REGULAR MEETING OF THE CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE DECEMBER 17, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER (PDC), ROOM 2103 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Jordan Feldman at (512) 974-7288, Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Alejandra Flores, Chair Nadia Barrera-Ramirez, Vice Chair Betsy Greenberg Lonny Stern Felicity Maxwell Alice Woods Casey Haney AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up for public communication will each be allowed three minutes to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee meeting on November 19, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve a recommendation to amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to authorize signs with off-premise advertising on kiosks and infrastructure located in the City’s right-of- way and to change requirements related to relocating existing non-conforming off-premise transportation signs improvements. Presentation by Patricia Link, Division Chief, Austin Law. (a/k/a billboards) when required because of relocation is STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Staff briefing on the November 2025 Schedule of Active Code Amendments Gantt Chart. Presentation by Jordan Feldman, Principal Planner, Austin Planning. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Jordan Feldman at Austin Planning, at (512) 974-7288, Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov, to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee, please contact Jordan Feldman at (512) 974-7288, Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov.
RESOLUTION NO. 20241212-138 WHEREAS, electronically controlled changeable-copy signage and interactive wayfinding kiosks can provide quick and concise information about events and services, enhancing communication in public spaces, rights-of-way, and main transportation corridors; and WHEREAS, an efficient, accessible, and reliable transportation system is essential to achieving equitable and sustainable urban mobility; and WHEREAS, real-time electronically controlled changeable-copy transit and bikeshare signage and interactive wayfinding kiosks provide critical, up-to-date information, including transit schedules, bikeshare availability, construction impacts, weather alerts, and public safety and disaster alert notices, empowering users to navigate the growing transportation network and public rights-of-way with confidence; and WHEREAS, integrating public health, mental health, and sobriety service information into transit-oriented signage and interactive wayfinding kiosks promotes community well-being by connecting vulnerable populations to essential resources, further underscoring public transit as a critical lifeline; and WHEREAS, allowing off-premise advertising on interactive way-finding kiosks and transit-oriented signage may be an option to generate additional revenue for government operations, provided that the advertising does not interfere with the City's interests in ensuring traffic safety and protecting aesthetics; and WHEREAS, the implementation of these programs would need to occur without significantly expanding station areas or obstructing sidewalks, ensuring accessibility for mobility-challenged or impaired individuals; and Page 1 of 4 WHEREAS, these programs will align with Austin's broader goals to: 1. Strengthen the use of existing transit lines and future rail corridors; Improve rider and pedestrian experience with real-time information; 2. 3. Reduce unnecessary wait times for individuals with mobility challenges; 4. Address the impacts of extreme weather on transit-dependent communities; and 5. Enable the discovery of critical social services and civic resources. WHEREAS, transit-oriented electronically controlled changeable-copy signage, bikeshare signage, and interactive wayfinding kiosks should not have screens exceeding 65-inches and, for transit stations, 75-inches; and WHEREAS, currently, City Code restricts the placement and relocation of nonconforming signs near residential and community spaces; and WHEREAS, redevelopment that increases residential uses and transportations improvement projects such as Project Connect, expansion of I-35, and other initiatives may require the relocation of non-conforming signs; and WHEREAS, transit-oriented signage and interactive kiosks can create a more inclusive and user-friendly transit system and public rights-of-way that prioritizes equitable access to information for all residents, especially those relying on public transportation; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: The City Council affirms its commitment to building a sustainable, connected, and equitable public transit …
