Case No. C20-2023-045 Planning Commission: August 27, 2024 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2023-045 | Site Plan Lite, Phase 2 & Infill Plats Amendment Introduction: This staff report discusses amendments to the Land Development Code (“LDC”) proposed in response to two separate council initiatives intended to facilitate construction of infill housing: Resolution No. 20221201-048 (“Site Plan Lite”) and Resolution No. 20230504-023 (“Infill Plats”). These amendments, which will be included in a single ordinance, seek to better calibrate non-zoning regulations and review procedures to the scale of “missing middle” housing. The report also describes changes initiated or under consideration by individual departments to address non-LDC related challenges to development of missing middle housing, including amendments to administrative criteria manuals and improvements to existing review procedures. Amendment Background: — Site Plan Lite, Phase 2 On December 1, 2022, the City Council passed Resolution No. 20221201-048 initiating LDC amendments to better scale site plan review for residential projects of three to sixteen units located on a single lot. For Phase 1, Council adopted Ordinance No. 20230720-158 on July 20, 2023, creating a site plan exemption for projects of four or fewer residential units. This change, coupled with subsequent passage of the first HOME ordinance, has enabled staff to conform the review process for 3-4 unit residential projects more closely to the process used for one and two-unit projects. For Phase 2, staff’s proposed amendments would modify applicable drainage regulations and adopt a new “small project” classification to enable further streamlining the review process for projects of five to sixteen units. These amendments, coupled with additional department- initiated changes, will make it easier to construct smaller multi-family projects on appropriately zoned lots. — Infill Plats On May 4, 2023, Council approved Resolution No. 20230504-023 initiating LDC amendments to facilitate the creation of infill lots and expand opportunities for “fee simple” ownership within existing residential subdivisions. Staff’s proposed amendments would help to further this objective by modifying applicable drainage regulations, which are a significant cost driver, and changing how impervious cover is Case No. C20-2023-045 | Page - 1 calculated to allow re-subdivisions to include a greater number of lots. In tandem with additional department-initiated changes, these amendments will better calibrate regulations applicable to small-lot single-family uses as authorized by the second HOME ordinance. Case No. C20-2023-045 Planning Commission: August 27, 2024 — Department-level Improvements Aside from drainage regulations codified in LDC Chapter 25-7 (Drainage), …
C20-2024-017 PDA2 & Density Bonus for Commercial Highway & Industrial Zones (DB240) CMO PRESENTATION Alan Pani, Planner Principal Oct. 8, 2024 Background 1966 City Council first adopted the Planned Development Area land use with the following purpose: “to provide suitable and conducive environment for the development of modern administrative facilities, research establishments, specialized manufacturing plants, and similar enterprises plus retail and other customer service facilities… and not intrude upon nearby existing or future residential and associated development.” (page 21) adopted 2014-2024 Staff analysis of PDA zoning ordinances over the past decade shows an increase in cases where residential uses have been permitted. Since 2014, there have been 45 zoning ordinances which permitted residential uses, with 31 of those cases since 2020. 2024 City Council initiated Resolution No. 20240718-091, which directed the City Manager to: “create a new density bonus program that will apply to the PDA zoning district and allow increased heights for residential uses in exchange for income-restricted units or a fee-in-lieu.” Resolution No. 20240718-091 2 PDA Current PDA2 Proposed DB240 Proposed Allows: • Residential uses to be added • Commercial uses to be added • Modified site development standards • Modified heights • Modified FAR Allows: • Commercial uses to be added • Modified site development standards • Modified heights • Modified FAR Does not allow: • Residential uses to be added Base zones that can use PDA: • Commercial Highway (CH) Industrial Park (IP) • • Major Industry (MI) Light Industrial (LI) • • Research & Development (R&D) Base zones that can use PDA2: Industrial Park (IP) • • Major Industry (MI) Light Industrial (LI) • • Research & Development (R&D) Increased height to max. 240 feet Allows: • • Unlimited FAR Adds: • Residential uses • Specific commercial uses Amends: • Certain site development standards Requires: • Set-aside affordable housing units Base zones that can use density bonus: • Commercial Highway (CH) Industrial Park (IP) • • Major Industry (MI) Light Industrial (LI) • • Research & Development (R&D) 3 PDA2 – Purpose ▪ The purpose of a Planned Development Area 2 (PDA2) is to: – Allow for additional uses & revision of site development standards in: – Industrial Park (IP) – Major Industry (MI) – Light Industrial (LI) – Research & Development (RD) – CH cannot use new PDA2 – Cannot add residential uses – New applications for PDA not accepted after PDA2 is adopted …
