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) Awais Azhar Betsy Greenberg Lonny Stern Felicity Maxwell Nadia Barrera-Ramirez 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 April 16, 2025, meeting minutes. 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. 3. Annual Report. Discussion on the 2024-2025 Annual Report for the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee. 4. Officer Election. Conduct an election for Vice Chair. 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, at 512-974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov for additional information; the City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. For more information on the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee, please contact Jonathan Lee, at 512-974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov . 2
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee April 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. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Alejandra Flores (Chair) (In Person) Greg Anderson (Virtual) Awais Azhar (Virtual) Lonny Stern (Virtual) COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: Betsy Greenberg CALL TO ORDER Meeting started at 6:08 PM PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There was no public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of March 19, 2025, meeting minutes. Unanimously approved on a motion by Commissioner Azhar, 2nd by Chair Flores. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2023-037 S.M.A.R.T. Housing Updates Phase 2. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to the City’s S.M.A.R.T. Housing Program, including amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development Code), to improve the functionality of the program. City Staff: Brendan Kennedy, Housing Department, (512) 978-1594, Brendan.Kennedy@austintexas.gov. Brendan Kennedy presents. Commissioner Azhar motions to recommend approval of the code amendment by Planning Commission, 2nd by Commissioner Anderson. Motion passes 4-0. 3. Officer Elections. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. Commissioner Anderson motions to reappoint Chair Flores as Chair, 2nd by Commissioner Azhar. Chair Flores is reappointed Chair on 4-0 vote. Commissioner Azhar motions to appoint Commissioner Anderson as Vice Chair, 2nd by Chair Flores. Commissioner Anderson is appointed Vice-Chair on a 4-0 vote. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Anderson requests the creation of a zoning district that will allow multifamily residential buildings with single-stair layouts. Commissioner Azhar asks for an update on the status of the DB90 Fee-In-Lieu item initiated by Planning Commission; requests the item be added to the Code Amendments Gantt Chart; and recommends that staff working on the item engage with members of the Zoning and Platting Commission when developing the recommended code amendments. ADJOURNMENT 6:39 PM The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be …
NEW BUSINESS: CODE AMENDMENT INITIATION REVIEW SHEET Amendment: Consider initiation of amendments to Title 25 of the City Code related to the Parkland Drainage Easements. Description: Amendment to 25-7-152 (E) as related to parkland drainage easements. The proposed amendment would allow an administrative variance for a development that is on parkland owned by the city of Austin so that a drainage easement is not required for development that is on parkland. If ever the subject property is sold through a Chapter 26 process and voter referendum, the new property owner will be required to dedicate the easement as part of any future development per the code. Anticipated community benefits: • Reduction in site plan review time and staff time • Improvements to fiscal efficiency and responsibility on public parkland projects Proposed Language: TBD (draft ordinance language will be brought to PC for a recommendation before going to Council for final approval). Background: Current code requires that when a property owner submits a site development permit application, they must dedicate a public drainage easement encompassing the 100-year floodplain located on the property. The code already includes provisions allowing the Director to grant an administrative variance under certain circumstances. The proposed amendment would add a provision allowing an administrative variance for projects that are proposed on City-owned parkland. This change would improve fiscal and administrative efficiency for public park development and capital projects. The Parks and Recreation Department and Watershed Protection Department are in longstanding agreement that this change is appropriate and beneficial. Currently, each parkland development project must provide evidence of this agreement to apply for and receive a variance individually. Codifying this exception will streamline the process and reduce unnecessary administrative work for both departments Staff Recommendation: Recommended for initiation by WPD and PARD staff. Board and Commission Actions: TBD Council Action: TBD Ordinance Number: NA City Staff: 1 Kevin Shunk Phone: (512) 974-9176 Email: Kevin.Shunk@austintexas.gov (Subject Matter Expert) - Watershed Protection Department D’Anne Williams Phone: (512) 496-5880 Email: Danne.Williams@austintexas.gov (Subject Matter Expert) - Parks and Recreation Department Leslie Lilly Phone: (512) 535-8914 Email: leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov (Subject Matter Expert) - Watershed Protection Department Sean Watson Phone: (512) 963-2167 Email: sean.watson@austintexas.gov (Subject Matter Expert) - Watershed Protection Department 2
Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee Land Development Code change initiation Drainage Easements on PARD proper ty July 16, 2025 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Intent of current code – Drainage Easements 2 5- 7 - 1 5 2 ( A ) T h e o w n e r o f r e a l p r o p e r t y p r o p o s e d t o b e d e v e l o p e d s h a l l d e d i c a t e t o t h e p u b l i c a n e a s e m e n t f o r s t o r m w a t e r f l o w t o t h e l i m i t s o f t h e 1 0 0- y e a r f l o o d p l a i n • Ensures that the current and future property owners know that flood risks exist on the property • Accomplished by surveying the floodplain area on the property C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T PARD project impacts under current code • • • • • R e q u i r e s s o l i c i t a t i o n a n d c o n t r a c t n e g o t i a t i o n R e q u i r e s m u l t i p l e r o u n d s o f s t a f f r e v i e w A D e c l a r a t i o n o f U s e ( D O U ) r e q u i r e s R e a l E s t a t e …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 _Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee_ (Official Name of Board or Commission) The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: § 2-1-207 - CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE. (A) The city council creates the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee to consider and make recommendations to the Planning Commission regarding: (1) proposed amendments to the Land Development Code for which review is required under Section 25-1-502 (Amendment; Review); and (2) requests to initiate amendments to the Land Development Code under Section 25-1-501 (Initiation). (B) The committee consists of seven members, which shall include: (1) four members of the Planning Commission, selected by the Planning Commission; and (2) three members of the Zoning and Platting Commission, selected by the Zoning and Platting Commission. (Ord. No. 20160505-037, Pt. 1, 5-16-16) Annual Review and Work Plan 2024 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. As required by the City Code, the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee considered and made recommendations on the following amendments to the Land Development Code: 2024 – Recommended Initiation to full Planning Commission Hays Commons Site-Specific Save Our Springs (SOS) Amendment Initiation. Initiation of site-specific amendments to City Code Chapter 25-8, Subchapter A, Article 13 of the Save Our Springs Initiative as necessary for the Hays Commons Municipal Utility District. Permitted uses along Imagine Austin corridors. Initiation of amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to modify permitted uses along Imagine Austin corridors. Permitted and Conditional uses for Residential Zones. Initiation of amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to modify permitted and conditional uses for residential zones 2024 – Recommended to full Planning Commission C20-2022-003 South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program. An ordinance to amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to create a new zoning district and modify related site development regulations and compatibility standards; and create a new zoning district for density bonus that includes granting additional floor-to-area ratio in exchange for providing community benefits; and to establish boundaries for the new zoning districts located in the vicinity commonly known as the South Central Waterfront. C20-2023-026 Live Music and Creative Space Bonus Phase 2. An ordinance to amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee April 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) Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Betsy Greenberg Lonny Stern 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 March 19, 2025, meeting minutes. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2023-037 S.M.A.R.T. Housing Updates Phase 2. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to the City’s S.M.A.R.T. Housing Program, including amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development Code), to improve the functionality of the program. City Staff: Brendan Kennedy, Housing Department, (512) 978-1594, Brendan.Kennedy@austintexas.gov. 3. Officer Elections. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. 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, at 512-974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov for additional information; the City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. For more information on the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee, please contact Jonathan Lee, at 512-974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov . 2
