Special Called Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee April 1, 2024, 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 at 512-974-7288 or email Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov. Jordan Feldman, the board call or register, liaison, CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Claire Hempel (Chair) Alejandra Flores (Vice-Chair) Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Betsy Greenberg Felicity Maxwell 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 the March 20, 2024, meeting minutes. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2022-003 South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 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. City Staff: Erica Leak, Planning Department, (512) 974-9375, Erica.Leak@austintexas.gov. 3. C20-2023-045 Site Plan Lite Phase 2 and Infill Plats. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 related to development regulations applicable to residential re- subdivisions and multi-family residential site development of five to sixteen units. City Staff: Brent Lloyd, Development Services Department, (512) 974-2974, Brent.Lloyd@austintexas.gov. 4. Update on Potential Upcoming and Active Code Amendments: City Staff: Jordan Feldman, Planning Department, (512) 974-7288, Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov, and Paul Books, Planning Department, (512) 974-3173, Paul.Books@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. …
Key Adjustments to the South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program March 27, 2024 The South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus program underwent a one-month public input process. As a result, feedback was provided by community members, Boards and Commissions, staff, and other stakeholders. Staff consolidated and assessed the feedback to determine recommended adjustments to the draft code for the South Central Waterfront. The following is a list of the key changes made in the draft code as a result of the discussion, using the following key as the source of the adjustment: Boards and Commissions, Public Input, and/or Staff. Key: Source of Input Boards and Commissions Public Staff District Boundary and Subdistricts Source Adjustment Section 1.2 Section 3.3.2 District boundaries were further expanded to include three properties on the western side of the South Central Waterfront. See the updated map for detail. To underscore the commitment to transit-oriented development in the area, the FAR was adjusted to properties near to the proposed Project Connect station on the north side of East Riverside Drive. See the updated map for detail. Height limits have been added to Subdistricts 1 through 4. They are: 1 - 120', 2 - 240', 3 - 300', 4 - 600'. Subdistrict 5 remains with unlimited height. This adjustment reinforces and improves the density gradient from the closest areas to downtown being the most dense, and for the density to transition down as one moves further away from downtown. Section 3.3.2 - 1 - Land Use Source Adjustment Cocktail Lounges above 3,500sf in size will trigger the need for a conditional use permit. The conditional use permit process will better assist in the review and regulation of entertainment / nightlife noise disturbances. The Custom Manufacturing land use has been limited to 2,500sf. The limitation will deter larger single-purpose land uses and encourage more flexible development that supports smaller creative businesses. Section 2.3.1(C)(4) Section 2.3.1(D)(1) Adjustment Section 2.7(C) Section 4.4.3 Shade provisions increased for cantilevered, affixed, and freestanding options. Trees will still be the dominant shade mechanism, but this change allows for strong urban design and diversity in design of the urban space. This is also consistent with activities in other urban areas in the city. An additional internal circulation route type with a bicycle lane was added. This addition increases bicycle connectivity within the South Central Waterfront area and facilitates safe separation of …
South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program COJC April 1, 2024 South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan Adopted June 6, 2016 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Initiated the creation of an “Optional Regulating Plan” later changed to a Combining District and Density Bonus Program. 2 Approach Since Council Resolution The SCW regulations will be implemented by: – Council adoption of an optional set of regulations and bonus program through the creation of a Combining District and a Density Bonus Program (spring 2024). – City-initiated rezoning of non PDA, PUD, and Planned Development Agreement properties in the district (summer 2024). First reevaluation within 1-2 years. 