Active Code Amendment Cases November 2025 Case Number Name Description Initiated By Resolution Stage Status Lead Dept Sub Dept C20-2025-TBD Park Improvement Permitting Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to allow for a site plan exemption for the construction of standard neighborhood and pocket park improvements on City parkland, modifying relevant development requirements, and directing the City Manager to explore administrative and code updates necessary to implement the streamlined process. Initiation Anticipating initiation in November 2025 and review and adoption by February 2026. Parks & Recreation C20-2025-018 Downtown Parks Overlay District Modification Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to modify the Downtown Parks Overlay District requirements. Planning Commission Initiation Timeline to be determined. Planning C20-2025-017 UNO Site-Specific Amendment Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to the change the designation of properties located at 900-908 West 22nd Street from the Outer West Subdistrict to the Inner West Subdistrict within the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) boundaries. Planning Commission Initiation Timeline to be determined. Planning C20-2025-016 DDB/Downtown Amendments Phase 1 Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to modify the Downtown Density Bonus program for Core and Rainey subdistricts. City Council 20240718-185 Development and Engagement Anticipating review and adoption by May 2026. Planning C20-2025-015 Coffee Shop Land Use Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to create a new land use for coffee shops and cafes, expand zoning districts to include more uses, and adjust certain zoning tools to encourage neighborhood scale development. City Council 20251009-024 Initiation Timeline to be determined. Planning C20-2025-014 TOD Updates/Rezonings Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to update regulations within the 3 existing TOD boundaries (Plaza Saltillo, MLK, and Lamar Blvd./Justin Lane “Crestview”) to align with ETOD Policy Plan and other recent code amendments such as parking modifications, ETOD Overlay Phase 1, etc. Development and Engagement Anticipating review and adoption by September 2027. Planning C20-2025-013 New Zoning Districts 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 20230720-126 Initiation Anticipating initiation February 2026 and review and adoption by December 2026. Planning C20-2025-012 SB 840 Related Updates to 25- 2 (Phase 2) Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to modify zoning regulations to address unintended consequences of recent …
Lead Case # Code Amendment 2025 2026 2027 NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC SCHEDULE OF ACTIVE CODE AMENDMENTS November 2025 AWP C20-2025-009 Parkland Drainage Easement AP N/A New Zoning Districts Study ADS C20-2024-013 Relocating Non-Zoning Regulations APH C20-2025-005 Tobacco Sales Use AP C20-2025-011 SB 840 Related Updates to 25-2 (Ph. 1) AP C20-2025-004 Life Science Land Use APR C20-2025-TBD Park Improvement Permitting AP C20-2024-004 ETOD Overlay (Ph. 2) + Citywide Density Bonus AP C20-2025-016 DDB/Downtown Amendments Ph. 1 AP C20-2024-003 East Riverside Corridor Plan Update AP C20-2025-013 New Zoning Districts AP C20-2024-018 DDB/Downtown Amendments Ph. 2 AP C20-2025-014 TOD Updates/Rezonings Timelines To Be Determined AP C20-2018-004 Mirrored Glass AWP C20-2022-025 Greenfield Drainage for Redeveloped Sites AP C20-2023-023 Notification Modification AP C20-2023-031 Front or Side Yard Parking Filing Deadlines AP C20-2023-032 Mobile Food Establishment Filing Deadlines AP C20-2023-036 Tenant Notification & Relocation Ph. 2 AP C20-2024-002 NBG Regulating Plan (Signage) AP C20-2024-005 UNO Height Restrictions AP C20-2024-010 UNO Update AP C20-2024-012 NBG Regulating Plan (Bonus Program) AP C20-2024-020 Preservation Bonus Update Ph. 2 AP C20-2025-012 SB 840 Related Updates to 25-2 (Ph. 2) AP C20-2025-015 Coffee Shop Land Use AP C20-2025-017 UNO Site-Specific Amendment AP C20-2025-018 Downtown Parks Overlay District Modification Suspended/Indefinitely Postponed AP C20-2022-003 South Central Waterfront Comb. Dis. & DB ATPW C20-2023-040 Eliminate Min. Parking Requirements Ph. 2 AP C20-2024-017 Planned Development Area 2 (PDA2) AP C20-2024-022 DB for Commercial Hwy. & Industrial (DB240) Staff Recommends Addressing These Items Through More Comprehensive Code Amendments Address by Citywide Density Bonus: AP C20-2023-007 Town Zoning AP C20-2025-002 DB90 Fee-In-Lieu Address by New Zoning Districts: AP C20-2022-018 Noxious Land Uses AP N/A HOME Future Phases AP C20-2023-016 Single Family Ownership Bonus Program Address by UNO Update: AP C20-2024-005 UNO Height Restrictions Address by DDB/Downtown Amendments Ph. 2: AP C20-2024-008 Downtown Parking Modifications Ph. 2 Address by TOD Updates/Rezonings: AP N/A Crestview TOD Update CHART KEY Lead Department ADS Austin Development Services AP Austin Planning APH Austin Public Health APR Austin Parks and Recreation ATPW Austin Transportation and Public Works AWP Austin Watershed Protection Land Development Code Amendment Process Initiation Development and/or Engagement Review and/or Adoption Amendments with Scheduled Review & Adoption Dates Dates for Review and Adoption Planning Commission City Council Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee Other Icons Note: Schedule presented …