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee March 19, 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. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Alejandra Flores (Chair) Betsy Greenberg Greg Anderson (Late at 6:05) Awais Azhar Lonny Stern COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) CALL TO ORDER Meeting started at 6:03 PM. 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. Ryan Saunders – Regarding concerns about food trucks and live music venues APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of February 19, 2025, meeting minutes. On a motion by Commissioner Greenberg, seconded by Commissioner Azhar, the minutes from the February 19th, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously (5-0) with Vice Chair Hempel absent. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2024-010 UNO Update. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to repeal University Neighborhood Overlay District requirements and regulations, and to create a new zoning district for a density bonus program that grants additional building height and modifies uses and site development regulations, including compatibility standards, in exchange for community benefits, for property generally located west of the University of Texas, east of Lamar Boulevard, south of 29th Street and north of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. City Staff: Paul Books, Planning Department, (512) 974-3173, Paul.Books@austintexas.gov and Alan Pani, Planning Department, (512) 974-8084, Alan.Pani@austintexas.gov. Paul Books presented. Public Speakers on Item 2: - Justin Lanier, Policy Director for University Tenants Union - Christian Tschoepe, AURA member and Commissioner of the Zoning and Platting Commission - Sarah Campbell, CANPAC member Commissioner Stern moves to consider an amendment to staff’s recommendation to require a 5-ft public access easement on any side of buildings that does not front a public right-of-way. Motion passes (4-0) with Commissioner Anderson off the dais. Commissioner Stern moves …
Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee S.M.A.R.T. Housing Amendments Phase 2 Brendan Kennedy, Program Manager Housing Department S.M.A.R.T. Housing S.M.A.R.T. Housing Incentives ▪ Waiver of certain development fees ▪ DSD review times are shortened; S.M.A.R.T. Housing development permits are prioritized for case management ▪ Gatekeeper requirement for new construction seeking most affordable housing approvals 3 S.M.A.R.T. Housing Requirements ▪ At least 10% of units priced at or below 80% MFI for sale or lease (= 25% fee waiver) – Scales up to 40% of units affordable = 100% fee waiver ▪ Requires AEGB 1-Star certification and additional accessibility/visitability standards ▪ Requires transit proximity, with options for waiver set in Code 4 Initiation – Resolution No. 20230720-129 ▪ Phase 1: Amend Section 25-1-704 so that fees eligible for a waiver under the S.M.A.R.T. Housing program would be identified as part of the annual fee ordinance ▪ Phase 2: Amend Title 25 as needed to improve the operation and functionality of the S.M.A.R.T. Housing program. 5 Proposed Amendments Amendment #1 – Land Restriction Process ▪ Amend § 25-1-705 (D) to require affordability restrictions to be executed prior to certification – Establishes consistency between programs – Ensures applicants are aware of and bound to requirements at an earlier stage 7 Amendment #2 – CLT exemption ▪ Amend § 25-1-704 (B)(2)(a-b) to remove exemption for land dedicated to City-approved CLT. – Presents significant administrative burdens and frequently infeasible to implement – Underutilized by dedicated CLT entities 8 Proposed Amendment #3 – Rental MFI ▪ Amend § 25-1-703 (C)(2)(a) to lower affordable rental MFI from 80% MFI to an average 60% MFI – Establishes consistency between programs by requiring 60% MFI rental – Reduces confusion on affordability from permit reviewers – Meets Department’s programmatic goals to target 60% MFI and below affordability – Income averaging still accommodates "workforce housing" when deeper affordability levels are provided 9 Amendment #4 – Remove Outdated Provisions ▪ Remove in their entirety: – § 25-1-702 (B), a requirement to notify TPW of all S.M.A.R.T. developments – § 25-1-703 (D),§ 25-1-704 (B)(2)(c), and § 25-1-705 (A)(4), an automatic 100% fee waiver for Vertical Mixed Use developments – This provision is inconsistent with move to 60% MFI for rental – § 25-1-705 (A)(1), which has been superseded by more recent University Neighborhood Overlay ordinances 10 Amendment #4– Remove Outdated Provisions cont’d ▪ Remove in their entirety: – § 25-1-703 (C)(2)(b) 25-1-704 (B)(2)(d), and …
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2023-037 S.M.A.R.T. Housing Updates Phase 2 Description: Amend the City’s S.M.A.R.T. Housing Program and City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to improve the functionality of the program. Background: Initiated by City Council Resolution 20230720-129. On July 20, 2023, City Council approved Resolution No. 20230720-129 that directed staff to make amendments to S.M.A.R.T. Housing. Staff with the Development Services Department initiated amendments related to Phase 1, which amended Section 25-1-704 so that fees eligible for a waiver under the S.M.A.R.T. Housing program would be identified as part of the annual fee ordinance. On February 1, 2024, City Council approved Ordinance No. 20240201-053 to adopt these amendments. Phase 2 directs staff to amend the S.M.A.R.T. Housing program to improve the functionality of the program. Summary of Proposed Code Amendment: Amendments to § 25-1-703 (C)(2) will lower the eligible median family income (MFI) level for rental properties from 80 percent to 60 percent MFI. Amendments to this section will also allow for income averaging to achieve the required MFI for both rental and ownership. This will improve consistency and clarity across programs, and is responsive to recommendations recently made from a comprehensive density bonus study conducted by the Planning Department. Amendments to § 25-1-705 (D) will improve program administration and consistency across programs