3 District Boundary Expansion 4 Combining District Density Bonus General Provisions (Policies, procedures, and who can participate) Land Use Standards (Permitted and conditional land uses) Development Standards (What can be built and where) Design Standards (How it will look) Definitions Procedures/Requirements “Gate Keeper” Requirements – – – Affordable Housing Environmental Protection Improved Streetscape and Built Environment In-Lieu Fees and Dedications On-Site Community Benefits Eligible for Bonus Area 5 5 Subdistricts and FAR Council approval is required to exceed FAR maximums and heights Density Distribution Areas (DDAs) • FAR maximums apply to each DDA separately. • No larger than 90,000 sq. ft. • Internal circulation routes required along DDA divisions. Project Connect Rail Alignment 6 Bonus Program Structure (For Additional FAR Beyond Base) Gate Keeper Requirements Onsite Affordable Housing (Fee for Non-Residential) Enhanced Environmental Protections Streetscape & Built Environment First Then (To Reach Up to FAR / Height Subdistrict Maximums) 70% In-Lieu Fees & Dedications Affordable Housing (extra on-site affordable units credited; Affordable Housing Investment Area) Parks (dedications credited; boundary as defined by typical Parks fees) Infrastructure (supports SCW directly) 30% On-Site Community Benefits *Affordable Creative Space Open Space & Park Buildout Child / Adult Care Cultural Uses Transit-Supportive Infrastructure Grocery Store Music Venues Public Art 7 Affordable Housing 5% of housing on-site up to 3:1 FAR must be affordable. May be: At full buildout, it is estimated: The SCW Bonus Program could produce – Affordable rental units at 60% MFI, – Or if Condos: 481 On-site Affordable Units compared to – Affordable ownership units (condos) at 80% MFI, or – A fee-in-lieu for ownership units. 527 Affordable Units anticipated in the 2016 Vision Plan. 8 ^ *For artistic rendering purposes only ^ Required dispersion of affordable units throughout the residential units Key* Recommended …
C20-2022-003 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET C20-2022-003 South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program. Amendment: Description: Conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 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; to establish boundaries for the new zoning districts located in the vicinity commonly known as the South Central Waterfront; and initiating zoning and rezoning for all properties within the South Central Waterfront District except those with Planned Unit Development zoning, Planned Development Area zoning, and subject to Planned Development Agreement, and initiate necessary neighborhood plan amendments for the properties located in the new zoning district’s boundaries. Background: On June 16, 2016, the South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan (Vision Plan) was adopted as an amendment to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan. As defined in the Vision Plan, the South Central Waterfront district encompasses roughly 118 acres. The intent of the Vision Plan was to leverage forecasted development through a districtwide approach that creates a dynamic people-centered district in Central Austin by: - Establishing a lively, attractive pedestrian environment; - Expanding open space and creating great public places; - Enhancing connections to and along the waterfront; and - Providing 20% new affordable housing units, or approximately 527 affordable units in the district. A districtwide approach had been identified as an essential method in realizing the intent of the Vision Plan. Through this approach, the South Central Waterfront is hoped to become a model for how a districtwide green infrastructure system, paired with quality urban design, can provide an interconnected network of public spaces – streets, streetscapes, lakeside trails, and parks – that provides the framework for redevelopment and districtwide value capture to fund other community benefits, such as affordable housing. The urban development envisioned in the Vision Plan requires modifications to the existing zoning and development regulations. To support the development envisioned in the Vision Plan, the City Council passed Resolution Number 20220915-090 on September 15, 2022, to initiate the development of regulations for the South Central Waterfront area. In the resolution, Council asked staff to create regulations that consider today’s market realities, anticipate future demand, and realize the intent of the Vision Plan to: 1 C20-2022-003 - Create a density bonus program “akin” to …
