BOA Monthly Report July 2025-June 2026 September 8, 2025 Granted 1 1. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from setback requirements to decrease the minimum rear yard setback and 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from setback requirements to decrease the minimum interior side yard setback and 25-2-551 (Lake Austin (LA) District Regulations) (C) (3) (a) from impervious coverage requirements to increase Postponed 3 1. 25-10-127 (Multi-Family Residential Sign District Regulations): (E) (2) (a) to exceed total sign area and (E) (2) (a) to exceed total sign area 2. 25-2-1176 (Site Development Regulations for Docks, Marinas, and Other Lakefront Uses) (A) (1) to increase the dock length 3. 25-2-1176 (Site Development Regulations for Docks, Marinas, and Other Lakefront Uses) (A) (1) to increase the dock length Withdrawn 0 Denied 0 Discussion Items 1 Sept 2025 Interpretations Sept 2025 BAAP 1 new inquiries 0 (Added Sept 8# 2025) The deposition of the case items: Granted Postponed Withdrawn Denied Discussion Items 3 5 0 0 4 Board members absent: Niccolo A Sacco, Michael Von Ohlen, Suzanne Valentine (unavailable) (1 vacant alternate position) August 11, 2025 Granted 1 1. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from setback requirements to decrease the minimum interior side yard setback Postponed 2 1. 25-2-1176 (Site Development Regulations for Docks, Marinas, and Other Lakefront Uses) (A) (1) to increase the dock length 2. 25-2-1176 (Site Development Regulations for Docks, Marinas, and Other Lakefront Uses) (A) (1) to increase the dock length Withdrawn 0 Denied 0 Discussion Items 2 Aug 2025 Interpretations Aug 2025 BAAP 0 new inquiries 0 (Added Aug 11# 2025) The deposition of the case items: Granted Postponed Withdrawn Denied Discussion Items 2 2 0 0 3 Board members absent: Niccolo A Sacco, Sameer Birring, Maggie Shahrestani (tech issues) (1 vacant alternate position) July 14, 2025 Granted 1 1. 25-2-899 (Fences as Accessory Uses) to increase the height Postponed 0 Withdrawn 0 Denied 0 Discussion Items 2 JULY 2025 Interpretations JULY 2025 BAAP 0 new inquiries 1 (Added jul 14# 2025) The deposition of the case items: Granted Postponed Withdrawn Denied Discussion Items 1 0 0 0 1 Board members absent: (1) Niccolo A Sacco (1 vacant alternate position)
BOA MEETING DATES FOR 2026 301 W 2ND STREET, AUSTIN TEXAS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS-ROOM 1001 2ND MONDAY OF THE MONTH 5:30 PM January 12, 2026 February 9, 2026 March 9, 2026 April 13, 2026 May 11, 2026 June 8, 2026 July 13, 2026 August 10, 2026 September 14, 2026 October 12, 2026 November 9, 2026 December 14, 2026
REGULAR MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2025, AT 9:00 AM HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, LEARNING AND RESEARCH CENTER 5202 E. BEN WHITE BLVD., SUITE 500, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78741 Some members of the Municipal Civil Service Commission may be participating by videoconference. EXECUTIVE SESSION (No Public Discussion on These Items) The Commission will announce it will go into closed session pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel, or to discuss matters of litigation and personnel matters as specifically listed on this agenda. If necessary, the Commission will go into closed session, as permitted by law, regarding any item on this agenda. 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 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 Matthew Chustz, (512)974-2859, Matthew.Chustz@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Kevin Mullen, Chair Kavita Gupta, Vice Chair Ayo Akande, Commissioner CALL TO ORDER Melissa Rogers, Commissioner John Umphress, Commissioner AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten (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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes from the Municipal Civil Service Commission regular meeting on September 8, 2025. PUBLIC HEARING 2. Conduct a hearing in open session or closed session, pursuant to 551.074 of the Texas Government Code (personnel exception), on the appeal filed by David Smith regarding their Discharge from the Parks and Recreation Department. 3. Deliberate in open session or closed session, pursuant to 551.074 of the Texas Government Code (personnel exception), on the appeal filed by David Smith regarding their Discharge from the Parks and Recreation Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Action and approval on the appeal filed by David Smith regarding their Discharge from the Parks and Recreation Department. 5. Discussion and action to approve future meeting dates, times, and locations. STAFF BRIEFING 6. Briefing by Human Resources Department staff on the recently updated City of Austin Personnel Policies, Chapter A: Non-Sworn Employees. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities …
To: From: Chair Cohen Board of Adjustment Members Brent D. Lloyd, Development Officer, ADS Lyndi Garwood, Principal Planner, ADS Date: October 3, 2025 Subject: Appeal of Staff Interpretation of Site Development Standards in North University Neighborhood Conservation Combining District (NUNA NCCD) The matter before the Board of Adjustment (“BOA” or “Board”) is an administrative appeal challenging staff’s approval of residential building plans submitted for development of a proposed three-unit residential use at 205 E. 34th Street. The issue in the appeal is whether the Austin Development Services (“ADS”) correctly applied site development standards established in the North University Neighborhood Conservation Combining District (“NUNA-NCCD”) and other adopted zoning regulations. Summary of Issues & ADS’s Position As discussed below, following submission of the appeal, ADS determined that errors were made in the review process that render the approved structure noncompliant with NUNA- NCCD setback requirements. Our intent is to require the permit applicant to submit revised construction plans to fix the setback errors prior to proceeding with construction, so we would ask the Board to take action to modify the plan approval to explicitly require these corrections. We respectfully disagree with appellants, however, that the NUNA-NCCD’s 0.40 limit on floor-to-area ratio (FAR) applies to the proposed three-unit residential use. As discussed below, this NCCD only limits FAR for duplexes and two-family uses within the Residential District; the proposed development, while within the Residential District, is not a duplex or a two-unit use, but rather a three-unit residential use that is not subject to a FAR limit under the NCCD. Additionally, while appellants are correct that not all of the required materials were provided during the plan review process, the permit applicant has submitted revised application materials and stamped surveys that remedy this deficiency and demonstrate ITEM02/1-STAFF REPORT C15-2025-00235 (205 E. 34th St.) BOA Appeal Staff Report that the proposed corrections will achieve compliance with the NCCD setback requirements. Procedural Requirements for Appeal DSD believes that this appeal is properly before the BOA because it was filed within 20 days of the date the plans were approved1 and because the named appellants, Bob Kaler and Carol Journeay, own property within 200-feet as required by state law to invoke the BOA’s authority to review permitting decisions.2 We encourage the Board to consult legal counsel if you have questions on standing, timeliness, or other issues affecting the legal sufficiency of the appeal under Local Gov’t …
205 E 34th St Case: C1-2025-0035 ITEM02/1-PRESENTATION APPELLANT Summary The application is incomplete and does not comply with all applicable requirements The application does not reflect the intent of the North University NCCD Accordingly, we ask the Board of Adjustment to reject the plan set ITEM02/2-PRESENTATION APPELLANT Part 6, Section 3.a. of Ordinance No. 040826-58 (NCCD) “The minimum front yard setback equals the average of the front yard setbacks of the principal single-family buildings on the same side of the street of a block” The plan set does not demonstrate compliance ITEM02/3-PRESENTATION APPELLANT Part 7, Section 1 of Ordinance No. 040826-58 (NCCD) “A new principal structure must be at least 10’ from a principal structure on an adjacent lot” The plan set does not demonstrate compliance ITEM02/4-PRESENTATION APPELLANT Part 7, Section 1 of Ordinance No. 040826-58 (NCCD) limits floor-to-area ratio (FAR) to 0.4:1 The application shows an FAR of 0.64:1 ITEM02/5-PRESENTATION APPELLANT The applicant failed to provide required information & gave incorrect information on the application Thus, the application is incomplete Zoning District should be SF-3-NCCD-NP Neighborhood Plan Area missing Required FAR