by requiring affordability restrictions to be executed prior to certification. § 25-1-704 (B)(2)(a-b) will be removed in its entirety to eliminate a provision related to exceptions for certain units dedicated to a community land trust, which has been underutilized and is administratively infeasible. Additional provisions will be removed to eliminate outdated provisions or provisions which are inconsistent with the amendments listed above. Proposed Text Amendment(s): Amend § 25-1-703 (C)(2)(a) to read, or amend with comparable language: “ dwelling units must serve households whose incomes average 80 percent of the median family income or below as determined by the director of the Housing Department. (a) If an applicant develops dwelling units for sale, reasonably-priced (b) If an applicant develops dwelling units for lease, reasonably-priced dwelling units must serve households whose incomes average 60 percent of the median family income or below as determined by the director of the Housing Department.” Amend § 25-1-705 (D) to read, or amend with comparable language: “(D) Before the director may certify a proposed development, the applicant shall comply with § 4-18-25, Certification. The agreement required under § 4-18-25 (C)(1) may …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee March 19, 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) Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) Betsy Greenberg Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Lonny Stern 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 February 19, 2025, meeting minutes. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2024-010 UNO Update. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to repeal University Neighborhood Overlay District requirements and regulations, and to create a new zoning district for a density bonus program that grants additional building height and modifies uses and site development regulations, including compatibility standards, in exchange for community benefits, for property generally located west of the University of Texas, east of Lamar Boulevard, south of 29th Street and north of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. City Staff: Paul Books, Planning Department, (512) 974-3173, Paul.Books@austintexas.gov and Alan Pani, Planning Department, (512) 974-8084, Alan.Pani@austintexas.gov. 3. Discussion and possible action to recommend initiation of code amendments related to non- residential uses in the Density Bonus 90 (DB-90) program. Sponsor: Commissioner Greenberg. 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, at 512-974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov for additional information; the City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. For more information on the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee, please contact Jonathan Lee, at 512-974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee February 19, 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) Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Betsy Greenberg Lonny Stern CALL TO ORDER Present in person: Chair Flores Present via Webex Teleconference: Commissioners Azhar, Greenberg, Stern, Anderson (late 6:08pm) Absent: Vice-Chair Hempel 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 December 18, 2024, meeting minutes. 2. Motion by Commissioner Greenberg 2nd by Commissioner Azhar – unanimous approval with Chair Hempel and Commissioner Anderson absent 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2024-024 Area Plan Process Amendment. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to specify an amendment process for area plans, including station area vision plans, when process is not already defined in another section of City code. City Staff: Stevie Greathouse, Division Manager, (512) 974-7226, Stevie.Greathouse@austintexas.gov. Stevie Greathouse presented. On a motion by Commissioner Greenberg and a second by Commissioner Azhar, the Committee voted 4-0 to recommend the proposed amendments, with Commissioner Anderson off the dais and Vice-Chair Hempel absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on Active and Upcoming Code Amendments. City Staff: Jonathan Lee, Planning Department, (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov. Jonathan Lee presented. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Staff briefing on existing zoning regulations and active code amendments in the North Burnet/Gateway area. Sponsor: Commissioner Stern. Discussion and possible action on code amendments related to commercial uses in the Density Bonus 90 (DB-90) program. Sponsor: Commissioner Greenberg. ADJOURNMENT Adjourned at 6:55pm 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 …
