City Council approves amendments for Riverbend Ranch development agreement

The San Marcos City Council convened on March 4, 2025, to discuss significant developments impacting the community, including the approval of an annexation ordinance and amendments to a major development agreement.

During the meeting, the council held a public hearing regarding the annexation of a property located in the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The property, which is surrounded by other ETJ properties, will not see immediate development, as no zoning request accompanies the annexation. The council unanimously approved the annexation, with a placeholder zoning designation of Future Development (FD) to ensure no construction occurs at this time.

In a separate agenda item, the council reviewed an amendment to the development agreement for the River Bend, Ball Ranch, and Riley's Point projects, covering approximately 1,046 acres. This amendment follows a previous agreement approved in December 2021 and includes updates reflecting changes in property ownership and development plans. Notably, the amendment allows for increased flexibility in road layouts and stormwater management, addressing concerns from neighboring properties about water flow and quality.

The council's committee, which included members Garza, Gonzales, and Mendoza, worked closely with the developers to negotiate terms that would enhance environmental protections. The updated agreement mandates that the developers reduce post-development water flow onto adjacent properties by 15% and implement advanced water quality measures.

Despite some public opposition to the development, the council expressed confidence in the negotiated amendments, emphasizing their commitment to balancing growth with community needs. The staff recommended approval of the amendments, which the council passed unanimously.

These decisions reflect the city’s ongoing efforts to manage growth responsibly while addressing the concerns of residents regarding environmental impacts and infrastructure development. As San Marcos continues to evolve, the council's actions will play a crucial role in shaping the community's future.