Bastrop city officials are moving to strengthen the historic downtown area with a set of proposed zoning amendments. The changes, which will be discussed at a public hearing on Oct. 29, would require that a minimum of 60% of street‑facing ground‑floor storefront space be dedicated to “active” uses – businesses that attract walk‑in customers such as retail shops, restaurants, personal‑service providers, galleries and entertainment venues.
How the proposal works
Under the draft amendments, ground‑floor storefronts would be classified into two categories:
- Active uses – customer‑facing enterprises that generate foot traffic, including retail, dining, personal services, art galleries and entertainment.
- Passive uses – offices, appointment‑based services, residential units, private clubs and other administrative areas that typically see less pedestrian activity.
The ordinance would allow up to 40% of street‑facing space to be used for passive purposes, but the majority must remain active. The city plans to implement the rule through a Conditional Use Permit process, providing flexibility for qualifying vacancies or market hardships.
Why the city is acting
City records obtained by Community Impact indicate that officials see the amendment as a tool to preserve the traditional storefront character of downtown Bastrop, encourage more pedestrians, and limit stretches of empty or under‑utilized storefronts. Planning Manager Brittany Dullard emphasized that the measure is intended to support local businesses while still offering a pathway for owners facing genuine economic challenges.
Community response
Discover Bastrop Director Michaela Joyce addressed the proposal in a video posted to the city’s Facebook page on Oct. 15. Joyce noted that some business owners expressed concern after receiving the notice, but she also highlighted that existing downtown enterprises and those already in the planning or permitting stages would be grandfathered under the new rules.
Joyce shared results from a city‑wide survey conducted this summer, noting that several hundred respondents participated and an overwhelming majority called for more retail and dining options in the historic district.
Additional considerations
The draft also includes provisions that could affect certain alcohol‑related businesses and specialty cigar shops. Establishments deriving at least 75% of their revenue from alcohol sales would need special city approval to open within 300 feet of a similar venue. This measure would allow officials to evaluate factors such as operating hours, noise, outdoor activity, parking, security and overall compatibility with neighboring uses.
Next steps
Residents and interested parties are invited to speak at the Planning and Zoning Commission’s public hearing on Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. in Bastrop City Hall, located at 1311 Chestnut St. If the commission recommends adopting the amendments, the City Council will consider them at its meetings on Nov. 3 and Nov. 17.
The proposed changes reflect Bastrop’s ongoing effort to nurture a vibrant, walkable downtown that supports family‑friendly businesses and honors the city’s historic roots.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
