PARKS AND RECREATOION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250929-3 Date: Subject: Improving Public Access to City of Austin Baseball, Softball, and Soccer Fields Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation WHEREAS, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) manages multiple baseball, softball, and soccer fields through contracts with 25 organizations across 28 active agreements; WHEREAS, these contracts were developed over many years to address specific localized needs and maintenance challenges, but have inadvertently created barriers to public access to public recreational baseball, softball, and soccer facilities; WHEREAS, community members have expressed concern with inconsistent and unclear processes for accessing city-owned baseball, softball, and soccer fields, including difficulty determining which fields are available for public use, when these fields are available, who to contact to reserve or otherwise access these fields, and what constitutes guaranteed public access; WHEREAS, the Office of the City Auditor’s Special Report on Ball and Soccer Field Contracts [1] found that contract language specifying public access requirements is often vague, with little guidance on how public access should be managed or what it means in practice; WHEREAS, there is currently no centralized system for the public to easily determine field availability, contact information, or reservation procedures across the various contracted facilities; WHEREAS, maintaining quality baseball, softball, and soccer fields requires significant time, labor, and financial resources, necessitating partnerships with organizations willing to provide such maintenance; WHEREAS, the City’s commitment to equitable access to public recreational facilities requires balancing the guarantees embedded in these maintenance partnerships with a commitment to ongoing public access; WHEREAS, improving public access to these facilities aligns with the City’s broader efforts to make public services more accessible and user-friendly; and WHEREAS, PARD staff have acknowledged these recreational field access challenges and are actively working to address them; 1 of 3 THEREFORE, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board (PARB) recommends: 1. A Centralized Information Source. The City of Austin and PARD should centralize and publicize information about public access to all baseball, softball, and soccer fields, including contracted fields. Information should be available in an easily discoverable online format, posted adjacent to relevant public fields, and in any other appropriate environments. This should include: a. Contact information for field reservations; b. Available time slots for public use; c. Clear procedures for accessing fields; and d. Standardized definitions of “public access.” 2. A Robust Online Scheduling Platform. PARD should develop a technology solution to simplify access …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250929-4 Date: Subject: Legacy Concessions Policy Change Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to approve revisions to Austin Parks and Recreation’s policies and procedures for concessions in City’s Parks Systems to include Legacy Concessions. Rationale: WHEREAS, the purpose of this policy it to provide a policy for concessions in City of Austin parks; and WHEREAS, in accordance with City Code Title 8, the Austin Parks and Recreation Director has the authority and responsibility to execute policies and procedures for concessions in City of Austin parks in accordance with City policies and best practices; and WHEREAS, the Austin City Council approved the current Policies and Procedures for Concessions in the City’s Parks System on March 12, 1998; and WHEREAS, a goal of this policy is to develop and maintain concession facilities and services that contribute to high quality experiences for park visitors; and WHEREAS, a goal of this policy is to ensure that concessions maintain the aesthetic and environmental quality of the Parks System, provide a financial return to the City, and provide a public benefit to the citizens of Austins; NOW, THEREFORE, Be it resolved that the Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to approve revisions to Austin Parks and Recreation’s policies and procedures for concessions in City’s Parks Systems to include Legacy Concessions. Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign]
