Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee June 15, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. Street Jones Building – Room #400A 1000 E. 11th St, Austin, TX 78702 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating by video conference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. 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 at 512-974-3509 or greg.dutton@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Nadia Barrera-Ramirez (Chair) Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) Awais Azhar Todd Shaw Ann Denkler Jolene Kiolbassa Greg Anderson EXECUTIVE SESSION (No public discussion) The Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee will announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel on matters specifically listed on this agenda. The committee may not conduct a closed meeting without the approval of the city attorney. Private Consultation with Attorney – Section 551.071 CALL TO ORDER 1. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approval of the March 16, 2022, meeting minutes. b. Approval of the May 5, 2022, meeting minutes Facilitator: Chair Barrera-Ramirez City Attorney: None 1 3. REGULAR AGENDA: Previously initiated amendments to the code; offered for discussion and possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission. a. Floodplain Regulations. Discuss and consider an ordinance amending Title 25 of the City Code related to floodplain regulations. City Staff: Jameson Courtney, Watershed Protection Department, (512) 974-3399, Jameson.Courtney@austintexas.gov; (Discussion and/or Possible Action). 4. OTHER BUSINESS a. Update on Potential Upcoming and Current Code Amendments – City Staff: Greg Dutton, Housing and Planning and Department, (512) 974-3509, Greg.Dutton@austintexas.gov; (Discussion and/or Possible Action). 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future agenda items will NOT be discussed at the current meeting, but will be offered for initiation, discussion, and/or possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission at a FUTURE meeting. 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 …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 DRAFT HAS NOT RECEIVED FINAL REVIEW BY LAW DEPARTMENT PART 1. City Code Section 25-7-93 (General Exceptions) is amended to read as follows: § 25-7-93 GENERAL EXCEPTIONS. (A) A development application with a proposed building or parking area that encroaches on the 100-year floodplain may be approved if the encroachment is: (1) a parking area that is smaller than 5,000 square feet or an unoccupied structure that has an area of less than 1,000 square feet, and the director determines that the proposed development: (a) will not have an adverse effect on the 100-year floodplain or surrounding properties; and (b) otherwise complies with the requirements of this title; (2) a new building for residential use that replaces an existing legally constructed building for residential use on the same property and that does not increase the number of legal dwelling units on the property; (3) a new building for commercial use that replaces an existing legally constructed building for commercial use on the same property and: (a) (b) does not increase the building square footage on the property; does not include the following uses as they are defined in the International Building Code: (i) E (Educational); (ii) F (Factory); (iii) H (High Hazard); or (iv) I (Institutional); and Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 DRAFT HAS NOT RECEIVED FINAL REVIEW BY LAW DEPARTMENT (c) does not increase the flood level of parking spaces within the 100-year floodplain unless additional parking is required by another section of this title. (4)[(3)] a building authorized by a waterway development permit issued under Chapter 9-10 before September 25, 1983; or (5)[(4)] a building in the 100-year floodplain of: (b) the Colorado River downstream from Longhorn Dam; (a) Lady Bird Lake; (c) Lake Austin; or (d) Lake Travis. (B) To be approved under this section, development must: (1) be no lower than two feet above the 100-year floodplain, as measured from the lowest floor elevation of any proposed building; (2) (3) (4) comply with the requirements in Chapter 25-12, Article 1, Section 25-12-3 Appendix G (Flood Resistant Construction) and Section 1612 (Flood Loads); compensate for the floodplain …
