City codes could be changed depending on residents’ input on Wednesday, and residents can guide themselves through the city for advice on their input.
On Wednesday, July 13, Code Rodeo: Code Development Update will be held at the Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance St. The Taylor Code Tour is also available for residents until then.
“We will come with development standards for each of the zoning classifications. We’ll have (map) drafts ready,” said Matt Lewis, Simplecity Design founder and president, “so that’s like the real rodeo where it’s time to wrangle some codes.”
The Code Rodeo will be a come-anytime workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. to evaluate draft neighborhood sketches and review draft zoning maps and districts. Afterward, there will be an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. for an introductory presentation of code and feedback, input, and conversation. Simplecity Design, a consulting firm based in San Marcos, is working with Taylor on the effort.
“We’re going to have to have some tough conversations. It’s not going to this easy, breezy where we’re still kind of daydreaming and working through these things,” said Lewis. “We’re going to get into the meat of the code and we’re going to have to talk through what fits, what doesn’t fit, what code works, what doesn’t work, what you like, what you don’t like, what did we get right, what did we get wrong.” Meanwhile, the Taylor
Meanwhile, the Taylor Code Tour includes a dozen signs around Taylor that leads residents through a series of places to gain specific input on some important aspects of the development code update. From Taylor’s tiniest building to the sign ordinance, to what would work on some of Taylor’s small neighborhood vacant lots, the Code Tour is designed to bring new stakeholders into the conversation and quickly get up to speed.
The tour includes Pecan Manor, Blue Yoga, Taylor West End School Clinic, Seventh Street Streetscape, the Amtrak station area, a barbershop, Old Taylor High, Howard Theatre’s sign, the lots by Rojas Tacos, a yellow duplex, a neighborhood four-plex, a vacant hospital site and Walmart.
“Over the following few months, the Simplecity Team will form the community input into the code standards to be reviewed and ratified by Taylor City Council,” said SimpleCity Design representatives. “Taylor’s foundation is strong. The DNA of Taylor’s building standards has made Taylor a place visitors and residents enjoy”
For more information on the tour, visit https:// taylor.konveio.com/code-tour-taylor.
Development codes guide the built environment. Taylor city staff say current rules on the books are not representing Taylor’s current development patterns.
As a result, the city is working with Simplecity Design to bring the Envision Taylor Comprehensive Plan to life. Taylor adopted the new Comprehensive Plan Nov. 18, 2021.
“Now is the time to ensure that the Envision Taylor Comprehensive Plan vision actually happens,” said the firm. “The development codes must reflect the existing community standards so that when properties redevelop and new growth occurs, Taylor stays Taylor. As the code is being updated, community input is essential.”
Envision Taylor is a policy document intended to be used by city leaders, developers, business owners and citizens to decide how to grow and develop in the future.
“Envision Taylor wants to continue that small-town charm into Taylor’s future, across all neighborhoods ensuring a variety of housing options, support of local businesses, and places where real community can grow,” said SimplecityDesign.
The Taylor Made Toolbox is the next phase of the Envision Taylor plan. The Toolbox will update Taylor’s codes based on local preferences to ensure the future of the Envision Taylor plan.
“With your help and input,” said Simplecity Design. “The Taylor Made Toolbox will provide the right tools to ensure new growth will reinforce the unique history that makes Taylor a beloved place for so many.
A series of public meetings are being held to get input from residents. The first meeting, a DNA Round-Up, was held on April 19, followed by a Design Rodeo May 3.
For more information and other ways to provide input, visit http:// www.taylor.koneio.com.
CODE RODEO
JULY 13
Taylor Public Library
801 Vance St., Taylor
1-4 P.M.
Coding Workshop
• Evaluate draft neighborhood sketches
• Review draft zoning maps and districts
6-8 P.M.
Open House Draft Review
• Introductory presentation of code
• Feedback, input, and conversation
