Consultants outline overlay district to shape Smithville's south-end growth

Julie Cruz of Snyder and Associates told the board the overlay-district initiative grew out of the city's comprehensive plan and strategic planning process and was a high public priority during outreach that began in August 2024.

"This overlay district was one of the higher priorities that was identified within your comprehensive plan," Julie said as she walked members through maps and form-based zoning concepts intended to promote walkable, mixed-use development along the west side of Highway 169.

Julie explained that an overlay adds an additional layer of standards on top of base zoning (R-1 through various B districts), steering design and placement rather than simply changing allowed uses. The draft includes alternatives that allow accessory dwelling units and creative housing types, while discouraging single‑pad commercial lots and explicitly excluding drive‑throughs to favor pedestrian-first development.

She said the engagement process used an online site and in-person touchpoints to test preferences for building form, heights and open-space preservation; several visual examples showed possible outcomes ranging from compact mixed-use buildings to lower-density residential options that buffer adjacent single-family neighborhoods.

Staff and consultants asked the board for direction and said they will refine the code; Jack said staff will present the ordinance at the board's Nov. 4 meeting for formal consideration.