1 APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Hannah Terrell, Interim Director September 2025 HIGHLIGHTS Goodbye, Summer 2025 This summer brought cooler temperatures and record- breaking engagement across the Austin Public Library system. Thanks to the leadership of Alanna Graves and the incredible efforts of youth librarians, programmers, volunteers, and staff, Summer 2025 was one to remember. Over the course of the summer, APL hosted 354 events, an 8.25 percent increase over last year, with 17,366 attendees, reflecting a 42 percent growth in participation. The reading challenge also saw a significant boost, with readers logging over 4.2 million minutes, a 25 percent increase from 2024. From Literature Live and musical performances to crafts and reading incentives, APL’s summer programming inspired thousands of families across Austin. Teen Workshop Series Puts Youth Stories at the Center APL recently hosted a three-part Teen Workshop Series inspired by KUT’s ATXplained, led by iSchool intern and KUT journalist Sarah Asch. Nearly 20 teens participated in the program, exploring topics in Austin’s culture and history through interviews, archival research, and storytelling. Working alongside mentors and staff from the Austin History Center, teens created original stories that will be on display in Teen Central through September. Five participants also submitted their pieces for consideration by KUT’s editorial team. If selected, they will have the opportunity to record their stories for broadcast at KUT’s studio. Branch Programming Highlights Yarborough Branch has been selected as one of 40 libraries nationwide to participate in the Yiddish Book Center’s Public Libraries Program, themed Between Two Worlds: Exploring Jewish Culture and Religion through Yiddish Literature. As part of the program, Interim Branch Manager Julie Brown will attend a three day workshop at the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, Massachusetts in November 2025. The program provides resources, training, and support for libraries to host public reading groups exploring themes of identity, religion, and immigration through translated Yiddish literature. Community programming at APL will begin following the workshop. Southeast Branch hosted a Tiny Libraries Workshop, where 26 adult participants created small book sharing structures in a hands on, community focused craft session. Ruiz Branch welcomed crowds in July with a popular Minecraft Quest session and a high energy magic show that drew nearly 120 excited attendees. University Hills Branch brought back its annual Arcade Night on August 9, serving as an end of summer celebration and back to school bash. Around 200 participants enjoyed …
Alanna Graves Librarian III: Summer Experience Coordinator alanna.graves@austintexas.gov | 512-974-7311 Program features a summer learning challenge, prizes, and over 350 free events from June 7th - August 10th 2025 Summer Reading & Badge Challenge THIS SUMMER, WE CHALLENGE YOU TO READ, LEARN, AND EARN FREE PRIZES READ COMPLETE EARN 600 Minutes Learning Badges Free Prizes Learning badges are scaled for each age group: babies & toddlers, kids & tweens, teens, and adults HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE Online Paper Logs Available at APL Locations or PDF download at library.austintexas.gov/summer FREE PRIZES! FREE PRIZES! FREE PRIZES! Adults earn an APL ceramic mug! k o o g ! e b s i n e o r o n a f r h e i r c u Y o a h h e f t t o CHALLENGE FINISHER STATS 2023-2025 COMPARISON 2023 2024 2025 % difference between 2024-2025 Minutes Logged 2,157,070 3,383,106 4,226,202 +25% increase Readers Enrolled 4,256 6,265 7,390 +18% increase Prizes Distributed 2,763 4,145 4,872 +17.5% increase *CONGRATS TO ARZ FOR GIVING OUT THE MOST PRIZES (528)! CHALLENGE FINISHER STATS 2023-2025 BY AGE GROUP 2023 2024 2025 % difference between 2024-2025 Babies, Toddlers & Pre-K 776 1,012 1,108 +9.5% increase Kids & Tweens 1,331 1,712 1,804 +5.4% increase Teens Adults 146 512 173 183 +5.8% increase 1,248 1,777 +42.4% increase *SHOUT OUTS TO BEANSTACK SPOCS! TOP 3 TITLES LOGGED BY AGE Bear’s Lost Glasses by Leo TimmersWe are Definitely Human by X. FangGoodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown Kids & TweensBabies & ToddlersScare School Diaries by Jarrett LernerDog Man: Big Jim Begins by Dav PilkeyThe Wild Robot Escapes by Peter BrownTeensSunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne CollinsPercy Jackson: Chalice of the Gods byRick RiordanThe Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny HanAdultsGreat Big Beautiful LIfe by Emily HenryJames by Percival EverettAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid DISCOVER, LEARN, & CREATE ACTIVITY BADGES CUSTOMER ANECDOTES (2,740 RESPONSES TOTAL) DISCOVERED LIBRARY RESOURCES “I made a castle with magnatiles I checked out from the library!” -AOK Customer, age 3 “I started to sew thanks