C20-2024-017 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2024-017 Planned Development Area 2 (PDA2) & C20-2024-022 Density Bonus for Commercial Highway and Industrial Zones Description: Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to create a Planned Development Area 2 (PDA2) combining district and a Density Bonus for Commercial Highway and Industrial Zones (DB240) combining district. The PDA2 combining district is proposed to allow for modification of use and site development standards in certain commercial and industrial base districts. Under the proposal, additional residential uses would not be allowed under the PDA2 combining district. The Density Bonus for Commercial Highway and Industrial Zones combining district (DB240) is proposed to allow additional residential uses and modification of certain site development standards for residential uses in certain commercial and industrial base districts through a voluntary density bonus program. Under the proposal, PDA2 could be added to the IP, MI, LI, and R&D base districts and DB240 could be added to the CH, IP, MI, LI, and R&D base zoning districts. Moving forward, sites would no longer be able to rezone into PDA, but would need to request either PDA2 or the DB240. Background: Initiated by City Council Resolution No. 20240718-091. Planned Development Areas (PDA) were first added to the land development code in 1966 (19660616, City Council Meeting Minutes (austintexas.gov)) for the following purpose: “to provide suitable and conducive environment for the development of modern administrative facilities, research establishments, specialized manufacturing plants, and similar enterprises plus retail and other customer service facilities… and not intrude upon nearby existing or future residential and associated development.” (page 21) The use of a PDA allows for modifications to site development standards, including maximum height and floor-to-area ratio (FAR), as well as modifications to allowed and prohibited uses within a zoning district. On May 23rd, 2023, via Resolution No. 20230323-085, the City Council initiated an amendment to Land Development Code Section 25-2-582 (Commercial Highway (CH) District Regulations) to eliminate all the regulations found in 25-2-582(C) and clarify that a zoning ordinance establishing a CH-PDA controls over any conflicting CH regulations. This allowed for wider use of PDA zoning for Commercial Highway (CH) districts. Based on staff analysis of PDA zoning ordinances over the last ten years, there has been an increase in the number of cases where residential uses have been permitted: since 2014, 45 PDA zoning ordinances have permitted residential uses, with 31 of those cases since 2020. …
WORKING DRAFT – SUBJECT TO CHANGE ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 25 (LAND DEVELOPMENT) OF THE CITY CODE ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREA 2 (PDA2) ZONING AND ENDING THE ACCEPTANCE OF ZONING AND REZONING APPLICATIONS TO COMBINE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREA (PDA) COMBINING DISTRICT WITH CERTAIN BASE ZONES. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: PART 1. Subsection (F) of City Code Section 25-2-32 (Zoning Districts and Map Codes) is amended to add new combining districts to read: (F) Combining districts and map codes are as follows: (25) planned development area 2….PDA2 PART 2. Division 6, Article 2, Subchapter A of City Code Chapter 25-2 (Zoning) is amended to add a new Section 25-2-183 to read: § 25-2-183 PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREA 2 (PDA2) COMBINING DISTRICT PURPOSE AND BOUNDARIES. The purpose of a planned development area 2 (PDA2) combining district is to provide for certain industrial and commercial uses in industrial base districts. PART 3. Division 5, Article 3, Subchapter C of City Code Chapter 25-2 (Zoning) is amended to add a new Section 25-2-655 to read: § 25-2-655 PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREA 2 (PDA2) COMBINING DISTRICT REGULATIONS. (A) A planned development area 2 (PDA2) combining district may be combined with the following base districts: (1) industrial park (IP); (2) limited industrial services (LI); (3) major industry (MI); and (4) research and development (R&D). PDA2 draft ordinance Page 1 of 3 COA Law Department 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 WORKING DRAFT – SUBJECT TO CHANGE (B) Regulations established by a PDA combining district may modify: (1) (2) (3) except for residential uses, permitted or conditional uses authorized in the base district; except for Subchapter C, Article 10 (Compatibility Standards), the site development regulations applicable in the base district; or off-street parking design or loading regulations, sign regulations, or landscaping or screening regulations applicable in the base district. (C) Modifications to the base district regulations must be identified in the ordinance zoning or rezoning property as a PDA2 combining district. (D) Planned development area 2 (PDA2) combining districts must comply with the standards …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 WORKING DRAFT – SUBJECT TO CHANGE ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 25 (LAND DEVELOPMENT) OF THE CITY CODE ESTABLISHING A DENSITY BONUS PROGRAM 240 (DB240) ZONING AND ASSOCIATED REGULATIONS. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: PART 1. Subsection (F) of City Code Section 25-2-32 (Zoning Districts and Map Codes) is amended to add new combining districts to read: (F) Combining districts and map codes are as follows: (26) density bonus 240 ….DB240 PART 2. City Code Section 25-2-181 (Density Bonus Combining District Purpose) is amended to add a new Subsection (E) to read: § 25-2-181 DENSITY BONUS COMBINING DISTRICT PURPOSE. (E) DB240 combining district allows residential uses on sites with commercial highway and industrial base zoning districts, modifies site development regulations, and grants additional height in exchange for community benefits including income-restricted housing. PART 3. Division 5, Article 3, Subchapter C of City Code Chapter 25-2 (Zoning) is amended to add a new Section 25-2-656 to read: § 25-2-656 DENSITY BONUS 240 (DB240) COMBINING DISTRICT REGULATIONS. (A) This section establishes the applicable regulations for DB240 zoning. (B) This section governs over a conflicting provision of this title or other ordinance. (C) Pre-Requisites. (1) To utilize the regulations described in Subsection (G), a property must include DB240 zoning and an applicant must comply with Subsections (E) and (F). (2) To preserve reserved dwelling units and existing non-residential spaces, an applicant must comply with Article 2 (Density Bonus and Incentive DB240 draft ordinance Page 1 of 9 COA Law Department WORKING DRAFT – SUBJECT TO CHANGE Programs) of Chapter 4-18 before applying for a building permit or site plan that relies on the regulations described in Subsections (G). (D) A DB240 combining district may only be combined with the following base districts: (1) industrial park (IP); (2) limited industrial services (LI); (3) major industry (MI); (4) research and development (R&D); and (5) commercial highway services (CH). (E) Affordability Requirements – Dwelling Units. (1) In this subsection, BONUS HEIGHT means the amount of height that exceeds the height allowed by the base zoning district. (2) Affordability Minimums - Ownership Units. If an applicant develops dwelling units for sale, this subdivision applies. (a) To utilize 30 feet in bonus …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ROBERT MUELLER MUNICIPAL AIRPORT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS ASSEMBLY ROOM 1111 4815 MUELLER BOULEVARD AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Kate Clark at kate.clark@austintexas.gov or 512-974-7875. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Michael Jones, Chair Rick Krivoniak, Vice Chair Richard Brimer Andrew Clements Corky Hilliard Christopher Jackson Martin Luecke David Neider Kenneth Ronsonette Joshua Rudow Kathy Sokolic AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport Plan Implementation Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on September 10, 2024. STAFF BRIEFING communications 2. Staff Briefing by Financial Services Department regarding commission policies and public 3. Staff Briefing by Transportation and Public Works regarding the Mueller Parking and Transportation Management District (PTMD) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discuss and approve the 2025 RMMA PIAC Meeting Schedule WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 5. Report of recommendations by RMMA PIAC Transition Working Group DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. Discussion by Catellus regarding Mueller Development updates 7. Discussion by RMMA PIAC on potential future pickleball courts within the boundaries of the Mueller redevelopment FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Kate Clark with the Financial Services Department (FSD), at 512-974-7875, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport Plan Implementation Advisory Commission, please contact Kate Clark with Financial Services Department at 512-974-7875.