Atlas 14 – Commercial Redevelopment Exception Watershed Protection Department Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee | June 15, 2022 Floodplain Regulations Update What floodplain rules did we update? What floodplain rules do we recommend updating now? 2 What floodplain rules did we update? Most significant update to our floodplain rules in their 36-year history Goal of updated rules: Protect our residents from flooding based on a better understanding of flood risk with new rainfall information Updated four basic elements of rules • Floodplain definitions • Residential redevelopment exception • Colorado River exception • Freeboard 3 Floodplain Definitions Regulatory 100-yr floodplain = Current FEMA 500-yr floodplain Regulatory 25-yr floodplain = Old COA 100-yr floodplain • Maintain the City’s level of flood protection • Limit construction of new buildings in areas with known flood risk during re- mapping process • Interim definitions until floodplains are re-mapped in 2 - 3 years 4 Residential Redevelopment Exception Administrative approval process floodplain if: 1. Replacement or modification of an existing residential building 2. Does not increase number of dwelling units 3. Finished floor elevation is at least 2 feet above the 100-year floodplain 4. No adverse flooding impact If these 4 conditions are met, the safe access requirement is waived Purpose • Incentivizes development that decreases flood risk • 80% of buildings in the 100-year floodplain are residential • Doesn’t increase the number of dwelling units at risk of flooding • Opens up opportunity for grant Existing condition Re-developed condition funding 5 Option for Minor Improvements to Residential Buildings Administrative approval process for an addition to a residential building in the floodplain if: 1. Finished floor elevation of the addition is at least 2 feet above the 100-year floodplain 2. Not a substantial improvement 3. No adverse flooding impact If these 3 conditions are met, the safe access requirement is waived 6 Colorado River Exception The previous exception allowed for a building to encroach in the 100-year floodplain if it was: • Downstream of Longhorn Dam • Along Lady Bird Lake New rule expands this exception to include: • Lake Austin • Lake Travis (within COA jurisdiction) Lake Travis Purpose • Provide uniform regulations along Colorado River • Colorado River flooding is not flash flooding like rest of City Lake Austin Lady Bird Lake Colorado River downstream of Longhorn Dam 7 7 Freeboard Increase the minimum height between a building’s finished floor and the 100-year floodplain …
C20‐2022‐006 District Creates approach to TBD Fall 2022 LEAD DEPT TBD EST. COUNCIL DATE Late 2022 Development Services Summer 2022 Watershed Protection Fall 2022 Housing and Planning Fall 2022 Parks and Recreation Summer 2022 Watershed Protection Summer 2022 In‐Process Code Amendments 6/13/22 1. AMENDMENT C20‐2022‐008 Capitol Dominance Initiated by Council on 5/19/22 C20‐2022‐007 ADU Initiated by Council on 6/9/22 NOTES Allows properties in CDO to participate in Downtown Density Bonus Program Additional direction and clarification on ADU changes Related to C20‐ 2021‐011 district level planning Amendments to environmental and water quality regulations Relaxes compatibility standards Expands dedication to industrial, commercial, office projects Creates floodplain commercial redevelopment exception uses on commercial properties currently without a residential entitlement opportunity to build ADUs 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Planning Initiated by Council on 6/9/22 C20‐2022‐005 Environmental and Water Quality Initiated by Council on 6/9/22 C20‐2022‐004 Compatibility Changes Initiated by Council on 6/9/22 C20‐2022‐002 Parkland Dedication Expansion Initiated by Council on 4/7/22 C20‐2021‐013 Floodplain Regulations – Commercial Redevelopment Exception Initiated by PC on 12/14/21 in Commercial Initiated by Council on 12/9/21 Expansion Initiated by Council on 12/9/21 C20‐2021‐012 Residential Allows residential Late 2022 Housing and Planning C20‐2021‐011 ADU Expands Development Services Summer 2022 10. C20‐2021‐006 Vertical Changes the Housing and Summer In‐Process Code Amendments 6/13/22 NOTES affordability requirements for properties using VMU Allows additional height for VMU Creates a mechanism for fees to be paid in‐lieu of constructing great streets Update to DDBP fees; possible change to caps on floor area ratio and height Changes to site plan process to expedite affordability unlocked projects Correction to sign regulations for the University Neighborhood Overlay Change to definition of mirrored glass AMENDMENT Mixed Use Affordable Housing Initiated by PC on 7/27/21 Initiated by Council on 11/18/21 C20‐2021‐004 Great Streets Fee‐In‐Lieu Mechanism Initiated by Council 8/22/19 C20‐2021‐003 Downtown Density Bonus Updates Initiated by Council on 4/22/21 C20‐2021‐002 Affordability Unlocked Site Plan Changes Initiated by PC on 3/9/21 C20‐2021‐001 UNO Sign 11. 12. 13. 14. Correction Initiated by PC …
REGULAR MEETING CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday, March 16, 2022 The Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 16, at 1000 E. 11th St, Street Jones Building, Room 400A, Austin, TX 78702. Chair Barrera-Ramirez called the meeting to order at 6:20 pm. Subcommittee Members in Attendance: Awais Azhar Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) Joao Paulo Connolly Nadia Barrera-Ramirez (Chair) City Staff in Attendance: Sam Tedford, Housing and Planning Department CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approval of the February 16, 2022, meeting minutes. A motion was made to approve the minutes by Commissioner Azhar, seconded by Commissioner Hempel. Vote: 4-0. (Commissioners Kiolbassa, Denkler, Shaw absent). 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Meeting Location, Time, and Format. Discuss and consider future COJC meeting location, time, and format; (Discussion and/or Possible Action). Commissioners discussed potential different meeting locations; staff suggested keeping the same meeting date and time at the Street Jones Building, as it would be more efficient for staff and no changes would be required. Commissioners agreed to maintain the current date, time, and location of the COJC, without objection. 3. POTENTIAL CODE AMENDMENTS: Proposed for Discussion and/or Initiation Potential amendments to the code are offered for discussion and/or possible recommendation for initiation. If initiated, Staff will research the proposal and report back to the subcommittee. Facilitator: Commissioner Barrera-Ramirez, Chair of COJC City Attorney: None 1 a. None. 4. REGULAR AGENDA: Previously Initiated Previously initiated amendments to the code are offered for discussion and possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission. a. Vertical Mixed Use. Consider an ordinance amending Title 25 of the City Code related to vertical mixed use (VMU) buildings. City Staff: Sam Tedford, Housing and Planning and Department, (512) 974-2613, sam.tedford@austintexas.gov; (Discussion and/or Possible Action). Commissioner Azhar gave an update of the VMU PC working group recommendations, and Sam Tedford from Housing and Planning answered questions about ongoing, in- process VMU amendments. A motion was made to forward the working group recommendations to the Planning Commission, with the additional recommendation that parking reductions up to 80% should be considered, by Commissioner Azhar, seconded by Commissioner Connolly. Vote: 4-0. (Commissioners Kiolbassa, Denkler, Shaw absent). 5. OTHER BUSINESS b. Update on Potential Upcoming and Current Code Amendments – City Staff: Greg Dutton, Housing and Planning and Department, (512) 974-3509, Greg.Dutton@austintexas.gov; (Discussion and/or Possible Action). The item was not discussed and no action was taken. …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE MINUTES Thursday, May 5, 2022 The Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee convened in a regular meeting on Thursday, May 5, at 1000 E. 11th St, Street Jones Building, Room 400A, Austin, TX 78702. Chair Barrera-Ramirez called the meeting to order at 6:10 pm. Subcommittee Members in Attendance: Ann Denkler Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) Awais Azhar Todd Shaw Jolene Kiolbassa City Staff in Attendance: Susan Daniels, Corridor Program Office Donna Galati, Project Connect Office Liz Johnston, Watershed Protection Katie Coyne, Watershed Protection CALL TO ORDER 3. NEW BUSINESS a. None. 4. OLD BUSINESS 1. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. a. None. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approval of the March 16, 2022, meeting minutes. The item was postponed to a future agenda without objection. Facilitator: Commissioner Hempel, Vice Chair of COJC City Attorney: None 1 a. None. 5. POTENTIAL CODE AMENDMENTS: Proposed for Discussion and/or Initiation Potential amendments to the code are offered for discussion and/or possible recommendation for initiation. If initiated, Staff will research the proposal and report back to the subcommittee. a. South Central Waterfront Regulating Plan. Consider initiation of amendments to Title 25 of the City Code related to the South Central Waterfront planning area. City Staff: Greg Dutton, Housing and Planning and Department, (512) 974-3509, greg.dutton@austintexas.gov; (Discussion and/or Possible Action). Greg Dutton went over the need for an amendment to Title 25 to be initiated to implement the South Central Waterfront Regulating Plan, which is a bonus program that will be amended to the LDC, much the way the University Neighborhood Overlay works today. This item was combined with the briefing item on the same topic. A motion was made to recommend that the Planning Commission initiate the item, by Commissioner Azhar, seconded by Commissioner Shaw. Vote: 5-0. (Commissioner Barrera- Ramirez absent). An amendment to the motion was made by Commissioner Kiolbassa, seconded by Commissioner Denkler, vote 5-0 (Commissioner Barrera-Ramirez absent), to add the following items: - - A summary of differences in entitlements between baseline zoning and bonus entitlements - Exploration of possible funding to do outreach and community engagement Exploration of funding for an analysis of costs and benefits of the plan 6. REGULAR AGENDA: Previously Initiated Previously initiated amendments to the code are offered for discussion and …
