MEETING DATE:
January 13, 2026
SUBJECT:
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ORDINANCE NOS. 2025-1572, 1573 & 1574 - SECOND READING OF AMENDMENTS TO THE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT SPECIFIC PLAN (UDSP), AN AMENDMENT TO THE HEART OF THE CITY SPECIFIC PLAN (HOCSP), AND A MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 20.400.180 TEXT AMENDMENT
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Recommendation
Recommendation
1. ADOPT (Second Reading) Ordinance No. 2025-1572 (Specific Plan Amendment SP24-0003) approving various changes to the University District Specific Plan (UDSP) including but not limited to adding a Self-Storage Overlay Zone with associated development standards, updating the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan, making minor adjustments to the public art section, and expanding the Specific Plan boundary
2. ADOPT (Second Reading) Ordinance No. 2025-1573 (Specific Plan Amendment SP25-0001) approving various changes to the Heart of the City Specific Plan (HOCSP) including but not limited to removing two properties from the HOCSP and updating descriptions associated with these two properties
3. ADOPT (Second Reading) Ordinance No. 2025-1574 (Text Amendment TA24-0004) to amend Municipal Code Section 20.400.180 to specify that the section does not apply to the University District Specific Plan Self Storage Overlay Zone and find the Text Amendment is exempt from CEQA (EX25-036)
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Executive Summary
Second Reading of Ordinance Nos. 2025-1572, 1573 & 1574, amendments to the University District Specific Plan (UDSP), an amendment to the Heart of the City Specific Plan (HOCSP), and a Municipal Code Section 20.400.180 Text Amendment.
Environmental Review
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was originally certified by the City Council of the City of San Marcos in 2009 for the University District Specific Plan (SCH No. 2008101083). Subsequent addenda were later adopted by the City in 2014, 2017, and 2022. Section 15164 of the State CEQA Guidelines states that an Addendum to an EIR shall be prepared “if some changes or additions are necessary, but none of the conditions described in Section 15162 calling for preparation of a subsequent EIR have occurred.” In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an addendum to the previously certified Environmental Impact Report (Attachment G) has been prepared for the proposed project. The Addendum analyzed potential environmental impacts including but not limited to aesthetics, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, and transportation. After review, it was determined that none of the conditions described in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 calling for preparation of a subsequent EIR have occurred, since the proposed project does not result in new significant impacts or increase the severity of significant impacts beyond what was already disclosed in the UDSP Final EIR. Therefore, the Final EIR continues to adequately address the impacts of the proposed project.
The proposed Municipal Code Text Amendment qualifies for a CEQA Exemption because the proposal is not a considered a “project” within the meaning of Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines since there is no potential for it to result in a physical change in the environment, either directly or indirectly. Additionally, if the proposed Text Amendment were considered a project subject to CEQA, it would be exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility it would have a significant effect on the environment.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact involved in the adoption of the Ordinances.
Attachment(s)
1. Ordinance No. 2025-1572 (Specific Plan Amendment SP24-0003) amending the University District Specific Plan
2. Ordinance No. 2025-1573 (Specific Plan Amendment SP25-0001) amending the Heart of the City Specific Plan
3. Ordinance No. 2025-1574 (Text Amendment TA24-0004) amending Municipal Code Section 20.400.180 and approving a CEQA exemption
Prepared by: Micki Olinger Chavez, Deputy City Clerk
Approved by: Michelle Bender, City Manager