C20-2024-010 UNO Update Proposal Public Review Paul Books, Principal Planner Content Background Process Proposed Changes Next Steps Background Subdistrict Outer West Inner West Guadalupe Dobie Background UNO: A Brief History – Established in 2004 (Updated: 2014, 2019) – Overlay district for the West University area designed to promote high-density and pedestrian-oriented redevelopment that maintains the existing character of the area – Helped to facilitate population growth to over 28,000 residents in the West Campus area 4 City Council Resolution Resolution No. 20240418-077 – Adopted on April 18, 2024 – Includes 29 distinct items for further investigation – Initiated updates to the Land Development Code & Building Criteria Manual – Requested programmatic updates – Land Development Code changes to be considered in Spring 2025 5 Resolution Goals Provide quality, safe, affordable living for all, especially for students attending colleges and universities by: Supporting the implementation of light rail and mobility enhancements Ensuring the area provides daily needs and services Increasing housing capacity, quality, and affordability 6 Land Development Code Council Direction Height limits achievable with participation in the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) density bonus program in alignment with the Planning Commission's recommendation to remove height limits for Inner West Campus and Dobie Height limits that are similar to what can be achieved with participation in the ETOD overlay, at minimum Expansion of UNO boundaries Subdistrict boundaries that expand Inner West Campus An appropriate step down of heights within expansion areas Modifying development requirements to discourage above-ground parking and encourage shared parking and underground parking Stakeholder and community engagement 7 Process How it Works 3-Step Process for Code Amendments: Initiation Development & Engagement Review & Adoption 9 Rezoning Process To update the regulations, staff proposes to create a new zoning district that incorporates the existing overlay with requested updates Rezoning requires notice to impacted properties and review by the Planning Commission and City Council at public hearings 10 Plan Amendment Process UNO is part of the Central Austin Combined Neighborhood Plan, an element of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Current Future Land Use Map 11 Plan Amendment Process Mixed use land use designation allows up to 3:1 floor-to-area ratio High density mixed use is appropriate for areas with 3:1 FAR or (FAR) greater Staff propose updating the Central Austin Combined Neighborhood Plan to ensure that the …
C20-2024-010 REZONING, NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, AND ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2024-010 University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) Update Description: Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to repeal Article 3 Division 9 University Neighborhood Overlay District Requirements and to create Density Bonus University Neighborhood Overlay (-DBUNO) and rezone property generally located west of the University of Texas, east of Lamar Boulevard, south of 29th Street and north of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to apply -DBUNO and amend the Central Austin Combined Neighborhood Plan, an element of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, to change the future land use map for the same property from multiple land use designations to High Density Mixed Use. Background: Initiated by City Council Resolution No. 20240418-077 and Resolution No. 2025-0130-057. The University Neighborhood Overlay, or UNO, was first adopted by Ordinance No. 040902-58 in 2004 to promote high-density, pedestrian-oriented redevelopment of the West Campus area that maintains the area's existing character and stimulates income- restricted affordable housing development. The overlay supersedes specific site development standards of the base zones and allows land uses to encourage development that serves the primarily student population of the area. This includes reduced required parking spaces, increased maximum allowable building height and bulk, and allowance for a mix of local, pedestrian-serving commercial uses. For a property to develop under UNO, additional requirements must be met, including providing affordable housing and adherence to stricter streetscape and design standards. These regulations were crafted through a robust community process involving residents and stakeholders. Since their original adoption, UNO regulations were amended in 2014 and 2019 through Ordinance No. 20140213-056 and Ordinance No. 20191114-067. The 2014 amendment allowed participating developments to rent by the bedroom and increased the affordability period from 15 to 40 years. Amendments in 2019 changed the second tier of maximum allowed building height available through the dedication of additional affordable housing units or bedrooms. These amendments demonstrate the commitment to updating UNO to address necessary changes that better serve students and the surrounding community. Since its adoption in 2004, the UNO overlay has facilitated the development of over 10,000 housing units or bedrooms and has led to the creation of 972 income-restricted bedrooms and 401 income-restricted units. In April 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 20240418-077, which initiated amendments to the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO). The Resolution included 29 distinct items for staff consideration, including amendments to the land development code, …
