City of San Marcos

February 03, 2026

Executive Summary

The San Marcos City Council agenda includes several key items, notably a public hearing and first reading for a significant rezoning request on Post Road (ZC-25-15) and a comprehensive plan amendment for approximately 199 acres on Francis Harris Lane, related to potential data center development. The council will also consider regulations for Bitcoin Teller Machines and approve several grant applications for infrastructure and public safety projects. Additionally, an appeal regarding a Conditional Use Permit for a downtown business and various board appointments are on the agenda.

Key Topics

Constituent Highlights

Residents can voice opinions on a proposed Historic Preservation Plan and a rezoning for property on Post Road.
A public hearing will address a major change to the comprehensive plan for nearly 200 acres on Francis Harris Lane, potentially impacting future development.
New regulations for Bitcoin Teller Machines, including user warnings, are being considered.
An appeal of a denied permit for a downtown business's alcohol sales will be heard.

Official Highlights

Review and vote on second reading of zoning map amendment for 510 North Guadalupe Street.
Approve new regulations for Bitcoin Teller Machines, including penalties.
Consider a variance for parking requirements in the Whisper Planned Development District.
Appoint members to the TIRZ No. 5 Board and various other city boards and commissions.
Deliberate in Executive Session regarding real property for Purgatory Creek Improvements and legal advice on law enforcement operations.

Resumen Ejecutivo

La agenda del Consejo de la Ciudad de San Marcos incluye varios puntos clave, en particular una audiencia pública y primera lectura para una importante solicitud de rezonificación en Post Road (ZC-25-15) y una enmienda al plan integral para aproximadamente 199 acres en Francis Harris Lane, relacionada con un posible desarrollo de centros de datos. El consejo también considerará regulaciones para cajeros automáticos de Bitcoin y aprobará varias solicitudes de subvención para proyectos de infraestructura y seguridad pública. Además, se incluirá una apelación relacionada con un Permiso de Uso Condicional para un negocio en el centro y varios nombramientos de juntas.

Temas Clave

Puntos Destacados

Los residentes pueden expresar sus opiniones sobre un Plan de Preservación Histórica propuesto y una rezonificación de una propiedad en Post Road.
Una audiencia pública abordará un cambio importante en el plan integral para casi 200 acres en Francis Harris Lane, lo que podría impactar el desarrollo futuro.
Se están considerando nuevas regulaciones para los cajeros automáticos de Bitcoin, incluidas advertencias para los usuarios.
Se escuchará una apelación de un permiso denegado para la venta de alcohol de un negocio en el centro.

Key Items

Items with direct public relevance

ID	Description	Cost	Impact	Tags
1	▶ Zoning Map Amendment - 510 N Guadalupe St		notable	land-use
	Second reading of an ordinance to rezone approximately 0.93 acres from Public (P) District to Character District - 5 (CD-5). 📍 510 North Guadalupe Street, San Marcos, TX
2	▶ Bitcoin Teller Machine Regulations		significant	legal technology
	Ordinance to add article requiring businesses to register Bitcoin Teller Machines and install signage warning of fraud risks.
4	▶ Traffic Signal and Traveler Information System Grant Application		notable	technology transportation infrastructure
	Support application to the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization for grant funding for the Traffic Signal and Traveler Information System Upgrade Project.
5	▶ Centerpoint Road Project Grant Support		notable	transportation infrastructure
	Support Hays County's application to CAMPO for funding assistance for the Centerpoint Road Project.
7	▶ SCADA Cybersecurity Grant Application	$120,000.00	notable	technology public-safety utilities
	Authorize submission of a grant application to the Office of the Governor's Public Safety Office for a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment and Evaluation for SCADA networks.
8	▶ Texas State University Public Safety MOU	$150,000.00	notable	legal education public-safety
	Approve a Memorandum of Understanding with Texas State University to enhance public safety in the Downtown Square area, with university funding.
9	▶ Historic Preservation Plan Approval		significant	land-use environment
	Public hearing to receive comments on Resolution 2026-14R, approving the City of San Marcos Historic Preservation Plan. Speaker: Staff
10	▶ Zoning Map Amendment - Post Road		significant	land-use
	Public hearing and first reading of Ordinance 2026-03, rezoning approximately 0.294 acres on Post Road from SF-6 to CD-4. Speaker: Staff 📍 western side of Post Road approximately 100 feet southwest of the intersection between Post Road and Uhland Road
11	▶ Comprehensive Plan Amendment - Francis Harris Lane		significant	economic-development land-use
	Public hearing on Ordinance 2026-04, amending the Preferred Scenario Map to change land designation from Conservation/Cluster to Commercial/Employment Low for approximately 199.49 acres. Speaker: Staff 📍 western side of the 900 Block of Francis Harris Lane, south of the intersection between Grant Harris Road and Francis Harris Lane
12	▶ Rooftop on the Square CUP Renewal Appeal		significant	legal land-use
	Public hearing and consideration of an appeal by Rooftop on the Square regarding the denial of a Conditional Use Permit for mixed alcoholic beverage sales. Speaker: Robert Espinosa 📍 126 South Guadalupe Street
13	▶ Whisper PD Parking Variance		notable	land-use infrastructure
	Consider approval of a variance from parking requirements in the Whisper Planned Development District for an approximately 22-acre portion. 📍 bounded by the IH-35 Frontage Road and Yarrington Road
14	▶ TIRZ No. 5 Board Appointments		notable	budget economic-development
	Discuss and consider appointments to the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) No. 5 (Downtown) Board of Directors.
15	▶ Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions		notable	personnel economic-development land-use
	Consider appointments to multiple city boards and commissions, including Airport Advisory, Arts Commission, Economic Development, and Planning & Zoning.
16.A	▶ Purgatory Creek Improvements Real Property		significant	land-use infrastructure
	Deliberation regarding the possible purchase of real property interests necessary for the Purgatory Creek Improvements Project.
16.B	▶ Legal Advice: Law Enforcement Operations		significant	legal public-safety
	Receive legal advice regarding the intersection between federal and local law enforcement operations.
17.A	▶ Action: Purgatory Creek Improvements Real Property		significant	land-use infrastructure
	Consider action or provide direction to staff related to the possible purchase of real property interests for the Purgatory Creek Improvements Project.
17.B	▶ Action: Law Enforcement Operations Legal Advice		significant	legal public-safety
	Consider action or provide direction to staff related to legal advice on the intersection between federal and local law enforcement operations.

