MEETING DATE:
DECEMBER 9, 2025
SUBJECT:
Title
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-1568 - SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 20 OF THE SAN MARCOS MUNICIPAL CODE TO COMPREHENSIVELY UPDATE THE ZONING ORDINANCE/TITLE 20 OF THE SAN MARCOS MUNICIPAL CODE AND FINDING THAT SAID AMENDMENT IS EXEMPT FROM REVIEW UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
ADOPT (Second Reading) of Ordinance No. 2025-1568 amending Title 20 of the San Marcos Municipal Code to comprehensively update the Zoning Ordinance/Title 20 of the San Marcos Municipal Code and finding that said repeal and replacement is categorically exempt from CEQA review, in the following order:
1. Notice of Exemption (EX 25-030); and
2. Ordinance No. 2025-1568 (Text Amendment TA23-0001) amending Title 20 of the San Marcos Municipal Code to comprehensively update the Zoning Ordinance/Title 20 of the San Marcos Municipal Code.
Body
Board or Commission Action
On October 6, 2025, the Planning Commission voted 7-0, recommending approval of the proposed project to the City Council. The Final Planning Commission Minutes are provided as Attachment A.
Executive Summary
Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2025-1568 amending Title 20 of the San Marcos Municipal Code to comprehensively update the Zoning Ordinance/Title 20 of the San Marcos Municipal Code.
Environmental Review
The proposed updates to Title 20 have been reviewed by the Development Services Department for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Staff recommends a finding of no physical effect and/or an exemption under CEQA as the proposed Text Amendment is not a project within the meaning of Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines because there is no potential for it to result in a physical change in the environment, either directly or indirectly. Additionally, even if the proposed Text Amendment was 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. Accordingly, Staff recommends adoption of Notice of Exemption (EX25-030).
Fiscal Impact
Implementation of phase one of the comprehensive update of Title 20 of the San Marcos Municipal Code will involve staff’s time in providing direction to the public and in reviewing and analyzing project plans submitted to the Planning Division and permit plans submitted to the and Building Division for review, which is the case with respect to the current Zoning Ordinance. Staff will incorporate this additional review and analysis in its current practice of reviewing proposals, planning projects, and building permits for compliance with the City’s various ordinances and requirements. Additional staffing for analysis of projects and permits for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance is not anticipated. There will not be a direct fiscal impact to the City by reason of the approval and implementation of phase one of the comprehensive update of Title 20 of the San Marcos Municipal Code.
Attachment(s)
Ordinance 2025-1568 (Text Amendment TA23-0001) for Adoption of Notice of Exemption and Approval of amending Title 20 of the San Marcos Municipal Code.
Prepared by: Micki Olinger Chavez, Deputy City Clerk
Approved by: Michelle Bender, City Manager