In 2019, the City of Bastrop introduced the form-based B3 Code, a new set of building rules focused on how structures are designed and placed, rather than strictly separating homes, offices and stores into different zones. This made Bastrop one of the few Texas cities to adopt this kind of citywide plan.

“Adopting the B3 Code was a very unique measure for the city to take. Now that it has been in place for some time, what we have come to realize is the code is designed to urbanize what was once a semi-rural/suburban community by encouraging elements that naturally lead to an increased density within the community,” assistant to the city manager Vivianna Nicole Andres said. “I don’t think the impact of the B3 Code was fully understood until we started receiving applications for developments that embody the development standards in the B3 Code.”

Community concerns

While the development standards in the code can work well in commercial development, it has raised concerns among residents in existing neighborhoods who are beginning to feel the impact. Some of the biggest issues include:

• No minimum lot sizes, meaning developers can build much smaller, more crowded homes in existing neighborhoods.
• Allowing duplexes in areas that were originally meant for single-family homes.
• Homes being built as close as 10 feet from the front property line.

“In existing neighborhoods, standards such as these inadvertently remove the traditionally semi-rural/suburban landscape that was once authentic Bastrop and encourage creating a more urbanized environment. The community has been very intentional in expressing to the city staff their desire for staff to modify the code in an effort to protect the existing neighborhoods we have in Bastrop,” Andres said.



Staff response

Because of these concerns, city staff are proposing updates to the B3 Code to help protect existing neighborhoods. The key changes include:

• Setting a minimum lot size of 1 acre in P2 and 0.33 acres in P3, with built-in relief to code that will also allow lots to match the surrounding area.
• Adjusting setback rules so that new homes have similar spacing requirements from the front property line to the nearby houses.
• Preventing duplexes from being built in single-family neighborhoods (P2 and P3), with a possible process, known as a Conditional Use Permit, for P3. Duplexes will still be allowed in P4.

Ensuring residents’ voices are heard

City officials want to hear from residents before making final decisions. Public meetings will be held at the Bastrop Convention Center, located at 1408 Chestnut St., on Feb 24 at 5 p.m., and March 4 and March 11 at 6:30 p.m.

“We need to hear the community's voice to continue designing codes that fit the city’s unique identity and reflect the community's values,” Andres said.

To view the proposed code changes please see the link to the City of Bastrop Agenda page here.



Updates on the 2036 Comprehensive Plan

The city is also updating chapter two and chapter 5 of its 2036 Comprehensive Plan, which guides future development and preservation. So far, community feedback has been gathered through surveys and meetings.

“If residents would like a chance to hear more about this topic, there is still an opportunity to attend the Special Meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council on May 1 at 5:30 p.m.,” Andres said.

Additional City Council meetings will be held on May 13 and May 27 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, located at 1311 Chestnut St. These meetings are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to share their thoughts.

For more details, visit the City of Bastrop’s website.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.