to quilting and sewing books I checked out at the library” -AHO Customer, age 30 “We learned some basic sign language from my son (and a camp he went to) and a book we checked out from the library!” -AMI Customers, ages 8 & 38 “[I discovered] ‘Ninja Kitten’ by Colleen Venable. It was displayed at St. John’s library“ -ASJ Customer, …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes August 25, 2025 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2025 The Library Commission convened a regular meeting on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the Twin Oaks Library in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Sheila Mehta, Vice-Chair Pamela Carlile Kezia Frayjo Sara Gore Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Melissah Hasdorff Andrea Herrera Moreno Edward Selig Commissioners Absent: Magen Davis PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Name: Carlos León Topic: Hannah Terrell APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on June 30, 2025. The June 30, 2025, minutes were approved at the August 25, 2025, regular meeting on a motion by Commissioner Selig, seconded by Commissioners Hasdorff. The motion passed on a 9–0 vote. Commissioner Davis was absent. Library Commission Meeting Minutes August 25, 2025 2. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission Special Called meeting on August 2, 2025. The August 2, 2025, minutes were approved at the August 25, 2025, regular meeting on a motion by Commissioner Hasdorff, seconded by Commissioner Gururaj. The motion passed on a 9–0 vote. Commissioner Davis was absent. Carlos León provided public communication to the Commission. STAFF BRIEFING 3. Staff briefing on the Austin Public Library Strategic Plan Update by Katherine Cantrell, Interim Chief Administrative Officer. The briefing was presented by Katherine Cantrell, Interim Chief Administrative Officer and Joe Faulk, Information Technology Manager. 4. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Facilities Updates and Capital Improvement Projects, by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. The briefing was presented by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. 5. Staff briefing on the August APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. The briefing was presented by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director. Carlos León provided public communication to the Commission. DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. Discussion on Recent Library Article by Zac Bissonnette in The Free Press. The Commission discussed the Recent Library Article, The Death of the Public Library, by Zac Bissonnette in The Free Press. Carlos León provided public communication to the Commission. 7. Discussion on Long-Range Objectives and Advocacy Strategies to Support Austin Public Library Priorities for the Next Year. The Commission discussed future objectives and advocacy strategies to support the Austin Public Library over the next year. The conversation focused on gaining deeper understanding of key …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250929-3 Date: September 29, 2025 Subject: Improving Public Access to City of Austin Baseball, Softball, and Soccer Fields Motioned By: Lane Becker Seconded By: Pedro Villalobos Recommendation WHEREAS, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) manages multiple baseball, softball, and soccer fields through contracts with 25 organizations across 28 active agreements; WHEREAS, these contracts were developed over many years to address specific localized needs and maintenance challenges, but have inadvertently created barriers to public access to public recreational baseball, softball, and soccer facilities; WHEREAS, community members have expressed concern with inconsistent and unclear processes for accessing city-owned baseball, softball, and soccer fields, including difficulty determining which fields are available for public use, when these fields are available, who to contact to reserve or otherwise access these fields, and what constitutes guaranteed public access; WHEREAS, the Office of the City Auditor’s Special Report on Ball and Soccer Field Contracts [1] found that contract language specifying public access requirements is often vague, with little guidance on how public access should be managed or what it means in practice; WHEREAS, there is currently no centralized system for the public to easily determine field availability, contact information, or reservation procedures across the various contracted facilities; WHEREAS, maintaining quality baseball, softball, and soccer fields requires significant time, labor, and financial