a historic district. They typically regulate residential neighborhoods' character - defining features such as building height, lot size, streetscapes, and setbacks through development standards and design guidelines. These standards and guidelines are tailored to maintain the overall character of the area. Some neighborhood conservation districts also regulate uses, like the City of Bryan's Residential Neighborhood Conservation District, but this is not typical. They may also regulate demolitions through certificates of appropriateness or commission review like the City of Dallas regulates demolitions. SOLUTIONS (9 1. Explore the use of preservation tools such as Neighborhood Conservation Districts to retain distinct neighborhood characteristics (including but not limited to general form, style, and scale) and prioritize cultural continuity, using the 2019 historic resources survey, My Historic SMTX as a guide. Neighborhoods such as East Guadalupe, Barrio de la Victoria, and Barrio del Pescado may be strong candidates for such designation, helping guide development in ways that respect and reinforce their cultural heritage. Conduct a spatial analysis to draw a detailed district boundary to determine if alternative local zoning is appropriate. 2. Consider amending the SMDC to establish a formal process for the designation and implementation of Neighborhood Conservation Districts, and explore creating design guidelines that balance flexibility and compatibility of design. 3. Develop educational resources to distinguish between historic districts and alternative zoning districts, while also highlighting the advantages of establishing alternative conservation districts. 4. Consider creation of the first Corridor Overlay District using the existing tools in the SMDC. 130 SAN MARCOS HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN (2026)