Participate in the Vision SMTX Virtual Survey!

We invite you to participate in the Vision SMTX Comprehensive Plan Rewrite Virtual Survey! In September we hosted a series of events as part of Vision SMTX, including a Community Meeting, a pop-up public input booth at the Farmers Market, and a Workshop with the San Marcos City Council. You can view meeting material and presentations on our project website.

If you missed the events you can still participate by taking the interactive virtual survey now through October 4! By participating in Vision SMTX, you'll help plan for future generations in San Marcos on topics such as housing, transportation, arts and culture, and parks! Provide your email at the end of the survey for a chance to win a $50 HEB gift card.

Take the Survey in English: https://arcg.is/1Tzj8y
Take the Survey in Spanish: https://arcg.is/rCKba

Pick-up a Take-Home Toolkit: We know for some it is more convenient to participate from the comfort of your home using a paper copy! A take-home toolkit version of the survey is also available for pickup in the Planning Department. To request a toolkit, please contact 512.393.8230 or planninginfo@sanmarcostx.gov.

To learn more about Vision SMTX, visit the project website or email planninginfo@sanmarcostx.gov. Check out a few photos below from our previous events.

City Awarded National Park Service Grant to Fund Nominations to the National Register of Historic Places

The City of San Marcos has been awarded a $30,000 grant through the Underrepresented Community Grant Program! The grant is funded by the Historic Preservation Fund and administered by the National Park Service, Department of Interior.

The Underrepresented Community Grant Program works toward diversifying the nominations submitted to the National Register of Historic Places. Projects include surveys and inventories of historic properties associated with communities underrepresented in the National Register, as well as the development of nominations to the National Register for specific sites.

The City has identified three City-owned historic properties that would benefit from being listed on the National Register of Historic Places including:

The Calaboose African American Museum building, 200 West MLK Drive
The Ulysses Cephas House, 217 West MLK Drive
The Dunbar School Home Economics Building, 801 West MLK Drive

All three of the buildings were included in “My Historic SMTX,” the reconnaissance-level historic resources survey completed and approved in 2019. The buildings have significant historical and cultural associations with the local African American community, and it is important for all citizens to see multicultural representation in San Marcos' history. As such, inclusion of these three historic buildings on the National Register of Historic Places will further diversify the Register and strengthen preservation efforts within San Marcos. Funding will provide for consultant services to steward the nomination process, which will include intensive-level surveys for the three historically significant buildings.

For more information, contact Alison Brake, Historic Preservation Officer, 512.393.8232, abrake@sanmarcostx.gov.

Department Staff Updates

Kerri Hutson, Senior Permit Center Technician

Kerri began her journey with the City of San Marcos Planning and Development Services Department as a Temporary Permit Technician in March of 2018. Later that year she joined the City full time in that same position. Now, Kerri will take on the title of Senior Permit Center Technician accepting more responsibility and continuing to learn and grow within the Department and Organization. Originally from Maine, Kerri enjoys travelling back to see her son. She also enjoys baking, antiquing, hiking, and spending time with her dog, Kirby.

Department COVID-19 Update

City Offices are Open with Virtual Meetings

The Planning and Development Services Department is open to the public Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We encourage customers to continue to use our 24/7 online permitting system at www.mygovernmentonline.org or to call to ask questions at 512.805.2630 (Permits) and 512.393.8230 (Planning) when possible.

All meetings, such as Pre-Developments, will remain virtual. Planning and Zoning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and Zoning Board of Adjustments meetings are being conducted online. Click here for information on how to view or participate in an upcoming meeting. Additional information and updates on COVID-19 can be found on the City's website.

Inspections

Our inspectors are continuing to keep our single family and commercial construction projects moving while also maintaining their safety by social distancing and hand washing. Our department is still offering video call inspection services as requested, through Skype, for any occupied homes that may prefer that route. Please contact Paul Hinrichs phinrichs@sanmarcostx.gov for more information.

Contact the Planning and Development Services Department

The Planning Department's goal is to manage the growth and development of the community by carrying out adopted Council policies, and providing professional expertise. To contact us, visit our webpage or email us at planninginfo@sanmarcostx.gov. The public can sign up for the monthly Planning Newsletter here.