Council approves first reading of rezoning at 112 Smith Lane to allow small‑lot homes

The San Marcos City Council approved on first reading Ordinance 2025‑48 to rezone roughly 2 acres at 112 Smith Lane from single‑family SF‑6 to neighborhood density ND‑3, a zoning classification intended to allow smaller home types and encourage ownership while guiding compatible infill.

Planning Manager David Soto presented the staff analysis and said the property is in the Blanco Gardens neighborhood area plan and that the proposed regulating plan caps the development at 13 units (ND‑3 base zoning allows up to 20). Soto noted the plan requires a regulating plan that sets lot layout, setbacks and limits, and that staff finds the rezoning consistent with the adopted Blanco Gardens area plan and the comprehensive plan’s neighborhood‑low place type.

Council members questioned lot layout, the lack of an alley, driveway/parking placement, floodplain compliance and whether the housing form would fit neighborhood character. The applicant’s designer said the units are intended as 0‑lot‑line single‑family homes compatible with existing footprints and that parking will be placed to the side or rear rather than in front. Planning staff confirmed the subject property lies within the 100‑year floodplain and said the development must meet floodplain requirements.

After discussion the council voted 7–0 to approve Ordinance 2025‑48 on first reading.

The approval advances the rezoning to a second reading where final adoption would be considered. Staff noted any major amendments to the regulating plan would require review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and city council.