calculations not completed Application site plan shows incorrect sizes and locations for buildings on adjacent lots and does not mark distances needed to determine side setbacks ITEM02/6-PRESENTATION APPELLANT “The Residential District is intended to protect the original buildings and development patterns of the neighborhood … New residential development should respect traditional patterns” Part 7, Section 1 of Ordinance No. 040826-58 The plan set does not demonstrate compliance 205 Building 1 Facing E 34th St ITEM02/7-PRESENTATION APPELLANT “The Residential District is intended to protect the original buildings and development patterns of the neighborhood … New residential development should respect traditional patterns” Part 7, Section 1 of Ordinance No. 040826-58 The plan set does not demonstrate compliance 205 Building 2 Facing Alley ITEM02/8-PRESENTATION APPELLANT Designed & marketed as a multifamily communal dwelling Apartment Complex Violates NCCD, SF-3 zoning and HOME ITEM02/9-PRESENTATION APPELLANT Plan allows for construction as 4 units and inclusion of additional bedrooms in “attic” Violates NCCD, SF-3 zoning and HOME ITEM02/10-PRESENTATION APPELLANT Two recently restored affordable homes demolished for a project likely to rent above market to carry land & construction costs North University is already dense & multi-use; we need human-scale homes fitting the development pattern, not stealth dorms ITEM02/11-PRESENTATION APPELLANT Recap North University’s NCCD supports dense, multi-use, affordable housing and a diverse population The 205 project …
Three unit dwellings at 205 East 34 by Professor Kate Juschenko UT Austin ITEM02/1-PRESENTATION-PERMIT HOLDER Initiative “HOME” a small introduction to a big zoning change • The city council passed the ordinance “HOME” in several phases to improve home options and affordability in Austin. • HOME increases density by allowing up to 3 units on one lot. HOME allows to build more square feet per square feet of lot (Floor to area ratio). • Current zoning with no HOME: 40% Floor to area ratio. • with HOME for 3 unit dwelling: 65% Floor to area ratio. • No parking requirement. ITEM02/2-PRESENTATION-PERMIT HOLDER ITEM02/3-PRESENTATION-PERMIT HOLDER What we fear, we judge as evil. What we judge as evil, we attempt to control. What we attempt to control we attack. …any fear comes from the anticipation of what might be, not what is… ITEM02/4-PRESENTATION-PERMIT HOLDER HOME APPROVED PROJECTS ITEM02/5-PRESENTATION-PERMIT HOLDER
ITEM02/9-PRESENTATION-PERMIT HOLDER ITEM02/10-PRESENTATION-PERMIT HOLDER ITEM 1: Incorrect front yard setback ITEM 2: Incorrect Floor to Area Ratio ITEM 3: Incomplete application ITEM 4: Setback from the adjacent property ITEM02/11-PRESENTATION-PERMIT HOLDER CORRECTED ITEM 1: Incorrect front yard setback NO NO ITEM 2: Incorrect Floor to Area Ratio ITEM 3: Incomplete application CORRECTED ITEM 4: Setback from the adjacent property ITEM02/12-PRESENTATION-PERMIT HOLDER ITEM 1: Incorrect front yard setback ITEM02/13-PRESENTATION-PERMIT HOLDER ITEM02/14-PRESENTATION-PERMIT HOLDER 24’4” is averaged setback ITEM02/15-PRESENTATION-PERMIT HOLDER
NCCD: ITEM 4: Setback from the adjacent property CORRECTED ITEM02/16-PRESENTATION-PERMIT HOLDER ITEM 3: Incomplete application ITEM02/17-PRESENTATION-PERMIT HOLDER ITEM 3: Incomplete application ITEM02/18-PRESENTATION-PERMIT HOLDER ITEM 2: Incorrect Floor to Area Ratio The FAR at the approved by the city project is 64% ITEM02/19-PRESENTATION-PERMIT HOLDER NCCD: • The proposed development is “Three-unit dwellings”, defined by the code as “any combination of units” • “Three-unit dwellings” is not a duplex even if it consists of a combination of a duplex and single family • But even if we frivolously try to apply the NNCD to the duplex in our “Three-unit dwelling” development, the project will still stand as FAR of the duplex is 0.32:1 which is much less than 0.4:1 ITEM02/20-PRESENTATION-PERMIT HOLDER ITEM02/21-PRESENTATION-PERMIT HOLDER