RESOLUTION NO. 20241212-138 WHEREAS, electronically controlled changeable-copy signage and interactive wayfinding kiosks can provide quick and concise information about events and services, enhancing communication in public spaces, rights-of-way, and main transportation corridors; and WHEREAS, an efficient, accessible, and reliable transportation system is essential to achieving equitable and sustainable urban mobility; and WHEREAS, real-time electronically controlled changeable-copy transit and bikeshare signage and interactive wayfinding kiosks provide critical, up-to-date information, including transit schedules, bikeshare availability, construction impacts, weather alerts, and public safety and disaster alert notices, empowering users to navigate the growing transportation network and public rights-of-way with confidence; and WHEREAS, integrating public health, mental health, and sobriety service information into transit-oriented signage and interactive wayfinding kiosks promotes community well-being by connecting vulnerable populations to essential resources, further underscoring public transit as a critical lifeline; and WHEREAS, allowing off-premise advertising on interactive way-finding kiosks and transit-oriented signage may be an option to generate additional revenue for government operations, provided that the advertising does not interfere with the City's interests in ensuring traffic safety and protecting aesthetics; and WHEREAS, the implementation of these programs would need to occur without significantly expanding station areas or obstructing sidewalks, ensuring accessibility for mobility-challenged or impaired individuals; and Page 1 of 4 WHEREAS, these programs will align with Austin's broader goals to: 1. Strengthen the use of existing transit lines and future rail corridors; Improve rider and pedestrian experience with real-time information; 2. 3. Reduce unnecessary wait times for individuals with mobility challenges; 4. Address the impacts of extreme weather on transit-dependent communities; and 5. Enable the discovery of critical social services and civic resources. WHEREAS, transit-oriented electronically controlled changeable-copy signage, bikeshare signage, and interactive wayfinding kiosks should not have screens exceeding 65-inches and, for transit stations, 75-inches; and WHEREAS, currently, City Code restricts the placement and relocation of nonconforming signs near residential and community spaces; and WHEREAS, redevelopment that increases residential uses and transportations improvement projects such as Project Connect, expansion of I-35, and other initiatives may require the relocation of non-conforming signs; and WHEREAS, transit-oriented signage and interactive kiosks can create a more inclusive and user-friendly transit system and public rights-of-way that prioritizes equitable access to information for all residents, especially those relying on public transportation; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: The City Council affirms its commitment to building a sustainable, connected, and equitable public transit …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 19, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER (PDC), ROOM 2103 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 DRAFT MEETING MINUTES Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Jordan Feldman at (512) 974-7288, Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Alejandra Flores, Chair - Absent Nadia Barrera-Ramirez, Vice Chair - present Betsy Greenberg - present Casey Haney - present Felicity Maxwell - present Lonny Stern - Absent Alice Woods - Absent AGENDA CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:01PM. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up for public communication will each be allowed three minutes to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee Special Called meeting on September 24, 2025. a. Passes unanimously. Flores, Stern, and Woods absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. Approve a recommendation to amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to allow an administrative variance for a development on parkland owned by the City of Austin. a. Kevin Shunk, Austin Watershed, presents. b. Motion to recommend staff recommendation by Commissioner Haney, seconded by Vice Chair Barrera-Ramirez approved unanimously. Approve the 2026 meeting schedule of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee. a. Approved unanimously on a motion from Commissioner Greenberg and seconded by Commissioner Maxwell. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 6:24PM. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Jordan Feldman at Austin Planning, at (512) 974-7288, Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov, to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee, please contact Jordan Feldman at (512) 974-7288, Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov.
