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Commission recommends removing mandatory gridded‑street requirement from B3 code
Summary
The commission voted to replace the 2019 mandatory gridded‑street overlay with the previously adopted 2017 thoroughfare map and to remove references to a mandatory or "gridded" network in the B3 code and technical manual, citing cost and topography constraints.
The Bastrop Planning and Zoning Commission recommended that City Council remove all references to a mandatory gridded street network in the B3 code and technical manual and revert to the previously adopted 2017 thoroughfare plan.
Andreas Rosales, Assistant City Manager, told the commission that the 2019 map introduced a mandatory grid that in some cases required public streets to be placed through developments (for example, public streets between apartment buildings) and that those added streets can increase long‑term city maintenance costs. Rosales said one mile of road maintenance is about $1 million, and requiring extra public streets can create long‑term expense for the city if streets are rarely used by the broader public.
Staff proposed reducing the number of required public streets and reverting to the 2017 thoroughfare map while retaining flexibility: developers could still build a denser grid if they and the city agreed, but the grid would not be mandatory. Commissioners discussed impacts on developer expectations, Blakey Lane’s designation discrepancy between maps, and the need to align the city map with county and TxDOT thoroughfare classifications.
On roll calls, the recommendation to adopt the 2017 plan and to remove mandatory‑grid language in the B3 code and technical manual passed with 6 votes in favor and 1 opposing vote on each item; the dissenting vote was recorded by Commissioner Patrice Parsons.
Ending: Staff will prepare ordinance language and technical manual edits for Council consideration on March 4.