Regular Meeting of the Construction Advisory Committee Tuesday, October 8, 2024 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM One Texas Center – Directors Conference Room 505 Barton Springs Road, 13th Floor Austin, Texas If view online televised, you may the meeting the Construction Advisory Committee may be participating by at: Some members of videoconference. http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Vanessa Ibanez at 512-974-1058 or vanessa.ibanez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD COMMISSIONERS: Lyn Nance-Hendricks, Chair Michelle Dahlstrom Bianca Medina-Leal Candelario Vazquez Riley Drake, Vice Chair Ron Lord Jeffrey Musgrove Calvin Williams AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Construction Advisory Committee Regular Meeting on August 13, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. Staff briefing on Capital Delivery Services updates regarding active projects, monthly CIP spend, projects awarded and upcoming bid opportunities – Eric Bailey Presentation regarding Bidding Process and Review of Bidder Experience – Matt Duree Discussion regarding departmental presentations for the remaining calendar year Discussion regarding staff liaison updates on Commissioner’s attendance and city contact for IT support Approval of 2025 Annual Schedule ACTION ITEMS 6. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Vanessa Ibanez with Capital Delivery Services Department, at 512-974-1058, for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Construction Advisory Committee, please contact Vanessa Ibanez at 512-974-1058
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING DRAFT MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 The COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR MEETING on SEPTEMBER 10, 2024, at the Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas. Some members of the commission participated by video conference. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Cheryl Thompson (Chair) Jenny Achilles Bertha Delgado Cynthia Jaso Raul E. Longoria Gavin Porter Tisha-Vonique Hood Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jo Anne Ortiz Julia Woods Board Members/Commissioners Absent: Jose Noe Elias (Vice Chair) Estevan Delgado Michael Tolliver Staff Members in Attendance Nefertitti Jackmon Ed Blake Lisa Rodriguez Lorena Lopez-Chavarin Angel Zambrano Cara Bertron Rocio Peña-Martinez James May CALL TO ORDER Chair Thompson called the meeting to order at 6:29 pm with 10 commissioners present. Commissioner Porter was absent. There are currently three vacancies on the board. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. No speakers registered to speak. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the August 13, 2024, Community Development Commission meeting minutes. On Vice Chair Ortiz’s motion, Commissioner Bertha Delgado’s second, the August 13, 2024, minutes were approved unanimously on an 8-0-0 vote. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation and discussion regarding outcomes for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) for August 2024 (Angel Zambrano, Manager, Neighborhood Services Unit, Austin Public Health). Angel Zambrano presented. 3. Presentation and discussion regarding Project Connect Anti-displacement Community Initiated Solutions (CIS) investments and strategies (Susan Watkins, Division Manager, Housing Department). Susan Watkins presented. A working group was formed to identify areas of focus for future presentation and analysis. Commissioners Bertha Delgado and Tisha-Vonique Hood volunteered to serve on the Project Connect Deep Dive Working Group. 4. Discuss appointment to the Housing Investment Review Committee (HIRC) (James May, Officer, Housing Department) James May briefed the commission. Commissioner Bertha Delgado volunteered to serve as a representative on the Housing Investment Review Committee (HIRC). One more commissioner will be recruited in the future to serve as a representative on HIRC. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice by calling 512-974-1606 …
z City of Austin 2024 HUD Pathways to Removing Obstacles (PRO) Grant Proposal October 8, 2024 Community Development Commission HUD PRO Housing Grant: Goals and Proposed Activities Update the Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint and Opportunity Mapping Index Create New Zoning Tools to Unlock Missing-Middle and Urban Mixed-Use Development Develop and Preserve Affordable Housing Near Planned Light Rail Investment 2 BACKGROUND: HUD Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO) Grant Basics • Supports efforts to remove barriers and increase • affordable housing production In 2024, HUD awarded 21 PRO Housing grants Austin applied in 2023 but was not selected The second PRO Housing round offers $100 M • • Up to $7M per award • Performance period: 2025-2030 • Priority: Given to applicants showing commitment and progress in overcoming local barriers to affordable