Bastrop council replaces city development code, aims to help future growth

Bastrop residents and developers will see future growth shaped by a new set of land-use rules after City Council replaced the city's development rules with the Bastrop Development Code.

Long story short

The April 14 vote marked the final step in the city’s effort to undo and replace the previous development rules known as the B3 Code, Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland said.

City officials said the shift was needed after the B3 Code proved difficult to use in practice, with concerns ranging from drainage to parking and site design.

What’s new?

Changes to the development code include the following:

• New zoning districts and map
• Simpler development standards
• New relief and appeal options
• Updated parking and floodplain rules
• Reorganized subdivision and tree regulations

Council members emphasized that a grandfather clause is in place. Those whose plans may be affected are encouraged to reach out to the city.

“Please have that conversation,” council member Kerry Fossler said. “We promise to pay attention to what variances are coming in, to what appeals are being asked, so we can monitor how this code is going.”