Routine Items (2 items — click to expand)

ID	Description	Cost	Tags
3	▶ Friends of San Marcos Public Library MOA		budget legal
	Approve a Memorandum of Agreement with the Friends of the San Marcos Public Library to formalize roles and responsibilities.
6	▶ Water Meter Contract Extension	$525,000.00	budget utilities
	Approve a one-year extension of the contract with Thirkettle Corporation for water meters and registers for the water utility system.

Major Expenditures

Item	Amount	Description
6	$525,000.00	One-year extension for water meters and registers contract
7	$120,000.00	Grant application for SCADA Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
8	$150,000.00	MOU with Texas State University for downtown public safety

Total: $825,000.00

Glossary

Official Zoning Map: The official map maintained by the city that delineates zoning districts and land use regulations across the city.
Character District - 5 (CD-5): A specific zoning designation intended to preserve or enhance the unique character of an area, often with specific design and use standards.
Bitcoin Teller Machines: Automated machines that allow users to buy or sell cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, using traditional currency.
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA): A formal document outlining the terms and understanding between two or more parties, often for collaboration or partnership.
Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO): A regional transportation planning organization responsible for coordinating transportation projects and funding in the Austin metropolitan area.
Single Family-6 (SF-6) District: A residential zoning district typically allowing for single-family homes on lots of a specified minimum size.
: A specific zoning designation intended to preserve or enhance the unique character of an area, often with specific design and use standards.
Preferred Scenario Map: A component of a city's comprehensive plan that depicts the city's vision and desired future land use patterns and development.
Conservation/Cluster: A land use designation that prioritizes the preservation of natural resources while allowing for clustered development to minimize environmental impact.
Commercial/Employment Low: A land use designation generally permitting low-intensity commercial and employment-generating activities.
Conditional Use Permit (CUP): A permit granted by a local government for a specific land use that may be permitted under certain conditions, as outlined in zoning ordinances.
Mixed alcoholic beverages for on premise consumption: The legal sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, and spirits) within the licensed establishment.
Planned Development District (PDD): A zoning district that allows for flexibility in development standards to accommodate unique projects, subject to a specific development plan.
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ): A geographic area designated by a municipality or county to capture future increases in property tax revenue for the purpose of investing in public improvements within that zone.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA): A system used in industrial control applications to monitor and control processes, often used in utility management.
Executive Session: A portion of a government meeting that is closed to the public to discuss sensitive matters such as legal advice, real estate negotiations, or personnel issues.
Texas Government Code Section 551.072: A section of the Texas Government Code that allows a governmental body to deliberate in private regarding the purchase, lease, or value of real property.
Texas Government Code Section 551.071: A section of the Texas Government Code that allows a governmental body to consult with its attorney in private about pending litigation or legal matters.