resources, necessitating partnerships with organizations willing to provide such maintenance; WHEREAS, the City’s commitment to equitable access to public recreational facilities requires balancing the guarantees embedded in these maintenance partnerships with a commitment to ongoing public access; WHEREAS, improving public access to these facilities aligns with the City’s broader efforts to make public services more accessible and user-friendly; and WHEREAS, PARD staff have acknowledged these recreational field access challenges and are actively working to address them; 1 of 3 THEREFORE, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board (PARB) recommends: 1. A Centralized Information Source. The City of Austin and PARD should centralize and publicize information about public access to all baseball, softball, and soccer fields, including contracted fields. Information should be available in an easily discoverable online format, posted adjacent to relevant public fields, and in any other appropriate environments. This should include: a. Contact information for field reservations; b. Available time slots for public use; c. Clear procedures for accessing fields; and d. Standardized definitions of “public access.” 2. A Robust Online Scheduling Platform. PARD should …
AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE September 2025 Park Planning Scenic Brook Pocket Park Phase I Improvements complete and open to the public! • Planned, designed and constructed in partnership with the Scenic Brook Neighborhood Association and Austin Parks Foundation. • Features include an accessible ramp entry, multi-level playground area, shaded picnic area and irrigated open play field. • Funding for planning and design provided by Austin Parks Foundation. Funding for construction provided by Parkland Dedication fees and City of Austin Urban Forestry funds. • Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on September 23. Drone footage of improvements at Scenic Brook Pocket Park Park Planning Heritage Oaks Nature Play New playground opened September 22 • Largest nature play installation to date • Community Activated Park Project • Designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps and multiple access points. • APR partnered with Austin Parks Foundation to hold a community celebration on September 27 Park Development 2025 Preservation Austin Merit Award Winners Three APR projects were awarded Preservation Austin Merit Awards. • The award was established in 1960, and “celebrates the hard work and visionary approaches of those preserving Austin’s heritage. • The 10 winning projects will be celebrated at an award ceremony on November 18. Haskell House and the Story of Clarksville: Special Recognition Award for Education • Documentary sponsored by APR’s Historic Preservation and Tourism program, which plays for visitors to the Haskell House. • The 1870s-era house in Clarksville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWE42dozBAw Park Development 2025 Preservation Austin Merit Award Winners Buford Tower Repairs: Award for Rehabilitation • Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2016 • Damaged by fire in 2021, the repairs to the structure were completed in Fall 2023 Henry G. Madison Cabin: Award for Restoration • Both a recorded Texas Landmark and City of Austin Landmark • Built in the 1860s, belonged to Austin civic leader Henry Green Madison, Austin’s first African-American Council Member. • Scope included window/door restoration, roof replacement, lighting, landscape and accessibility improvements Recreation Services City Olympics Participants and spectators enjoyed a wide variety of events on September 27th, from softball, kickball, sand volleyball, disc golf, cycling, and the always-popular fun run. Beyond the athletic competitions, the brisket cooking and salsa contest added an extra layer of excitement and flavor. The energy, teamwork, and spirit of friendly competition made this year’s City Olympics …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250929-4 Date: September 29, 2025 Subject: Legacy Concessions Policy Change Motioned By: Nicole Merritt Seconded By: Kathryn Flowers Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to approve revisions to Austin Parks and Recreation’s policies and procedures for concessions in City’s Parks Systems to include Legacy Concessions, and to consider how MBEs and WBEs may fit into possible revisions. Rationale: WHEREAS, the purpose of this policy it to provide a policy for concessions in City of Austin parks; and WHEREAS, in accordance with City Code Title 8, the Austin Parks and Recreation Director has the authority and responsibility to execute