housing, with acute demand (Austin qualifies as a priority geography) The Arnold - 1621 E 6th St Austin TX 78702 3 HUD PRO Housing Grant: Need / Challenges Need • Austin, Texas is listed as a priority geography with acute demand for Affordable Housing, due to: • Unequal geographic distribution of affordable housing • A high ratio of median home price to area median income • Rising number of individuals who are homeless • Heavy displacement pressure • Aging rental housing stock $600,000 $500,000 $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $0 Austin Area Home Prices Vs. Median Household Income Median Home Value Median Household Income Source: American Community Survey 2006-2022 1-Year Estimates, Tables B19013(A-I) and B25077 Overall MHI (2022 Dollars Inflation Adjusted) Median House Value 4 HUD PRO Housing Grant: Need / Challenges Key Barriers to Affordable Housing Goals • Socio-Political Barriers: Lack of updated action plan to meet housing goals, disparities affecting protected classes, uneven affordable housing distribution, and lack of public transit and infrastructure in key areas • Regulatory Barriers: Slow, complex regulatory processes and exclusionary land use rules • Economic Barriers: Mismatch between incomes and housing costs, high land and construction costs, financing challenges for affordable housing, and housing supply shortage Improve the City’s ability to meet housing goals through updated data and resource alignment Revise city regulations to ensure a wider range of housing options Invest in affordable housing near planned light rail to ensure easy access to transit, jobs, and services. 5 HUD PRO Housing Grant: Goals and Proposed Activities Update the Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint and Opportunity Mapping Index Create New Zoning Tools to …
Planning Commission: October 8, 2024 NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET DATE FILED: May 1, 2024 2002 Manor Road NPA-2024-0012.02 NEIGHORHOOD PLAN: Upper Boggy Creek CASE#: PROJECT NAME: 2002 Manor Road Neighborhood Plan Amendment PC DATE: October 8, 2024 ADDRESS/ES: DISTRICT AREA: 9 SITE AREA: 0.4054 acres OWNER/APPLICANT: Colonnetta Family Partnership AGENT: Thrower Design, LLC (Victoria Haase and Ron Thrower) CASE MANAGER: Maureen Meredith STAFF EMAIL: Maureen.Meredith@austintexas.gov TYPE OF AMENDMENT: Change in Future Land Use Designation PHONE: (512) 974-2695 From: Commercial Base District Zoning Change To: Mixed Use Related Zoning Case: C14-2024-0077 From: CS-V-CO-NP To: CS-V-DB90-CO-NP NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN ADOPTION DATE: August 1, 2002 CITY COUNCIL DATE: TBD PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: October 8, 2024 – (action pending) ACTION: (pending) Planning Commission: October 8, 2024 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff supports the Applicant’s request for Mixed Use land use. BASIS FOR STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION: Staff supports the Applicant’s request for Mixed Use land use because the property has frontage along Manor Road which is an activity corridor where mixed use is appropriate. There is existing Mixed Use land use to the south and east of the property and is a dominate land use along Manor Road from IH-35 to Airport Blvd. LAND USE DESCRIPTIONS: EXISTING LAND USE: Commercial -Lots or parcels containing retail sales, services, hotel/motels and all recreational services that are predominantly privately owned and operated for profit (for example, theaters and bowling alleys). Included are private institutional uses (convalescent homes and rest homes in which medical or surgical services are not a main function of the institution), but not hospitals. Purpose 2 Planning Commission: October 8, 2024 1. Encourage employment centers, commercial activities, and other non‐ residential development to locate along major thoroughfares; and 2. Reserve limited areas for intense, auto‐oriented commercial uses that are generally not compatible with residential or mixed use environments. Application major highways; and 1. Focus the highest intensity commercial and industrial activities along freeways and 2. Should be used in areas with good transportation access such as frontage roads and arterial roadways, which are generally not suitable for residential development. PROPOSED LAND USE: Mixed Use - An area that is appropriate for a mix of residential and non‐residential uses. Purpose 1. Encourage more retail and commercial services within walking distance of residents; 2. Allow live‐work/flex space on existing commercially zoned land in the neighborhood; 3. Allow a mixture of complementary land use types, which may include housing, retail, offices, …