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET C20-2023-045 Amendment: C20-2023-045 Site Plan Lite Phase 2 & Infill Plats Description: These proposed amendments to respond to separate council initiatives: Resolution No. 20221201-048 (“Site Plan Lite”) and Resolution No. 20230504-023 (“Infill Plats”). The amendments, which will be included in a single ordinance, facilitate development of missing middle housing. Background: — Site Plan Lite Phase 2 On December 1, 2022, City Council approved Resolution No. 20221201-048 initiating Land Development Code (“LDC”) amendments to facilitate the creation of missing middle housing by scaling site plan review requirements for residential projects of three to sixteen units. As Phase 1 of the project, Council adopted Ordinance No. 20230720-158 on July 20, 2023, creating a site plan exemption for projects having four or fewer residential units. For a few months following passage of the ordinance, DSD required projects utilizing the new process to obtain formal “site plan exemptions,” which is an added step beyond obtaining a residential building permit. Following passage of the initial HOME amendments, which modified the definition of “multi-family,” DSD now routes projects of one to three units directly to residential review without requiring a site plan exemption. These proposed amendments would complete Council’s direction from Resolution No. 20221201-048 by establishing a more streamlined review process for projects of 5 to 16 units located on a single lot. — Infill Plats On May 4, 2023, Council approved Resolution No. 20230504-023 initiating LDC amendments to facilitate the creation of infill lots within existing residential subdivisions, with the goal of expanding opportunities for “fee simple” ownership and easing the impact of non-zoning regulations on residential re-subdivisions. The proposed amendments would achieve this objective by modifying non-zoning regulations for infill development, thereby establishing a more streamlined review process. Summary of Proposed Code Amendment: Below is a general summary of amendments proposed to implement the Infill Plat and Site Plan Lite resolutions. Modified Drainage Regulations Background LDC Sec. 25-8-211(B)(3) exempts development with up to 8,000 square feet of impervious cover from the requirement to provide water quality controls on sites located outside of the Barton Springs Zone. However, the code provides no similar exemption for drainage regulations. This means that I. — 1 infill re-subdivisions and small-scale site plans are required to meet detention standards similar to those required for large-scale multi-family and commercial projects. The proposed amendments would tailor drainage regulations more closely to the scale and intensity of residential …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee March 20, 2024, 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 at 512-974-7288 or email Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov. Jordan Feldman, the board call or register, liaison, COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Claire Hempel (Chair) Alejandra Flores (Vice-Chair) Greg Anderson Felicity Maxwell Lonny Stern COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT Awais Azhar Betsy Greenberg CITY STAFF PRESENT Jordan Feldman, Planning Department Paul Books, Planning Department Donald Jackson, Economic Development Department CALL TO ORDER Chair Hempel called the meeting to order at 6:04 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1 DRAFT Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. No speakers signed up for public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the February 21, 2024, meeting minutes. On a motion by Vice Chair Flores, seconded by Commissioner Maxwell, the minutes from the February 21st, 2024, meeting were approved unanimously (5-0) with Commissioners Greenberg and Azhar absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2023-026 Live Music and Creative Space Bonus Phase 2. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to create a Creative Combining District and Development Bonus Program to enhance the development and preservation of live music venues and creative sector businesses. City Staff: Donald Jackson, Economic Development Department, (512) 974- 2214, DonaldE.Jackson@austintexas.gov. Chair Hempel motion to recommend the amendment to Planning Commission seconded by Commissioner Maxwell 5-0, Commissioners Greenberg Azhar absent. 3. Update on Potential Upcoming and Active Code Amendments: City Staff: Jordan Feldman, Planning Department, (512) 974-7288, Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov. DISCUSSION ITEMS Jordan Feldman presented. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 7:19 pm. 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 …
Affordability Impact Statement South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program Case number: C20-2022-003 Date: March 27, 2024 Proposed Regulation • The proposed code amendments will create the South Central Waterfront Combining District (SCWCD) and the South Central Waterfront Density Bonus (SCWDB). The SCWCD is established to implement the intent of the 2016 South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan (Vision Plan). The SCWDB will allow for additional density beyond the South Central Waterfront SCWCD standard regulation in exchange for implementing certain design criteria and providing community benefits. • The affordable housing component includes: o Require 5% of housing on-site within 3:1 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) must be affordable For rental units: • 60% MFI; or For ownership units: • 80% of ownership units; or • A fee in lieu equivalent to the otherwise required on-site set-aside percentage of the