Bastrop staff outlines development code rewrite, aims for February adoption

City staff presented an overview of a proposed rewrite of Bastrop's development code, saying the work is meant to modernize and clarify the existing B3 regulations while preserving the historic character of downtown.

"And so what we're doing tonight is a Bastrop development code rewrite," said James Dockeye of Development Services, who led the presentation and described the redesign of place types into clearer district names and a modular code structure. Staff told the council and planning commission the rewrite combines some of the form‑based features that worked downtown with more traditional use tables and performance tools to make daily administration more predictable for applicants and neighbors.

Staff walked through the map changes, new single‑family subcategories and a clearer organization of the code into articles (zoning districts, overlays, development standards, landscaping and administration). The presentation also described process milestones: staff will incorporate workshop feedback and return revised drafts, a joint Historic Landmark Commission/Main Street meeting is scheduled for Dec. 3, and staff suggested a second joint work session early next year with adoption proposed in February 2026.

The rewrite aims to reduce speculative land purchases by giving developers clearer, mapped constraints and to preserve downtown character by carrying forward successful form‑based elements. Staff emphasized that detailed sections on landscaping, tree preservation and signage are part of the package and will be refined through additional public input.