October 7, 2024 RE: 1500 East 12th Street Historic Landmark Designation Dear Chair Hempel, Vice Chair Azhar, and Members of the City of Austin Planning Commission, Preservation Austin exists to empower Austinites to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and meaningful community culture through preservation. We write to you today in support of designating 1500 E. 12th Street as a City of Austin Landmark for its Architecture, Historic Association, and Community Value. For over 100 years, the property at 1500 E. 12th Street has traced the diverse heritage of East Austin - from its early days as a German grocery to its latter history as the home of a Black salon, Black barber shop, and fraternity. Its historic significance is supported by the findings of the 2016 East Austin Historic Resources Survey, which recommends the property for individual landmark designation and listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Importantly, the building at 1500 E. 12th Street presents an opportunity to leverage preservation as a tool for forward-thinking city planning and economic revitalization. As a commercial property on a prominent corner, this site plays a critical role in the streetscape of this neighborhood. Unfortunately, the current owners have left it sitting vacant for nearly a decade, their neglect hastening its deterioration. Preserving this property has the potential to unlock many lucrative resources that would make the site economically viable, including: ● Property tax exemptions for City of Austin Landmarks ● City of Austin Heritage Tourism grants for rehabilitation, worth up to $250,000 ● State and Federal Historic Tax Credits for rehabilitation, worth up to 45% of qualifying expenses for properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places Demolishing the property for an empty lot not only forfeits these financial opportunities but also forgoes the site’s potential to reactivate a corner of East Austin that has experienced systemic neglect. We ask the Planning Commission to recognize the historic significance of this site and the potential it holds for the neighborhood’s future. Thank you for your consideration and your service to the City of Austin. Sincerely, Melissa Barry, President
Residential Infill Subdivision and Site Plan Lite Recommendations The AIC and HBA appreciate the opportunity to offer recommendations on ways to improve the subdivision process for much needed missing middle and infill housing. These projects will bring gentle density to Austin by making the subdivision process more efficient and using Austin’s limited developable land more efficiently. Prior to 1984, these types of projects were common and are heralded today as some of Austin’s most affordable housing stock. Change is difficult, and the development process is complicated. We understand that many of the necessary changes will require thoughtful, in-depth analysis and compromise among city departments and city priorities. Ultimately, housing affordability and housing supply should be the guiding priority. We hope that the city and its departments will come to the table and work with the development community to find solutions that will improve the process while maintaining a high standard of construction and safety. Several departments have already made good efforts to improve their processes. We hope these recommendations will build on those efforts. In this report, we offer two separate sets of recommendations for residential infill subdivision and site plan lite, broken down by department. These lists of recommendations illustrates the need change in almost every department involved in the development process. These recommendations are not exhaustive but are designed to be a starting point for improvements. In the recommendations, you will also find our goals and guiding principles that helped shape our recommendation. Some of these recommendations will require changes to the land development code while others will require edits to the city’s criteria manuals or administrative processes. While there is some overlap between the two, after diving into our recommendations in greater detail, we have come to agreement that residential infill subdivision and site plan lite should be considered separately. The two different processes present different challenges as projects increase in size. In order to improve the site plan and subdivision process globally, the city must: • One of the biggest barriers to missing middle housing is the time it takes for approval. Establishing reasonable and achievable goals for review times will encourage simplification and process improvements. • Modify applicable regulations and processes for predictability, consistency and increased • • feasibility for compliance. Implement a speedy resolution process for inter departmental conflicts. Identify and publish applicable regulations across departments so applicants can get it right with their …
