Vision SMTX Comprehensive Plan Adopted 2024

OUR VISION FOR EQUITABLE AND COMPATIBLE GROWTH

HOUSING + NEIGHBORHOODS

San Marcos can continue to provide diverse housing choices and a variety of neighborhoods that support a high quality of life and enhance and maintain the small-town feel of the community. Diverse housing types, also known as Missing Middle housing, offers a variety of different size housing types and price points that may be desired by residents based on their needs. Diverse housing types help fill the gaps between largely single-family detached neighborhoods and larger multi-story apartment buildings and may include duplexes, triplexes, and four-plexes. Diverse housing types also include cottage cluster products which are a group of homes, generally one or two stories, that are clustered and arranged around a common open space. As San Marcos grows and expands, the City must encourage continued investment in the traditional core neighborhoods while always keeping in mind that they must be protected from inconsistent infill development. Investment in the form of new housing stock, parks, public spaces, multimodal, and transit infrastructure can help preserve the quality and value of these areas. New developments in existing neighborhoods and along existing corridors need to be compatible with the surrounding context as per the Area Plans and Neighborhood Character Studies, as applicable. San Marcos should strive for an appropriate mixture of housing types, commercial developments, and mixed-use places to enhance existing areas and create new livable neighborhoods. New and revitalized neighborhoods with access to parks and integrated trail networks and a range of other amenities for all ages can help promote healthy and active lifestyles for all residents. New neighborhood parks, commercial amenities, trails, and bike paths are all investments that can be incorporated into existing areas based on Area Plans, as applicable, to increase the quality of life of residents. Creative development in new areas is encouraged and offers the opportunity to create more inclusive and equitable spaces that accommodate residents of varying incomes, housing types, transportation needs, ages, and ability levels. Strategic infill development that is compatible with the adjacent corridors and neighborhoods can enhance areas by infusing new commercial, employment, residential, and recreation opportunities that help make more complete and vibrant places. Revitalization of a neighborhood should create opportunities for housing stability and generational wealth for existing residents while welcoming new residents through infill development. Infill should be promoted where it can alleviate economic pressures and avoid the displacement of existing families.

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SAN MARCOS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2024 SAN MARCOS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN