Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Planning And Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves package of transportation, building-code and fee changes; several votes split 3–1
Summary
On March 11 Bastrop City Council approved multiple ordinances updating the Transportation Master Plan and B3 form-based code, parkland dedication, fee schedules and other code items. Several votes passed 3–1 with Councilmember Foster dissenting; other consent items passed unanimously.
Bastrop City Council on March 11 adopted a bundle of ordinances and resolutions that revise the Transportation Master Plan and amend the B3 form-based building code, update fees and impact charges, and address parkland dedication and other municipal code sections. Several of the land-use items passed by 3–1 votes; others passed unanimously as part of the consent agenda.
Why it matters: the changes collectively alter local standards for streets, lot sizes, allowable building types and impact fees — rules that will shape future development patterns and municipal service costs.
Votes at a glance (recorded motions and outcomes):
- Ordinance 2025-23 (second reading): Repeal the 2019 amendment to Chapter 5 of the Transportation Master Plan and restore earlier language. Motion passed (voice vote) 3–1; Councilperson Foster voted nay. (Mover: Councilperson Plunkett; Second: Councilperson Meyer.)
- Ordinance 2025-24 (second reading): Amend Bastrop Code Chapter 14 (B3 Building Code) to remove mandatory street network/gridded network references. Passed 3–1 (Foster dissent). (Mover: Councilperson Meyer; Second: Councilperson Plunkett.)
- Ordinance 2025-25 (second reading): Amend B3 technical manual to remove mandatory street network references. Passed 3–1 (Foster dissent). (Mover: Councilperson Meyer; Second: Councilperson Plunkett.)
- Ordinance 2025-26 (second reading): Remove duplexes as an allowed building type in P2 and P3 zones. Passed unanimously. (Mover: Councilperson Meyer; Second: Councilperson Plunkett.)
- Ordinance 2025-21 (second reading): Establish build-line standards and a first-layer setback in P2 and P3; includes clarifying language that the first-layer setback applies to undeveloped lots. Passed unanimously. (Mover: Councilperson Meyer; Second: Councilperson Plunkett.)
- Ordinance 2025-01 (second reading): Minimum lot sizes in P2 and P3 (no changes since first reading). Passed unanimously. (Mover: Councilperson Meyer; Second: Councilperson Plunkett.)
- Ordinance 2025-19 (second reading): Enact parkland dedication and park enrichment fund provisions (Chapter 10 subdivisions). Passed unanimously. (Mover: Councilperson Meyer; Second: Councilperson Plunkett.)
- Ordinance 2025-16 (second reading): Adopt master fee schedule (amend Appendix A). Passed as part of consent (unanimous). (Included in consent motion.)
- Ordinance 2025-08 (second reading): Amend impact fees for water and wastewater utilities. Passed as part of consent (unanimous). (Included in consent motion.)
- Ordinance 2025-06 (second reading): Amend cemeteries chapter and fees (Fairview Cemetery). Passed as part of consent (unanimous).
- Ordinance 2025-18 (second reading): Local property tax exemption for qualifying childcare facilities added to code. Passed as part of consent (unanimous).
- Ordinance 2025-31 (first reading, moved to consent for second reading 03/25/2025): Appointment of Caroline A. McClellan as presiding municipal judge — motion to include on next consent agenda passed (first reading action recorded).
- Ordinance 2025-20 (second reading): Amend membership terms of city boards/commissions to remove elected officials when their terms end. Passed 3–1 (Councilmember Lee opposed). (Mover: Councilperson Meyer; Second: Councilperson Plunkett.)
- Resolution R2025-517 (9Q): Amendment to master CCN transfer agreement with Aqua Water Supply Corporation for Val Verde service transfer; motion to approve passed unanimously (4–0). (Mover: Councilperson Plunkett; Second: Councilperson Meyer.)
- Resolution R2025-62 (9R): Approve public improvement plan agreement (PIPA) with PRC01 Bastrop LLC for Sendero Phase 1; motion passed unanimously (4–0). (Mover: Councilperson Plunkett; Second: Councilperson Meyer.)
Context and debate: Several residents and speakers urged caution before changing the Transportation Master Plan and B3 code. Cecilia Serna and others argued the 2019/2017 plan differences and consultant reports should be fully reconciled and that changes could harm the city’s historic fabric. Jared Hruska and other supporters said the city must adapt quickly to rapid development pressures. Councilmember Foster repeatedly voiced concern about removing mandatory grid requirements and was the lone dissenting vote on multiple B3 and Transportation Master Plan items.
Implementation notes: most of the items were adopted on second reading and therefore will take effect per the ordinances' effective-date language unless otherwise noted. Several changes adjust permit and subdivision review standards; staff and development services will implement technical changes through the permitting process.
