Vision San Marcos Comprehensive Plan

P l a n n i n g i n Te x a s In 1997, the Texas Legislature added Chapter

land use and transportation topics. Some

P l a n n i n g i n S a n Ma r c o s The City of San Marcos is required through

cities choose to develop more specialized

plans to address a particular issue they

213 to the Local Government Code allowing

its City Charter to maintain a master plan

are facing. Strategic Plans take a more

cities in Texas the option to develop and

to guide development in the city. Article VII,

immediate approach and identify short-term

adopt comprehensive plans. The Code

Section 7.03 states: “The master plan for the

actions to achieve long term goals. Capital

establishes that the plans must consider land

City of San Marcos shall be used to guide

Improvements Plans guide the use of the city’s

use, transportation and public facilities and

the growth and development of the city. The

budget. Public Participation Plans outline when

distinguishes between land use plans and

master plan shall be adopted by ordinance.

and how citizens will be involved in the city’s

zoning regulations. The regulations allow the

The city council will endeavor to ensure

operations.

city to define the relationship between the plan

that city ordinances governing growth and

and any ordinances and development codes.

development are consistent with the goals and

This also leaves cities with creative freedom to

policies contained in the master plan; however,

determine the level of detail of the contents in

land use maps and descriptions contained

the plan.

in the master plan do not constitute zoning,

Comprehensive plans across the state include

and do not entitle any property owner to any

topics such as environmental constraints,

change in zoning.”

demographic projections, infrastructure

data and housing in addition to the required

Vision San Marcos: A River Runs Through Us pg 19