BOA Variance Presentation: Property Address: 1750 Channel Road, Austin, TX 78746 Case Number: C15-2025-0026 Site Plan #: SP-2025-0119D Presenter: Stephen Hawkins, Aqua Permits ITEM05/1-PRESENTATION 1750 Channel Road: ITEM05/2-PRESENTATION Seeking Variance From: LDC 25-2-1176(A)(1): "A dock may extend up to 30 feet from the shoreline [into the lake], except that the director may require a dock to extend a lesser or greater distance from the shoreline if deemed necessary to ensure navigation safety" To Allow For: -The permitting and construction of a NEW boat dock 37' 3" from the shoreline into the lake. ITEM05/3-PRESENTATION 1750 Channel Road ITEM05/4-PRESENTATION 1750 Channel Road ITEM05/5-PRESENTATION 1750 Channel Road ● ● ● ● Shown here is the site as seen today in an image taken from City of Austin GIS. The existing boat dock was constructed in the early 1980’s and is a grandfathered structure. The existing boat dock extends 37’ 9” from the shoreline. The existing boat dock is being removed and replaced with a new boat dock in the same general location. This new boat dock design conforms to all current code requirements, including height allowances, in regards to boat docks on Lake Austin. ITEM05/6-PRESENTATION 1750 Channel Road ● This image shows the neighboring docks along this stretch of lake channel, taken from COA GIS ● Most of the neighboring boat docks have all existed in a non-compliant, but grandfathered form, for at least 40 years or more. ● These docks historically have been constructed to extend greater than 30’ from the shoreline, as the depth of the lake in this area is too shallow to operate a functional boat dock at the 30’ length. ● Modern watercraft requires at least 4 ft. of water depth to operate - in this area the water depth is too shallow inside of the 30’ setback. ITEM05/7-PRESENTATION 1750 Channel Road The maximum length from shoreline allowed for a boat dock in Land Development Code 25-2-1176(A)(6) is insufficient in its application for this property. Due to the existing shallow lake conditions along this stretch of Lake Austin, the dock will need to be constructed at a greater length than the allowable 30’ from shoreline. Dredging of the lake bed is restricted to 25 cubic yards per address by code - in this location the amount of dredge needed to create basic navigability would exceed that amount (see below exhibit). Therefore, building deeper into the lake is required. …
BOA Variance Presentation Property Address: 1752 Channel Road, Austin, TX 78746 Case Number: C15-2025-0027 Site Plan #: SP-2025-0119D Presenter: Stephen Hawkins, Aqua Permits ITEM06/1-PRESENTATION 1752 Channel Road: ITEM06/2-PRESENTATION Seeking Variance From: LDC 25-2-1176(A)(1): "A dock may extend up to 30 feet from the shoreline [into the lake], except that the director may require a dock to extend a lesser or greater distance from the shoreline if deemed necessary to ensure navigation safety" To Allow For: -The permitting and construction of a NEW dock that extends 46' 1" from the shoreline into the lake. ITEM06/3-PRESENTATION 1752 Channel Road ITEM06/4-PRESENTATION 1752 Channel Road ● ● ● ● Shown here is the site as seen today in an image taken from City of Austin GIS. The existing boat dock was constructed between 1960-1970 and is a grandfathered structure. The existing boat dock extends 49’ 9” from the shoreline. The existing boat dock is being removed and replaced with a new boat dock in the same general location. This new boat dock design conforms to all current code requirements, including height allowances, in regards to boat docks on Lake Austin. ITEM06/5-PRESENTATION 1752 Channel Road ● This image shows the nearby docks along this stretch of lake channel ● Most of the neighboring boat docks have all existed in a non-compliant, but grandfathered form, for at least 40 years or more. ● These docks historically have been constructed to extend greater than 30’ from the shoreline, as the depth of the lake in this area is too shallow to operate a functional boat dock at the 30’ length. ● Modern watercraft requires at least 4 ft. of water depth to operate - in this area the water depth is too shallow inside of the 30’ setback. ITEM06/6-PRESENTATION 1752 Channel Road The maximum length from shoreline allowed for a boat dock in Land Development Code 25-2-1176(A)(6) is insufficient in its application for this property. Due to the existing shallow lake conditions along this stretch of Lake Austin, the dock will need to be constructed at a greater length than the allowable 30’ from shoreline. Dredging of the lake bed is restricted to 25 cubic yards per address by code - in this location the amount of dredge needed to create basic navigability would exceed that amount (see below exhibit). Therefore, building deeper into the lake is required. ITEM06/7-PRESENTATION 1752 Channel