Working Draft for Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee Subject to Change Note: Red text indicates proposed changees to Chapter 25-10 CHAPTER 25-10. SIGN REGULATIONS. § 25-10-4 DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (8) NONCONFORMING SIGN means a sign that was lawfully installed at its current location but does not comply with the requirements of this chapter. (9) OFF-PREMISE SIGN means a sign that displays any message directing attention to a business, product, service, profession, commodity, activity, event, person, institution, or other commercial message which is generally conducted, sold, manufactured, produced, offered, or occurs elsewhere than on the premises where the sign is located. For purposes of this definition, any portion of a lawfully permitted special event where public streets have been closed to traffic in accordance with Title 14 (Use of Streets and Public Property) shall be considered a single premises. (10) ON-PREMISE SIGN means a sign that is not an off-premise sign. (13) PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY means land dedicated or reserved for street right-of-way, utilities, or other public facilities. (14) RIGHT-OF-WAY INSTALLATION means a legally permitted kiosk, bicycle kiosk, bus stop, or transit facility that is located in the public right- of-way. § 25-10-104 SIGNS PROHIBITED IN PUBLIC EASEMENTS AND RIGHT- OF-WAY. (A) A person may not cause or authorize a sign to be installed, used, or maintained on or over public right-of-way or other public property, including any public easement or other public encumbrance over private property, except as authorized by this chapter. (B) The primary beneficiary of any sign installed in violation of this section is presumed to have authorized or caused the installation, use, or maintenance of the sign in violation of this section and commits an offense. (C) Proof of a culpable mental state is not required for conviction of an offense under this section. (D) An offense under this section is punishable by a fine of not less than: (1) $ 50 for a first conviction; (Supp. No. 170) Page 1 of 10 Created: 2025-06-17 17:25:07 [EST] Working Draft for Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee Subject to Change (2) (3) $ 200 for a second conviction within any 24-month period; and $ 400 for a third or subsequent conviction within any 24-month period. (E) To determine the minimum fine under Subsection (D), one or more fines assessed during a 24-hour period beginning at midnight and ending at 11:59 p.m. constitute a single conviction. (F) A person who …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 19, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER (PDC), ROOM 2103 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Jordan Feldman at (512) 974-7288, Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Alejandra Flores, Chair Nadia Barrera-Ramirez, Vice Chair Betsy Greenberg Casey Haney Felicity Maxwell Lonny Stern Alice Woods AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up for public communication will each be allowed three minutes to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee Special Called meeting on September 24, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. Approve a recommendation to amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to allow an administrative variance for a development on parkland owned by the City of Austin. Approve the 2026 meeting schedule of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Jordan Feldman at Austin Planning, at (512) 974-7288, Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov, to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee, please contact Jordan Feldman at (512) 974-7288, Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov.
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) – Present Nadia Barrera-Ramirez (Vice Chair) – Present Betsy Greenberg – Present Lonny Stern – Absent Felicity Maxwell – Present Alice Woods – Present CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:01 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of July 16, 2025, meeting minutes. No comments. Approved unanimously. Motion by Commissioner Greenberg, 2nd by Vice Chair Barrera Ramirez. Commissioners Maxwell and Stern absent. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Senate Bill 840 Briefing. Staff briefing 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 Stevie Greathouse, Austin Planning, presented. 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 Stevie Greathouse, Austin Planning, presented. Commissioner Greenberg moves to limit height to 220ft. Motion fails due to lack of second. The committee did not make a recommendation on this item. 4. Schedule of Active Code Amendments Briefing. Staff briefing on the September 2025 Schedule of Active Code Amendments Gantt Chart. City staff: Jonathan Lee, Austin Planning, (512) 974- …
