MEETING DATE:
December 9, 2025
SUBJECT:
Title
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-1576 - AMENDING TITLE 14, CHAPTER 14.04 (HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC - APPLICATIONS, PERMITS, AND GENERAL PROVISIONS) AND TITLE 17, CHAPTER 17.32 (GRADING AND RELATED ACTIVITIES), OF THE SAN MARCOS MUNICIPAL CODE
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
INTRODUCE (First Reading) an ordinance amending Title 14, Chapter 14.04 (Highways and Traffic - Applications, Permits, and General Provisions) and Title 17 Chapter 17.32 (Grading and Related Activities) of the San Marcos Municipal Code.
Body
Board or Commission Action
Not Applicable
Relevant Council Strategic Theme
Good Governance
Executive Summary
City staff recommend that Chapter 14.04 of the San Marcos Municipal Code (SMMC) be renamed and amended to include the specific contract, franchise, and permit application requirements for private construction within the right-of-way and to clarify application and permit expiration timelines and appeal procedures. Further, staff recommend that SMMC Chapter 17.32 be amended to allow the Director to extend grading permit expiration timelines and allow for the appeal of an extension denial.
Discussion
Chapter 14.04
SMMC Chapter 14.04 establishes standards for the administration of private contract work within the public right-of-way, for the development of private property, and for private encroachments and construction-related activity in the public right-of-way and public places. This includes, but is not limited to, utility franchises and encroachment permits. City staff recommend that Chapter 14.04 be renamed and amended to include the specific application requirements to obtain the required contracts, franchises, or permits. This amendment to Chapter 14.04 codifies the City's business practices for permit applications and submittal requirements. Formalizing these application requirements would provide a published standard with transparency for design professionals and applicants on required subm...
Click here for full text