Road ● Our proposed site plan …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION October 13, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 West 2nd St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Animal Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: 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 or in person, contact Nekaybaw Watson at nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Dr. Paige Nilson, Chair, D4 Koby Ahmed, Mayor Ryan Clinton, Travis County Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Jennifer Daniel, D6 Erin Ferguson, D8 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Whitney Holt, D5 Sarah Huddleston, D9 David Loignon, D10 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on September 8, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. 3. Staff briefing on updates to safety protocols, programmatic needs, emergency veterinary services and orthopedic contracts by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. 4. Staff briefing regarding Good Fix marketing strategies, outreach efforts, and spay/neuter backlogs by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Presentation by Austin Pets Alive! regarding license agreement reports. 6. Update on Bond Election Process to improve shelter operations. 7. Presentation regarding Staff’s response to Council Resolution 20241121-073 related to Bird-Friendly design by Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Approve a Recommendation to Council related to Bird-Friendly design. 9. Approve the formation of a working group that advocates for renter’s policies for large breed dog owners. 10. Approve the Animal Advisory Commission’s 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule. 11. Approve an update to the membership of the Strategic Plan Working Group. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 12. Update from the Strategic Plan Working Group on the …
REGULAR MEETING of the BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT October 13, 2025 AT 5:30PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: 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 email for elaine.ramirez@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-2202. remote participation by telephone. To remotely, register speak to CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: ___Jessica Cohen (Chair) ___Melissa Hawthorne (Vice-Chair) ___Thomas Ates ___Jeffery Bowen ___Sameer S Birring ___Bianca A Medina-Leal ___Yung-ju Kim ___Brian Poteet ___Haseeb Abdullah ___Margaret Shahrestani ___Michael Von Ohlen ___Corry L Archer-Mcclellan (Alternate) ___Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) The Board of Adjustment may go into closed session to receive advice from legal counsel regarding any item on this agenda (Private consultation with legal counsel – Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code). AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (4) four speakers signed up/register prior (no later than noon the day before the meeting) 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 Board of Adjustment meetings on September 8, 2025. On-Line Link: Draft Minutes for September 8, 2025 PUBLIC HEARINGS Discussion and action on the following cases. New Interpretation case: 2. C15-2025-0035 Bob Kaler and Carol Journeay (Appellant) Kateryna Luschchenko (Owner) 205 E. 34th Street On-Line Link: ITEM02 APPELLANT-ADV PACKET PART1, APPELLANT-PART2, ITEM02 PERMIT HOLDER- ADV PACKET, ITEM02 STAFF REPORT, APPELLANT PRESENTATION, PERMIT HOLDER PRESENTATION PART1, PART2, PART3, PART4 The appellant has filed an appeal challenging the approval of a building permit (BP No. 2025-072930) and related construction plans for proposed development of a three-unit residential use at 205 East 34th Street, Austin, TX 78705. The appeal alleges that City staff’s decision to approve the permit failed to comply with applicable zoning regulations, including requirements of the North University Neighborhood Conservation-Neighborhood Plan (NCCD-NP) Combining District (Ordinance No. 040826-58) and/or Chapter 25-2 relating to required setbacks, limits on gross floor area, and other site development standards, as well as requirements for development applications in …
