San Marcos Development Code (effective Nov. 3, 2021)

6

C H A P T E R

Environmental Regulations

topographic information in accordance with subsection (c) of this Section, the area of the zones shall be determined as follows (all measurements are to be made horizontally): 1. Around a Minor Recharge Feature, the zone shall extend 50 feet around the perimeter of the feature, and an additional 25 feet on the upstream side of the feature. 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:

B. Restricted Chemicals. The use of fer tilizers 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. 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 with mitigation based on the slope table below. D. Steep Slopes. The maximum impervious cover in buffer zones and the San Marcos River Corridor is fur ther 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.

1. For a minor recharge feature, 50 feet.

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

2. For a moderate recharge feature, 125 feet.

3. For a major recharge feature, 275 feet.

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

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

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

Buffer Zone No Mitigation

Buffer Zone with Mitigation

Slopes

SMRC

< 15%

30%

30%

50%

Section 6.2.3.1 General

15% - 25% 20%

20%

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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.

> 25%

10%

10%

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San Marcos Development Code Amended: November 3, 2021