policies and procedures for concessions in City of Austin parks in accordance with City policies and best practices; and WHEREAS, the Austin City Council approved the current Policies and Procedures for Concessions in the City’s Parks System on March 12, 1998; and WHEREAS, a goal of this policy is to develop and maintain concession facilities and services that contribute to high quality experiences for park visitors; and WHEREAS, a goal of this policy is to ensure that concessions maintain the aesthetic and environmental quality of the Parks System, provide a financial return to the City, and provide a public benefit to the citizens of Austins; NOW, THEREFORE, Be it resolved that the Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to approve revisions to Austin Parks and Recreation’s policies and procedures for concessions in City’s Parks Systems to include Legacy Concessions, and to consider how MBEs and WBEs may fit into possible revisions. Page 1 of 2 Vote: The motion to approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve revisions to Austin Parks and Recreation’s policies and procedures for concessions in City’s Parks Systems to include Legacy Concessions, and to consider how MBEs and WBEs may fit into possible revisions was approved on Board Member Merritt’s motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 9-0 vote. Board Member Kearns-Osterweil abstaining. Board Member Taylor absent. For: Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Luai Abou-Emara, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme, Pedro Villalobos. Against: None. Abstain: Diana Kearns-Osterweil. Absent: Kim Taylor. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Austin Parks and Recreation. Page 2 of 2
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250929-5 Date: September 29, 2025 Subject: Temporary Use of Parkland on Riverside Drive Motioned By: Stephanie Bazan Seconded By: Jennifer Franklin Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to City Council to approve the temporary use of 4,756 sq. ft. of parking lot on parkland located at 1108 W. Riverside Dr. for temporary storage and staging area for a period not to exceed 150 calendar days with the consideration that staff ensure replacement of ADA accessible parking spaces lost during the temporary use of the parking lot, as well as appropriate signage and notification to the public about alternative parking options. Total Mitigation is $74,313. Vote: The motion to approve the recommendation to City Council to approve the temporary use of 4,756 sq. ft. of parking lot on parkland located at 1108 W. Riverside Dr. for temporary storage and staging area for a period not to exceed 150 calendar days with the consideration that staff ensure replacement of ADA accessible parking spaces lost during the temporary use of the parking lot, as well as appropriate signage and notification to the public about alternative parking options, Total Mitigation is $74,313 was approved on Chair Bazan’s motion, Board Member Franklin’s second on a 10-0 vote. Board Member Taylor absent. For: Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Luai Abou-Emara, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Jennifer Franklin, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme, Pedro Villalobos. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Kim Taylor. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Austin Parks and Recreation.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250929-6 Date: September 29, 2025 Subject: Conditional Use Permits for Golf Courses Motioned By: Nicole Merritt Seconded By: Jennifer Franklin Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to City Council to approve Conditional Use Permits for the sale of alcohol at Jimmy Clay – Roy Kizer and Morris Williams golf courses. Vote: The motion to approve a recommendation to City Council to approve Conditional Use Permits for the sale of alcohol at Jimmy Clay – Roy Kizer and Morris Williams golf courses was approved on Board Member Merritt’s motion, Board Member Franklin’s second on a 7-2 vote. Those voting aye were Chair Bazan, Vice Chair Flowers, Board Members Becker, Franklin, Kearns-Osterweil, Merritt and Villalobos. Those voting nay were Board Members Eubanks and Orme. Those abstaining were Board Member Abou- Emara. Board Member Taylor absent. For: Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Lane Becker, Jennifer Franklin, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Nicole Merritt, Pedro Villalobos. Against: Ted Eubanks, Shelby Orme. Abstain: Luai Abou-Emara. Absent: Kim Taylor. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Austin Parks and Recreation.
