BY AMANDA CUTSHALL
Why it matters
What’s new
What’s next
James Cowey, director of Development Services, said the shift moves away from B3’s more complex planning rules toward traditional zoning with commonly known districts, uses and standards. City documents explain that the B3 did not t well with Bastrop’s traditional single-family neighborhoods, and raised broader concerns about impervious cover in ood-prone areas, lot sizes, parking and more. O cials said the BDC responds in part by updating rules for single-family neigh- borhoods to reect Bastrop’s more tradi- tional development patterns, including larger front yards, front-driveway parking and fewer alleys, and by adding a ood- plain overlay that applies extra standards in ood-prone areas.
Carrillo-Trevino said the new code restores the Zoning Board of Adjustment and creates additional administrative relief pathways that were missing under the B3. “But that chapter is over,” she said. “This really is a code for the people, and it’s enforced by the people, and ... we work for the people.” Council member Cynthia Meyer emphasized that a grandfather clause is in eect, and those whose plans may be aected should call the city at 512-332-8842. Council member Kerry Fossler said she and other council members will keep track of variances and use them for future amendments. “Obviously, it might need some tweaks here and there, but we’re nally in a moving forward part of the zoning, the codes and zones, and it is worthy of a celebration,” Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris said.
5 key changes under the BDC
New zoning districts and map Simpler development standards New relief and appeal options Updated parking and oodplain rules Reorganized subdivision and tree regulations
SOURCE: CITY OF BASTROPCOMMUNITY IMPACT
“Because the new code is easier to understand, it takes less time and
less money. Redrawing and resubmitting plans under B3 became expensive for everybody.” JAMES “DOC” COWEY, BASTROP DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR
ELGIN 1100 US-290 (512) 285-2741 Che s to Savings! ® GIDDINGS
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