U T U university tenants union uttenantsunion@gmail.com I bit.ly/universitytenantsunion I @uttenantsunion DosporUNO 2 Recommendations to Optimize the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) for Austin Student-Renters Executive Summary The University Tenants Union (UTU) is an organization composed of University of Texas at Austin (UT) students which formed following advocacy by its founding members for the elimination of construction of windowless bedrooms in Austin in 2023. Since, UTU has provided resources to student-renters navigating off-campus living, gathered data on student housing needs, and continued its policy advocacy. Updating the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) provides a unique policy opportunity in Texas to institute tenant protections for students that are otherwise not feasible. UTU, through deep, ongoing engagement with students, developed two recommendations for UNO to protect student-tenants against exploitation by landlords. Through their implementation, the City of Austin (CoA) can improve students’ housing experiences, and in turn their academic performance. When students have adequate housing, their potential surges. UTU recommends that CoA adopt the following recommendations: 1. Limit Pre-leasing: ● Limit lease renewal offers to 6 months before a lease ends, with a guaranteed 30-day response window. ● Limit new lease signings to 5 months before the lease start date. ● Ban pre-leasing agreements, waiting lists, and any incentives or penalties that pressure tenants into quick decisions. ● Enforce violations with fines. 2. Hold Landlords Accountable for Delayed Move-ins: ● As part of an UNO-specific lease addendum, require a disclosure if a unit’s construction is incomplete or if the unit lacks a certificate of occupancy. ● As a renter’s move-in date approaches, if their leased unit’s certificate of occupancy has not been obtained, landlords must notify the renter between 60 and 90 days before the lease start date. ● In case of a delayed move-in, renters may: terminate the lease without fees OR not pay rent and be compensated for living expenses until they can move in OR choose to accept alternate accommodations from their landlord. UTU looks forward to the adoption of these protections, and will advocate for their future adoption citywide and retroactively (at older UNO-participating properties). Please contact Justin Lanier, Policy Director with any questions: jlanier@utexas.edu | uttenantsunion@gmail.com You can find more information about the University Tenants Union at: bit.ly/universitytenantsunion Engagement and Research These recommendations were developed in collaboration with numerous students, educators, and subject matter experts in the fields of architecture, law, housing, economics, policy development, advocacy, and more. Over …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee February 19, 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) Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Betsy Greenberg Lonny Stern 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 December 18, 2024, meeting minutes. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2024-024 Area Plan Process Amendment. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to specify an amendment process for area plans, including station area vision plans, when process is not already defined in another section of City code. City Staff: Stevie Greathouse, Division Manager, (512) 974-7226, Stevie.Greathouse@austintexas.gov. 3. Update on Active and Upcoming Code Amendments. City Staff: Jonathan Lee, Planning Department, (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov. DISCUSSION ITEMS 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, at 512-974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov for additional information; the City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. For more information on the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee, please contact Jonathan Lee, at 512-974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov . 2
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee December 18, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #1406 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 512-974-7288, Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov. Jordan Feldman, register, liaison, board email call the or at COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Alejandra Flores (Chair) Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT Greg Anderson Betsy Greenberg Lonny Stern Awais Azhar CALL TO ORDER Call to order at 6:18 Meeting recessed at 6:20 PM on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 and reconvened on Wednesday on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 6:30 P.M. 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. 1 DRAFT APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of October 16, 2024, meeting minutes. Vice Chair Hempel motioned to approved the meeting minutes of the October 16, 2024 meeting, seconded by Commissioner Greenberg. The motion was unanimously approved with Commissioner Azhar absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action to recommend initiation of amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to modify permitted uses along Imagine Austin corridors. Commissioner stern presented Chair Flores motioned to recommend initiation of the code amendments to the Planning Commission seconded by Vice Chair Hempel. Commissioner Stern motioned to amend the recommendation add the language “THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that drive-thru services are expressly prohibited for all commercial uses as described in this proposal. This prohibition applies to, but is not limited to, restaurants, banks, pharmacies, and any other commercial establishments utilizing drive-thru operations as part of their service model. All new businesses shall comply with this prohibition. Non-conforming uses established prior to the effective date of this resolution shall be subject to review for potential relocation, discontinuation, or modification in accordance with applicable laws and regulations” seconded by Hempel. Amendment passes 4-0-1 with Commissioner Greenberg abstaining and Commissioner Azhar absent. Commissioner Greenberg motioned to amend the recommendation to add direction to staff to study unintended consequences …