Affordability Impact Statement City of Austin Parkland Drainage Easements Case number: C20-2025-009 Initiated by: Planning Commission, July 2025 Consent Agenda Date: 9/15/2025 Proposed Regulation The proposed amendment to 25-7-152 (E) of the City Code would add a provision allowing an administrative variance for site development permits on City-owned parkland. If ever the subject property were sold through a process and voter referendum outlined in Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, however, the new property owner would still be required to dedicate the easement as part of any future development per the code. This change is expected to improve fiscal and administrative efficiency for public park development and capital projects. 25-7-152 of the City Code currently requires a property owner to dedicate a public drainage easement encompassing the 100-year floodplain located on their property when they submit a site development permit application. The code already includes provisions allowing the Director to grant an administrative variance under certain circumstances. The Parks and Recreation Department and Watershed Protection Department are in longstanding agreement that the change proposed in this amendment 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 in 25-7-152 (E) will streamline the process and reduce unnecessary administrative work for both departments. Land Use/Zoning Impacts on Housing Costs The proposed changes would have neutral impacts on housing costs: • These proposed changes primarily relate to development and capital projects for public parks and should not affect housing costs or capacity through land use or zoning changes. Impact on Development Cost The proposed changes would have neutral impacts on development cost: • These proposed changes primarily relate to development and capital projects for public parks and should not affect housing development costs or capacity. Impact on Affordable Housing The proposed changes would have neutral impacts on affordable housing: • These proposed changes primarily relate to development and capital projects for public parks and should not affect income-restricted housing costs or capacity. Overall Impact The proposed changes would have neutral overall impact: • These changes to City Code may improve fiscal and administrative efficiency for the Parks and Recreation Department and the Watershed Protection Department, but do not appear to significantly impact housing affordability. The scale of the impact will be: • City of Austin parkland. Other Policy Considerations • N/A Manager’s Signature …
Code Amendment C20-2025-009 Parkland Drainage Easements Austin Watershed Protection | November 19, 2025 Intent of Current Code: Drainage Easements LDC 25-7-152(A) The owner of real property proposed to be developed shall dedicate to the public an easement for stormwater flow to the limits of the 100-year floodplain Ensures that the current and future property owners know that flood risk exists on their property Accomplished by surveying the floodplain area on the property 2 Impacts Under Current Code Requires solicitation and contract negotiation Requires multiple rounds of staff review A Declaration of Use (DOU) requires Real Estate and Legal review Final approval requires multiple levels of executive review, signatures and recording with associated County fees Overall process cost: Consultant for survey (increased significantly over time) Cost of staff time charged to the project (reducing available money for construction) Adds cost/time to the site plan review process Park property remains city-owned unless voter approved for sale through a Chapter 26 process 3 Proposed Code Add public parkland owned by the City of Austin to the list of options for a variance. Would not exempt parkland from following all code requirements for development in the floodplain. If a property is approved for sale, the new owner would be required to dedicate the easement once a subdivision or site plan application is submitted. 4 Proposed Code Language § 25-7-152 - DEDICATION OF EASEMENTS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY E. For property in the full-purpose limits of the city, the director may grant a variance to Subsection (A) if the director determines: 1) development with the variance does not result in additional adverse flooding of other 2) property; and the development: a) is permitted by a variance granted under Section 25-7-92(C) (Encroachments on Floodplain Prohibited); is permitted in a floodplain under Section 25-7-93 (General Exceptions), Section 25-7- 94 (Exceptions in Central Business Area), Section 25-7-95 (Exceptions for Parking Areas), or Section 25-7-96 (Exceptions in the 25-Year Floodplain); is not a building or parking area; is a non-conforming use, as defined by Chapter 25-12, Article 3 (Flood Hazard Areas); or is on parkland owned by the City of Austin. b) c) d) e) 5 Boards and Commissions Review Schedule Meeting Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee: Initiation Recommendation (approved) Date July 16, 2025 Planning Commission: Initiation Recommendation (approved, initiated) August 12, 2025 Parks and Recreation Board: …
