Bastrop staff to hold two public "Protecting Bastrop" sessions; short-term rental registration and parkland fund updates announced

City staff used the Jan. 30 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting to outline several upcoming public outreach efforts and administrative updates, including two public meetings on proposed zoning changes, a new short-term rental registration policy, and a proposed parkland community enrichment fund.

Protecting Bastrop public meetings

Staff said postcards and formal letters are being mailed to affected residents and property owners and urged commissioners and the public to consult the project website and interactive GIS maps. Two public meetings are scheduled to discuss proposed code changes that staff labeled “Protecting Bastrop”: Feb. 17 and Feb. 24 at the Convention Center (staff notices indicate both dates and advise consulting published notices for meeting times). Staff said topics will include minimum lot sizes, setbacks and the future treatment of duplexes in single-family zoning districts.

Short-term rental registration

Staff described a proposed short-term rental registration program that would request operators to register annually with the city and pay a $25 registration fee. The goal, staff said, is a minimally invasive exchange of information so the city can track short-term rental properties and educate owners about applicable rules and tax obligations; staff noted the appraisal district rules that can affect homestead exemptions if a property is rented more than half the year. City lawyers advised staff to focus on registration rather than enforcement fines at this stage.

Parkland dedication and community enrichment fund

Staff described a proposed parkland ordinance that would continue to accept land dedication or a fee in lieu; in addition the city would establish a community enrichment fund to collect fees for park improvements. Staff said the proposed fee would be $250 per dwelling unit, and that funds collected would be organized geographically using two quadrants bisected by State Highway 71 so that collected fees can be allocated across the river where needs exist.

Comp plan and building metrics

Planning staff reported ongoing public engagement for the comprehensive plan (open houses at local venues and a presence at community events) and provided a short building/permitting update: 15 new single-family permits were highlighted (primarily Valverde subdivision), BISD Mena Elementary is planning a replacement two-story building, and several commercial properties are being renovated or reoccupied.

Quotations

“Everybody should have got those in the mail,” staff said of postcards announcing the Protecting Bastrop meetings.

“The registration fee will be $25,” staff said when describing the short-term rental registration program.

Ending

Staff asked the commission to direct which of the council-identified items staff should return with formal recommendations; staff said it would bring draft ordinance language and analysis back to the commission and then to council as required.