C20-2024-024 Area Planning Process Stevie Greathouse, Division Manager February 19, 2025 Background 2005+ Neighborhood Plans (LDC 25-1, Article 16) TOD Station Area Plans and Regulating Plans (LDC 25-2-766) North Burnet Gateway Master Plan and Regulating Plan (LDC 25-2-767) East Riverside Corridor Master Plan and Regulating Plan (LDC 25-2-768) 2022 City Council approved Resolution No. 20221208-036, which initiated planning for the North Lamar and South Congress Transit Center station areas Resolution No. 20221208-036 2023 City Council approved Resolution No. 20230309-016, which initiated code amendments necessary to support the implementation of the ETOD Policy Plan Resolution No. 20230309-016 2 Summary ▪ Amend Chapter 25-1 of the Land Development Code to add a new section that: – Specifies amendment process for geographically focused land use plans that do not already have a process defined – Provides cross-references to existing plan amendment processes ▪ Topics: – Initiation – Timelines and Notification – Required Community Meeting – Recommendation Criteria ▪ Based on 25-1, Article 16 Neighborhood Plan Amendments 3 Purpose ▪ Prepare for continued transition to new plan types ▪ Clarify amendment process and criteria ▪ Provide a path for property owners to initiate changes ▪ Ensure adequate public notice ▪ Ensure consistent processes where possible 4 Definitions ▪ Defines plans that will be covered by the amendment process— intent is to use this amendment process for station area plans, district plans, and other future plans that include a property- specific future land use map ▪ Defines Director 5 Who Can Initiate Amendments ▪ Property-specific amendment: – Property owner – Council – Planning Commission – Director ▪ Area-wide amendment: – Council – Planning Commission – Director ▪ Neighborhood Plan Contact Teams will not be able to initiate 6 Process and Timelines (Based on NPA Process) ▪ Pre-application meeting required between applicant and staff ▪ Applications may not be submitted less than one year after: – adoption – similar application denial ▪ Notice required, must meet requirements of LDC 25-1-132 ▪ Community meeting required ▪ Expiration and process deadlines ▪ Recommendation criteria ▪ Neighborhood Plan Contact Team (NPCT) provisions from Article 16 will not be incorporated, but NPCTs would continue to receive notice and could participate as community organizations 7 Notice ▪ Notice required for: – Filing – Community Meeting – PC Hearing – Council Hearing ▪ Notice goes to: – Property Owners – Utility Account Holders – Registered Community Organizations – Within 500’ ▪ Applicant …
C20-2024-024 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2024-024 Area Plan Process Amendment Description: Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to specify an amendment process for area plans, including station area vision plans, when the process is not already defined in another section of City code. Proposed Language: Consider an ordinance amending Land Development Code Chapter 25-1 to provide for an amendment process for geographically focused land use plans, such as Station Area Plans. Summary of proposed code amendment Amend Chapter 25-1 of the Land Development Code to add a new section that: • Specifies amendment process for geographically focused land use plans that do not • Provides cross-references to existing plan amendment processes. (Existing processes already have a process defined. would not be amended). The proposed process is generally based on the existing provisions of Chapter 25-1, Article 16 Neighborhood Plan Amendments. See Attachment A for a more detailed summary of the proposal. Background: Initiated by City Council Resolution No. 20230309-016. Over the years, the City has adopted multiple geographically focused land use plans, including Neighborhood Plans and other specialized land use plans such as the East Riverside Corridor Master Plan. Because these plans provide parcel-specific land use guidance, there has been a need to process parcel-specific amendments, including amendment requests from individual property owners as conditions change. In 2008, the City Council adopted an ordinance that created an amendment process for Neighborhood Plans, which is codified in Land Development Code Chapter 25-1, Article 16. As additional types of plans have been created, amendment processes have been codified elsewhere in the Land Development Code, including in Chapter 25-2. On December 12, 2022, City Council approved Resolution No. 20221208-036, which initiated planning for the North Lamar and South Congress Transit Center station areas. On March 9, 2023, City Council approved Resolution No. 20230309-016 accepting the ETOD Policy Plan framework and initiating code amendments necessary to support implementation of the ETOD Policy Plan. 1 As directed by Council, staff has been working to develop ETOD station area vision plans for the North Lamar and South Congress Transit Center station areas and will be bringing proposed plans forward for adoption consideration by April 24, 2025. These proposed plans will include parcel-specific character district-based future land use maps. The proposed code amendment would specify an amendment process for geographically focused land use plans that do not already have a process defined, including station area …