2026 Meeting Schedule for the Library Commission MEETING DATES & TIMES LOCATION DISTRICT Monday, January 26 6 PM Milwood Branch, 125 Amherst Dr Monday, February 23 6 PM Little Walnut Branch, 835 W. Rundberg Ln Monday, March 30 6 PM Menchaca Branch, 5500 Menchaca Rd 7 4 5 Monday, April 27 6 PM Pleasant Hill Branch, 211 E. William Cannon Dr 2 Monday, May 18* 6 PM Old Quarry Branch,7051 Village Circle Dr 10 Monday, June 29 6 PM Hampton Branch, 5125 Convict Hill Rd Saturday, July 25* 10 AM Central, 710 W. Cesar Chavez St 8 9 Monday, August 24 6 PM Spicewood Springs, 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd 6 Monday, September 28 6 PM Austin History Center Campus, 800 Guadalupe St 9 Monday, October 26 6 PM Willie Mae Kirk Branch, 3101 Oak Springs Dr Monday, November 16* 6 PM University Hills Branch, 4721 Loyola Ln 3 1 Monday, December 14* 6 PM Central, 710 W Cesar Chavez St 9 *Date Change Due to Holiday or Retreat The purpose of the board is make recommendations to the City Council on matters relating to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the public libraries. § 2-1-150
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on September 29, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Bazan called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Luai Abou-Emara, Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt (arrived at 6:06 p.m.), Pedro Villalobos (arrived at 6:06 p.m.). Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Diane Kearns-Osterweil (arrived at 7:19 p.m.), Shelby Orme. Board Members Absent: Kim Taylor. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL David Todd - Renaming Little Stacy Shelter House in honor of Jean Mather Mary Fero - NW Park Pond issues Carol Baxter - Austin Rowing Club Craig Nazor - Sierra Club and mowing at Northstar Greenbelt Linda Mendoza - East Austin Sports Teams (EAST) Robert Mendoza - East Austin Sports Team (EAST) Tony Castillo - East Austin Sports Team (EAST) Israel Lopez - Montopolis Little League Kayle Reese - Austin Parks Foundation APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of August 25, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of August 25, 2025 was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Kearns-Osterweil and Taylor absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Parkland Acquisition team for their work toward ensuring that residents of Austin live within a 5 to 10-minute walk from a park and enjoy a robust network of trails that connects all parts of the city. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 Randy Scott, Parkland Use and Acquisition Manager and Principal Planners Paul Books, Robynne Heymans, and Scott Grantham, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on AISD joint school and parkland closures and the TPL ParkScore Index. The motion to approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Parkland Acquisition team for their work toward ensuring that residents of Austin live within a 5 to 10-minute walk from a park and enjoy a robust network of trails that connects all parts of the city was approved on Vice Chair Flowers’ motion, Board Member Eubanks second on a 10-0 …
Special Called Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee September 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating in the video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register, call or email the board liaison, Jonathan Lee, at (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Alejandra Flores (Chair) Nadia Barrera-Ramirez (Vice Chair) Betsy Greenberg Lonny Stern Felicity Maxwell Alice Woods CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of July 16, 2025, meeting minutes. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Senate Bill 840 Presentation. Presentation and discussion on Senate Bill 840, a law passed by the 2025 Texas State Legislature that requires cities to allow multifamily and mixed-use development in commercial zoning. City staff: Jonathan Lee, Senior Planner, Austin Planning, (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov, and Stevie Greathouse, Division Manager, Austin Planning, Stevie.Greathouse@austintexas.gov, (512) 974-7226 3. C20-2025-010 CBD Amendments. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to establish a maximum building height limit within the Central Business District (CBD) zoning district and to amend the Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) and Rainey Street Subdistrict regulations to modify allowable maximum building height when participating in the DDBP. City staff: Stevie Greathouse, Division Manager, Austin Planning, Stevie.Greathouse@austintexas.gov, (512) 974-7226 4. Schedule of Active Code Amendments Presentation. Presentation and discussion on the September 2025 Schedule of Active Code Amendments Gantt Chart. City staff: Jonathan Lee, Austin Planning, (512) 974- 7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov. 