Animal Advisory Commission Minutes September 8, 2025 Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, September 8, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Austin City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Room 1101 in Austin, Texas. Chair Nilson called the Animal Advisory Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Dr. Paige Nilson, Chair, D4 Erin Ferguson, D8 Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Koby Ahmed, Mayor Ryan Clinton, Travis County Whitney Holt, D5 David Loignon, D10 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Commissioners Absent: Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Sarah Huddleston, D9 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Julie Oliver – Safety failure at AAC Rochelle Vickery – Behavioral support for dogs at AAC APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on August 11, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on August 11, 2025, was approved on Commissioner Norton’s motion, Commissioner Ferguson’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Dulzaides and Huddleston were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1 Animal Advisory Commission Minutes September 8, 2025 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. Staff briefing on Updated Process for Euthanasia Notification provided by Rebekha Montie, Program Manager II, Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer, and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. The presentation was made by Rebekha Montie, Program Manager II, Austin Animal Services, Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services, and Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Update on the implementation of the prohibition of the purchase of and usage of all glue traps at City-owned and/or City-managed facilities based on the Animal Advisory Commission’s Recommendation 20241014-007. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. Approve the Animal Advisory Commission Annual Internal Review. The motion to approve the Animal Advisory Commission Annual Internal Review as amended below was approved on Commissioner Norton’s motion, Commissioner Ferguson’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Dulzaides and Huddleston were absent. The amendment was to insert “from the public” to the sixth bullet …
1 City Staff Watershed Protection Building Services Liz Johnston, Leslie Lilly, Elizabeth Funk Matt Hollon, Sean Watson Austin Energy Green Building Garret Jaynes, Heidi Kasper Development Services Department Farhana Biswas Kit Johnson, Nate Jackson Animal Services Emery Sadkin Planning Jordan Feldman 2 Resolution 20241121-073 ▪ Came out of a recommendation from a working group and Resolution 20210902-050 on Lights Out Austin ▪ Directs staff to: ▪ Update on Light’s Out Austin ▪ Explore integration of bird-friendly building techniques for new low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise buildings ▪ Conduct a feasibility analysis on the potential impacts of these standards ▪ Seek input from stakeholders, including developers, environmental organizations, and the public. 3 Migration and Habitat ▪ Austin was designated a Bird City in 2023 ▪ Austin within North America’s Central Flyway ▪ Over 400 species of birds ▪ Edwards Plateau and the Blackland Prairies habitat ▪ Premier destination for birdwatchers throughout most of the year. ▪ Birding generates more than $5 billion in annual ecotourism revenue in Texas ($279 billion nationwide) 4 The Problem ▪ Birds do not perceive glass as a barrier. ▪ In daytime, birds encounter reflective or translucent glass. ▪ At night, birds encounter artificial sources of light. ▪ Birds fly to these confusing features without seeing the glass barriers. ▪ The collision is deadly. An estimated 1 billion birds die every year. 5 Solutions Glass Strategies Bird-friendly design includes: ▪ Reducing the use of glass ▪ Reducing glass exposure (using solar shading, external insect/solar screens, louvers, etc.) ▪ Incorporating bird-friendly signals (markers) in or on the glass ▪ UV coating, glazing, and etched or fritted glass patterns that follow the "2x2 rule” 7 Design Strategies ▪ Incorporate physical barriers and architectural design that improve glass visibility ▪ Options include: ▪ Exterior screens ▪ Shutters ▪ Awnings ▪ Facades ▪ Structural shading systems Tracy Aviary, Salt Lake City, Utah 8 Lighting Exterior ▪ Eliminate uplighting, use fully shielded fixtures that direct light downward, and avoid event searchlights ▪ Use lighting management systems that can automatically reduce non-essential lighting during peak migration ▪ Also beneficial to bats and lightning bugs year-round ▪ Use warmer lightbulbs (as white/blue light can disorient birds) Interior ▪ Program automatic controls with timers and occupancy sensors ▪ Use window treatments to reduce light spillage ▪ Schedule janitorial services during daylight hours 9 Benchmarking What have other cities done? New York City (2021) Arlington County, VA …