Residential Infill Subdivision Goal: To create an efficient process for residential infill subdivision, allowing for the creation of fee simple lots in existing neighborhoods on legal tracts with existing drainage patterns, and established utilities and services. A streamlined infill lot process will allow either fee simple ownership, or condo form of ownership with densities, lot sizes, and impervious cover limits already allowed under existing zoning. The Primary goal is for missing middle sites to be treated in proportion to their size and have clear, upfront rules. The current process is subjective with open-ended negotiations, inequitable costs, and lengthy review times. Applies to: Previously platted lots, or land status qualifying lots, under one acre and zoned for residential use. LDC SUGGESTED EDITS BY DEPARTMENT Austin Energy • Reduce aerial setback from 15 ft to 10 ft for infill plats. • Only require easements to accommodate existing facilities or to bring service to the lots. Increase minimum distance from right of way that triggers sprinklers in residential units. Austin Fire • • Allow for multiple units to be served by one driveway. • Reduce aerial setback from 15 ft to 10 ft for infill plats Austin Water • • Add flexibility for lot line crossing per uniform plumbing code. 25-9-33 (F) - No Service Extension is required for re-plats six lots or less and under one acre if flow rate and capacity is sufficient. • Create templated Joint Use Access agreements and set timeline goal of seven day turn around for plats. City Legal Development Services • • • • Establish review timeline goal - 60 Days from submission to completion, including 30 Days Shot Clock State Rule 212.009. Benchmark these goals with other similar cities. 25-4-1 - Infill Plats are not subject to 25-7 (drainage) and 25-8 (water quality, environmental). 25-4-1 (D) - An existing legal tract may be re-platted to include up to six lots or less and under one acre without triggering traditional subdivision review 25-4-1 (D)(1) - Additional plat notes that simply mimic existing code will not be required for re-plats six lots or less and under one acre that do not vacate original plat. New plat notes shall be provided in a standardized form. • 25-4-34 (F) - Original Tract requirement does not apply to infill plats (replats six lots or less and under one acre). • 25-4-84 (E) - Fiscal Surety and Engineer's cost estimate is …
Site Plan Lite Goal: To create an efficient process for Site Plan Lite to accommodate missing middle residential projects up to 16 units where allowed by zone that can be approved quickly and efficiently. The site plan light review process for missing middle should closely mirror the review process for similarly sized projects under HOME 1 that utilize a condo regime. The primary goal is for missing middle sites to be treated in proportion to their size and have clear, upfront rules. The current process is subjective with open-ended negotiations, inequitable costs, and lengthy review times. There is a tremendous difference between obtaining permits for two or three units on a property compared to 5-16 units. Applies to: Properties able to accommodate 16 units by zone, up to two acres. It’s critical that the size of the tract be large enough to achieve up to 16 units while also accommodating site conditions like trees and topography. List of recommended changes by department Austin Energy • Reduce aerial setback from 15 ft to 10 ft for infill plats. Austin Water • • Add flexibility for lot line crossing per uniform plumbing code. 25-9-33 (F) No Service Extension is required for re-plats 6 lots or less and under one acre if flow rate and capacity is sufficient City Legal Development Services • Create templates for Joint Use Access and other easement agreements. • • Allow unified processing of easements at a legal “one stop shop.” Track legal approvals in Amanda and in the approval timeline, including response times and customer service information. • • • 25-5-3 - Small Projects. Include provision that any site plan that proposes 5-16 units is qualified as a Small Project. 25-5-21 - Phased Site Plans. Any site that proposes 5-16 units is not required to phase the site plan to allow for individual buildings to gain a separate certificate of occupancy. A site plan with 5-16 units is not required to break out phases for compliance for any code requirement. The Site Plan shall comply with all code requirements as a whole property and not by phase, regardless of the pace of construction. 25-5-62 - Site Plan Extensions. A site plan with 5-16 units may be extended by the Director for a period up to five years without any additional requirements. Environmental and Community Trees 25-8-211 (G) - Fee in Lieu for Water Quality shall be allowed. …
Tentative Schedule 10/9 WF24 Update Working Group Meeting • Opportunity for further discussion of WF24/WCP/DCP Late October Water Forward Task Force meeting (Date TBD) • Opportunity for further discussion of WF24/WCP/DCP 11/4 Water Forward Task Force meeting • Recommendation for Council action re: WF24/WCP/DCP 11/12 AWOC meeting • Briefing and possible action re: WF24/WCP/DCP 11/13 W/WW Commission meeting • Recommendation for Council action re: WF24/WCP/DCP 11/21 Council meeting • Consideration of WF24/WCP/DCP
