SAN MARCOS — San Marcos’ natural beauty is one of its trademarks, say City Council members, and they will continue to protect its hills from being marred by development.

At the April 22 meeting, council unanimously reaffirmed the ridgeline protection ordinance and voted to put it on the November ballot, a promise made when the ordinance was first approved.

Under the ordinance, residential and commercial development is prohibited on San Marcos’ primary ridgelines and heavily regulated on the secondary ridgelines radiating from them.

Developers must get city approval to build on these secondary hills and construct in a way that minimizes visual and environmental impact. Since the measure’s first enactment two years ago, virtually no developers have come forth to build on the ridgelines.

The measure’s reappearance on the council agenda is the result of an extensive and long-term dialog between citizens and city government. San Marcos residents were concerned that the ordinance’s language was only advisory rather than binding. They also worried that the ordinance might be revoked by the next City Council.

“I’d like to make sure that when (the ordinance) goes on the ballot, it will be binding so that future councils can’t change it,” resident Joe Payne said.

“Prior to moving here, I lived in New York City and Central Park was the respite from everything that was going on. I look at this as being my Central Park, being able to go up there and get away,” he continued. “It’s amazing how few people go up there and enjoy these views. There are spectacular … views up there. I’d hate to lose them.”

“(In) cities like San Marcos, the amenities and the assets we have include the natural ones. A lot of people live here for the trails. They enjoy the amenities of the lakes, the parks we have,” resident Larry Osen said. “It distinguishes us from other ... cities who haven’t had the foresight to protect these ridgelines.”

“Residents spoke loud and clear when this issue came up several times that they wanted the ridgelines protected and in a binding way (such that) it’s not undone down the road,” Councilman Chris Orlando said. “I think this step, putting it on the ballot and placing language that makes it binding, gives us assurance it can’t be undone in the future.”

Vice Mayor Hal Martin described the ordinance as a “win-win for everybody.” He gave special praise to the way the city and citizen committees worked together to make it happen.

“Since then, the city has really adopted a more workshop-friendly atmosphere with everything. The Creekside, now University, a lot of workshops, a lot of public input,” Martin said.

Only Mayor Jim Desmond had any reservations, expressing concern that the virgin ridgelines would provide fuel for future fires, before he voted in favor of the ordinance.

The measure will go before the voters Nov. 4