C20-2025-009 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2025-009 City of Austin parkland drainage easements LDC 25-7 code amendment Description: Amends 25-7-152 (E) as related to parkland drainage easements. The proposed amendment would allow an administrative variance to not require drainage easements associated with development projects on parkland owned by the City of Austin. Proposed Language: Approve an ordinance amending 25-7-152 (E): to allow for an administrative variance to drainage easement requirements associated with development projects on parkland owned by the City of Austin. Background: Current code requires that property owners dedicate a public drainage easement to the limits of the 100-year floodplain as a part of the site development permit approval process. Additionally, 25-7-152 (E) includes provisions allowing the Director to grant an administrative variance under certain circumstances as described in that section. The purpose of the drainage easement is to alert present and future property owners that there is flood risk on the property. There are limitations on the use of the drainage easement and floodplain areas on the property. These uses are regulated by the floodplain regulations. Importantly, an approved administrative variance waiving the drainage easement requirement does not waive or alter existing restrictions or development requirements within the 100-year floodplain. The proposed amendment would only apply to the dedication of a drainage easement on City of Austin parkland. Additionally, if parkland is later sold through the Chapter 26 process and voter approval, the new property owner would be required to dedicate a drainage easement as part of any future site plan application. The process for the sale of public parkland must follow the requirements outlined in Chapter 26 of the Texas statues which serve as a protection for public parks and recreational lands from programs or projects that would change their use or require taking of public land. A benefit of this proposed code change is to reduce the fiscal and administrative burden on new parkland projects by improving efficiency during the permit review process. Austin Parks and Recreation and Austin Watershed Protection are in agreement that this change is appropriate and beneficial. Currently, each parkland development project must apply for a variance and be approved on a case-by-case basis. Codifying this exception will streamline the process and reduce unnecessary administrative work for both departments. Additionally, there will be no impact or change on maintenance or operational responsibilities as a result of the code amendment. Staff Recommendation: Staff …
CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE DRAFT 2026 MEETING CALENDAR Dates: Third Wednesdays Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 Address: 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Third Wednesday 2026 Dates: • January 21 • February 18 • March 25 (On 4th Wednesday to avoid Spring Break) • April 15 • May 20 • June 17 • July 15 • August 19 • September 16 • October 21 • November 18 • December 16
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 …
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVE CODE AMENDMENTS SEPTEMBER 2025 2025 2026 SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY 2027 JUL JUN AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC LEAD CASE NO. CODE AMENDMENT AP C20-2025-010 CBD AMENDMENTS AWP C20-2025-009 PARKLAND DRAINAGE EASEMENT AP N/A NEW ZONING DISTRICTS STUDY AP C20-2025-011 SB 840 RELATED UPDATES TO 25-2 AP C20-2024-004 ETOD OVERLAY (PH 2) + CITYWIDE DENSITY BONUS AP C20-2024-003 EAST RIVERSIDE CORRIDOR REG. PLAN UPDATE AP C20-2025-013 NEW ZONING DISTRICTS AP C20-2024-018 DDB/DOWNTOWN AMENDMENTS AP C20-2025-014 TOD UPDATES/REZONINGS STAFF RECOMMENDS ADDRESSING THESE ITEMS THROUGH MORE COMPREHENSIVE CODE AMENDMENTS CHART KEY LEAD DEPARTMENT C20-2018-004 MIRRORED GLASS C20-2023-031 FRONT OR SIDE YARD PARKING FILING DEADLINES C20-2023-032 MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT FILING DEADLINES C20-2023-036 TENANT NOTIFICATION AND RELOCATION PH 2 TIMELINES TO BE DETERMINED AP AWP C20-2022-025 GREENFIELD DRAINAGE FOR REDEVELOPED SITES ADS C20-2023-003 SUBSTANDARD LOTS AP C20-2023-023 NOTIFICATION MODIFICATION AP AP AP AP C20-2024-002 NBG REG. PLAN (SIGNAGE) AP C20-2024-010 UNO UPDATE AP C20-2024-012 NBG REG. PLAN (BONUS PROGRAM) ADS C20-2024-013 ARTICLE 9 LANDSCAPING ADS C20-2024-015 TREE PRESERVATION & PLANTING REQUIREMENTS AP C20-2024-020 PRESERVATION BONUS UPDATE PHASE 2 AP C20-2025-004 LIFE SCIENCE LAND USE SUSPENDED/INDEFINITELY POSTPONED AP C20-2022-003 SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT COMB. DIS. & DB ATPW C20-2023-040 ELIMINATE MIN. PARKING REQUIREMENTS PH 2 AP C20-2024-017 PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREA 2 (PDA2) AP C20-2024-022 DB FOR COMMERCIAL HWY & INDUSTRIAL (DB240) ADDRESS BY CITYWIDE DENSITY BONUS: C20-2023-007 TOWN ZONING AP AP C20-2025-002 DB90 FEE-IN-LIEU C20-2022-018 NOXIOUS LAND USES ADDRESS BY NEW ZONING DISTRICTS: AP AP N/A AP C20-2023-016 SINGLE FAMILY OWNERSHIP BONUS PROGRAM HOME FUTURE PHASES ADDRESS BY UNO UPDATE: AP C20-2024-005 UNO HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ADDRESS BY DDB/DOWNTOWN AMENDMENTS: AP C20-2024-008 DOWNTOWN PARKING MODIFICATIONS PH 2 ADDRESS BY TOD UPDATES/REZONINGS: AP N/A CRESTVIEW UPDATE Note: Schedule presented is subject to change based on future changes to priorities, resources, commission and community bandwidth, and additional analysis related to the complexity of particular amendments. Version Date: 8/27/2025 ADS AUSTIN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AP AUSTIN PLANNING ATPW AUSTIN TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS AWP AUSTIN WATERSHED PROTECTION LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT PROCESS INITIATION DEVELOPMENT AND/OR ENGAGEMENT REVIEW AND/OR ADOPTION AMENDMENTS WITH SCHEDULED REVIEW & ADOPTION DATES DATES FOR REVIEW & ADOPTION PLANNING COMMISSION CITY COUNCIL CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE OTHER ICONS SUBSTANTIAL BENEFIT TO HOUSING CAPACITY OR COST N/A NO CASE NUMBER TBD TO BE DETERMINED
