ORD-2025-01 Development Code Effective January 25, 2025

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CHAPTER

Environmental Regulations

Section 6.2.3.2 Water Quality and Buffer Zones outside the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone A. Water Quality Zone. No impervious cover is allowed in a water quality zone except for those cases listed in Section 6.2.3.5(B). B. San Marcos River Corridor (SMRC). The maximum impervious cover within the SMRC is 30%. Impervious cover cannot be increased with mitigation in the SMRC. C. Buffer Zones. The maximum impervious cover in buffer zones is 30%. Impervious cover may be increased to 50% with mitigation. D. Steep Slopes. The maximum impervious cover in buffer zones and the San Marcos River Corridor is further restricted when steep slopes are present in accordance with the table below. E. Reclamation. Reclamation of a water quality and/or buffer zone shall require mitigation to replace lost water quality benefits and be accomplished in a way that preserves natural channel function and aesthetics.

2. Around a Moderate Recharge Feature, the zone shall extend 100 feet around the perimeter of the feature, and an additional 50 feet on the upstream side of the feature. 3. Around a Major Recharge Feature, the zone shall extend 200 feet around the perimeter of the feature, and an additional 100 feet on the upstream side of the feature. B. Enhanced Geologic Assessments. If an applicant obtains the Responsible Official’s approval of an enhanced geologic assessment for a feature in accordance with Section 6.3.2.1(D), the area of the sensitive feature protection zone for a feature shall be the area identified by the assessment as contributing significantly to recharge through the feature. C. Enhanced Topographic Information. If an applicant submits enhanced topographic information for a site, with contour intervals of two feet or less, the sensitive feature protection zone shall extend 25 feet around the perimeter of the sensitive feature and include the area within the following distance from the perimeter that is identified on the enhanced topographic survey as draining towards the perimeter around the feature:

1. For a minor recharge feature, 50 feet.

(Ord. No. 2020-60, 9-1-2020)

2. For a moderate recharge feature, 125 feet.

Table 6.2 Impervious cover on steep slopes outside the Edwards Aquifer Impervious Cover (Max)

3. For a major recharge feature, 275 feet.

(Ord. No. 2020-60, 9-1-2020)

SMRC or Buffer Zone

Slopes

Division 3: IMPERVIOUS COVER AND DEVELOPMENT LIMITATIONS WITHIN WATER QUALITY AND BUFFER ZONES

15% - 25%

20%

> 25%

10%

Section 6.2.3.1 General

A. Point Discharges. New point discharges of runoff into water quality or buffer zones may be required to be dissipated to sheet flow conditions throughout the zone. B. Restricted Chemicals. The use of fertilizers and pesticides shall be prohibited within water quality or buffer zones. C. Individual Wastewater Collection and Disposal Systems. For development within the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, the use of septic tanks, holding tanks, evapotranspiration units, cesspools or other private or individual sewage disposal systems shall not be allowed in water quality or buffer zones.

(Ord. No. 2023-72, 10-17-2023)

Section 6.2.3.3 Water Quality and Buffer Zones Inside Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone A. Water Quality Zone. No development or impervious cover is allowed in a water quality zone within the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone except for those cases listed in Section 6.2.3.5(B).

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San Marcos Development Code Amended: January 21, 2025