September 2025 AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT 1 On May 5, 2025, Animal Services transitioned to a new database for shelter management. This transition is ongoing and has potentially impacted data reporting. Austin Animal Center Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • The live outcome rate for September was 94.57%. • A total of 957 animals were brought to the shelter which included 551 cats and 393 dogs. • A total of 541 animals were adopted which included 314 cats and 223 dogs. • A total of 81 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • On September 1, there were 1241 animals within the ASO inventory. • On October 1, there were 1253 animals within the ASO inventory. Animal Protection Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 7 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 3 fencing assistance applications and implanted 0 microchip(s). • Officers impounded 19 injured animals and 108 regular or sick animals. • Officers submitted 38 specimens for rabies testing. We had 12 positive bats, 6 decomposed bats, and 1 destroyed raccoon. Wildlife Data is partially incomplete and does not include non-coyote wildlife. • There were 38 total coyote related activities (Behavior types include Sighting, Encounter, Incident, and Observation. “Observation” is defined as hearing coyotes howling and finding scat or footprints.) o 16 sightings, 14 wild sick, 1 encounter, 3 incidents, 2 wild speaks, 2 observations • Out of 38 coyote related activities, 22 (58%) reports fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, incident, and observation) o Encounters: Pets were a factor in 1/1 (100%) of encounters reported 1/1 encounters (100%) involved a coyote with mange sleeping in fenced backyard and o encountered dog without incident Incidents: Pets were a factor in 3/3 (100%) of incidents reported 1/3 incidents (33%) involved a coyote chasing after a dog. No contact was made. 1/3 incidents (33%) involved a coyote killing an outside unsupervised cat 1/3 incidents (33%) involved a coyote injuring a dog Volunteer Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • 521 volunteers contributed 6,642.05 hours in September. • • The Volunteer Program held 4 orientations, introducing 137 potential volunteers to shelter operations. The Volunteer Program scheduled 15 Community Service Restitution individuals to perform 224.5 hours of laundry, dishes and other duties as assigned. • …
Board/Commission Recommendation Animal Advisory Commission Draft Recommendation 20251013-008 – Bird Friendly Design WHEREAS, the Animal Advisory Commission passed and sent Recommendation 20221010-008 to Council regarding the adoption of bird friendly design; and WHEREAS, the Animal Advisory Commission recognizes the City of Austin was named a Bird City in Feb. 2023; and WHEREAS, the Animal Advisory Commission recognizes that over 400 species of birds reside or migrate through Travis County every spring and fall, with endangered species and species of concern utilizing the Central Flyway and geological way finders of the Balcones Escarpment, Colorado River and Blackland Prairie during migration, as well as during nesting and wintering seasons; and WHEREAS, the Animal Advisory Commission recognizes the City of Austin benefits from the annual $5.5 billion generated from bird watching and bird tourism in Texas; and WHEREAS, the Animal Advisory Commission recognizes city staff has met with stakeholders, reviewed the policies and codes implemented in other cities, and studied how bird-friendly design standards can best fit within the City’s code; and THEREFORE, the Animal Advisory Commission recommends Council initiate the findings and recommendations of staff as listed with the following addition. 1. In addition to commercial and multifamily buildings, the Animal Advisory Commission recommends all City buildings be required to follow the guidelines and set an example for non-public buildings.