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 before the meeting date. Please call Jonathan Lee, Staff Liaison, at (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov for additional information; the City …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee July 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating in the video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register, call or email the board liaison, Jonathan Lee, at (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Alejandra Flores (Chair) – Present in person Awais Azhar – Present via teleconference Betsy Greenberg – Present via teleconference Lonny Stern – Absent Felicity Maxwell – Absent Nadia Barrera-Ramirez – Present via teleconference Alice Woods – Absent CALL TO ORDER Chair Flores calls the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Mr. Ryan Saunders raises concerns regarding noise from bars and food trucks. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of April 16, 2025, meeting minutes. Minutes are approved unanimously on a motion by Commissioner Azhar, seconded by Commissioner Greenberg. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Staff Request for Code Amendment Initiation. Discussion and possible action to initiate amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development Code) related to the drainage easements on parkland owned by the City of Austin. City staff: Kevin Shunk, Watershed Protection Department, (512) 974-9176, Kevin.Shunk@austintexas.gov. Kevin Shunk presents. The Committee unanimously recommends Planning Commission initiate the code amendment on a motion by Commissioner Azhar and second by Commissioner Greenberg. 3. Annual Report. Discussion on the 2024-2025 Annual Report for the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee. No comments are made regarding the Annual Report. 4. Officer Election. Conduct an election for Vice Chair. The Committee unanimously appoints Commissioner Barrera-Ramirez as Vice-Chair on a motion by Commissioner Azhar and second by Commissioner Greenberg. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chair Flores raises the issue that builders are unable to build using HOME Phase 1 on lots less than the minimum width and requests a briefing from relevant staff. Commissioner Greenberg requests a briefing from relevant staff on the City’s noise regulations, specifically related to issues raised by Mr. Saunders in his public communication testimony. ADJOURNMENT Chair Flores adjourns the meeting at 6:36 p.m. The City of Austin …
C20-2025-010 Central Business District Amendments Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee Alan Pani, Principal Planner Content Background Proposed Changes Next Steps Background Texas Senate Bill 840 Texas SB 840 went into effect on September 1. – Allows for multifamily or mixed-use in any commercial zone Under SB 840, multifamily and mixed-use residential developments in commercial zones will, by right, be able to: – Reach a height that is the greater of 45 feet or the height that applies to commercial uses for the site. – Reach a density of up to 54 units per acre. – Include setbacks that are the lesser of 25 feet or the setbacks imposed on commercial uses. – Develop unlimited floor-to-area ratio (FAR). 4 Central Business District Central Business District (CBD) is the designation for an office, commercial, residential, or civic use located in the downtown area CBD currently regulates development based on floor-area ratio (FAR) – Currently, the allowed FAR is 8:1 There is no maximum building height under CBD As of September 1, the City can no longer regulate FAR in developments utilizing Senate Bill 840 CBD 5 Downtown Density Bonus Produces highest density/heights in our city and produces the most affordable housing fees-in-lieu for the City CBD and Downtown Mixed Use (DMU) zoning today: – CBD zoning does not have a height limit but has FAR limit of 8:1. – DMU zoning has height limit of 120’ and FAR limit of 5:1. DDB allows for developments to go above their base entitlements – Additional entitlements are mapped, but in general, DDB can increase CBD and DMU sites: – Up to 25:1 FAR – Up to unlimited height 6 Proposed Changes CBD Median Height Equivalent Staff analyzed the median and average height for sites participating in the Downtown Density Bonus to find the height equivalent for 8:1 FAR Site Area (acres) Floors with 8:1 FAR* Height with 8:1 FAR* (feet) Density Bonus Sites CBD Median CBD Average 0.55 0.72 *8:1 FAR equivalent for developed sites. 16 18 207 233 8 9 10 Proposed Changes to CBD Create a new maximum base height of 350 feet for the Central Business District. – 350 feet follows the trend toward taller buildings in Downtown to help support development and growth in the city center. – The height limit will address the effects of the removal of …
C20-2025-010 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2025-010 Central Business District Amendments Description: Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to establish a base height limit within the Central Business District (CBD) zoning district and update the Downtown Density Bonus (DDB) and Rainey Street Subdistrict to incorporate the CBD base height limit into the DDB program. Background: This amendment is in response to the State of Texas’ Senate Bill 840 (SB 840), which went into effect on September 1, 2025. This legislation addresses how cities of a specific size regulate mixed-use and multifamily development projects, as well as the conversion of certain commercial buildings into mixed-use and multifamily residential occupancy. SB 840 allows multifamily or mixed-use development in any commercial zone and specifies how cities can regulate multifamily and mixed-use developments. Under SB 840, multifamily and mixed-use residential developments in commercial zones will, by right, be able to: • Reach a height that is the greater of 45 feet or the height that applies to commercial uses for the site. • Reach a density of up to 54 units per acre. • Include setbacks that are the lesser of 25 feet or the setbacks imposed on commercial uses. • Develop unlimited floor-to-area ratio (FAR). The Central Business District (CBD) zone applies to certain sites within downtown Austin and allows a variety of uses including office, commercial, residential, or civic use. The site development regulations applicable to a CBD use are designed to, amongst other things, promote the downtown area as a vital commercial retail area; ensure that a CBD use is compatible with the cultural, commercial, historical, and governmental significance of downtown; enhance existing structures, historic features, and circulation patterns in the downtown area; and, consider significant natural features and topography in the downtown area. C20-2025-010 CBD CBD zoning regulates development via floor-to-area ratio (FAR) and does not state a maximum building height. The allowed FAR for CBD is eight to one. Downtown development that proposes to exceed the allowed FAR or the maximum height allowed under the site's primary entitlements may participate in the Downtown Density Bonus (DDB) program to receive additional entitlements in exchange for specified community benefits. Austin Planning has analyzed developments that have been built under CBD zoning to estimate what heights the current 8:1 FAR has resulted in. Density Bonus Sites * Base floor and height with 8:1 FAR equivalent for developed sites. CBD Median CBD …
Case Number Name Description Initiated By Resolution Stage Status Lead Department Sub Department Active Code Amendment Cases September 2025 N/A Crestview TOD Update Amend the Lamar Blvd./Justin Lane “Crestview” TOD Station Area Plan and regulating plan to match the height limits achievable with a density bonus in Phase 1 of the ETOD Overlay and align the density bonus program to match other elements of Phase 1 of the ETOD Overlay if recommended. C20-2025-014 TOD Updates/Rezonings Update regulations within the 3 existing TOD boundaries C20-2025-013 New Zoning Districts (Plaza Saltillo, MLK, and N. Lamar / Justin Blvd.) to align with ETOD Policy Plan and other recent code amendments such as parking modifications, ETOD Overlay Phase 1, etc. Identifies gaps in base zones and proposes new zones to fill those gaps, including missing middle and mixed-use transit- supportive base zones that could be used going forward in addition to or instead of the current slate of residential, office, and commercial base zones. City Council 20240321-034 Development and Engagement Will be addressed by TOD Updates/Rezonings. Austin Planning Development and Engagement Anticipating review and adoption by September 2027. Austin Planning City Council 20230720-126 Initiation Anticipating initiation in February 2026 and review and adoption by December 2026. Austin Planning C20-2025-011 SB 840 Related Updates to 25-2 Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to update zoning regulations to address SB 840 changes. C20-2025-010 CBD Amendments Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to establish a base height limit within the Central Business District (CBD) zoning district. SB 840 SB 840 Development and Engagement Anticipating review and adoption by February 2026. Austin Planning Development and Engagement Anticipating review and adoption by October 2025. Austin Planning C20-2025-009 Parkland Drainage Easement Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to allow an administrative variance for a development on parkland owned by the City of Austin. Planning Commission Development and Engagement C20-2025-004 Life Science Land Use Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to establish a life science land use and regulations allowing a property to be used for life science in commercial and industrial zoning districts. City Council 20250327-063 Development and Engagement In Process - ➡ COJC 11/12/2025 ➡ Planning Commission 12/9/2025 ➡ City Council 01/2026 TBD Timeline to be determined. Austin Watershed Protection Austin Planning 1/5 8/25/2025 2:22:24 PM C20-2025-002 DB90 Fee-in-Lieu C20-2024-022 Density Bonus for Commercial Highway & Industrial Zones (DB240) Amend City Code Title 25 (Land …