total residential units, including the mix of bedrooms required, at the rate set in the fee schedule at the time of final site plan submission. • Apart from meeting the on-site requirements within the 3:1 FAR, up to 70% of the additional bonus area can be attained through fees-in-lieu and dedications. These fees-in-lieu will be equally allocated among affordable housing, parks, and infrastructure. • The funds designated for affordable housing will be spent within a boundary delineated by Ladybird Lake to the North, E Ben White to the South, IH-35 to the East, and MoPac to the West and within a ½ mile of a rail stop or ¼ mile of a bus stop. • Recently, the City Council approved changes to City Code Chapter 4-18, impacting both residential and non-residential redevelopment. These changes included regulations for density bonus programs, with specific focus on residential redevelopment requirements. Initially, the ordinance called for the replacement of all units affordable to households earning 80% or less of the Median Family Income (MFI). However, subsequent collaboration among various City departments led staff to conclude that a more finely-tuned threshold for triggering unit replacement under this requirement would be to replace existing units affordable to a household earning 60% MFI or below. This adjustment aligns with the goals outlined in the Strategic Housing Blueprint, prioritizing deeper levels of affordability, and aiming to enhance participation in density bonus programs. Staff recommends bringing forward an item on a future Council agenda to update this provision of Chapter 4-18. • The staff proposal for redevelopment …
South Central Waterfront Advisory Board RECOMMENDATION 20240401-XXX Date: Subject: April 1, 2024 Recommendation to remove or exclude height limits from the SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT COMBINING DISTRICT & DENSITY BONUS PROGRAM Ryan Puzycki Seconded By: Felicity Maxwell Motioned By: Description of Recommendation to Council Height limits should be removed or excluded from the South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program. Rationale: Given the difficulty of predicting future market conditions, the decades-long redevelopment timeline for the district, the significant variability of parcel sizes within the district, and the other prescriptions in the South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program, arbitrary height limits would serve to limit flexibility and adaptability to future market conditions, particularly on smaller parcels. As a transit-connected district facing Downtown, a significant portion of which already falls within the Downtown Public Improvement District, the South Central Waterfront will become an integrated extension of Downtown over time. The Core/Waterfront and Rainey Street Districts in the Downtown Austin Plan, which comprise the northern banks opposite the South Central Waterfront, are also not subject to height limits but remain regulated by FAR limits. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 1 of 1 South Central Waterfront Advisory Board RECOMMENDATION 20240401-XXX Date: Subject: April 1, 2024 Recommendation to amend SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT COMBINING DISTRICT & DENSITY BONUS PROGRAM to direct the Director of the Housing Department to allocate funds from the Housing Trust Fund Fee-in-Lieu to purchase existing housing units within a refined Affordable Housing Fee Spending Area Ryan Puzycki Seconded By: Felicity Maxwell Motioned By: Description of Recommendation to Council Proceeds allocated to the Housing Trust Fund Fee-in-Lieu should be spent to purchase existing housing stock within a refined Affordable Housing Fee Spending Area, as defined by the walkshed of the district and current or planned transit lines transecting or terminating in the district, bound by the borders defined in Section 6.4.E.1.b. Rationale: Given the high cost of building new housing units, affordable or otherwise, in the South Central Waterfront District, the city should allocate funds from the Housing Trust to purchase existing, cheaper housing units within or as close to the district and nearby transit as possible. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 1 of 1 South Central Waterfront Advisory Board RECOMMENDATION 20240401-XXX Date: Subject: April 1, 2024 Recommendation to amend the boundaries of the Housing …
Infill Plats & Site Plan Lite, Part 2: Overview of Staff Proposal Codes & Ordinances Joint Committee | April 1, 2024 Brent Lloyd, DSD Development Officer Agenda Items • Discuss proposed code amendments for: 1. Infill Plats 2. Site Plan Lite, Part 2 • Questions & Answers Infill Plats Subdivision Overview Subdivision Plats • The division of land into one or more lots for the purpose of sale, transfer, development, or extension of utilities. • Unless an exception applies, only land within an approved subdivision plat may be developed. • Infrastructure and amenities dedicated at subdivision serve multiple lots, which can then be developed independently. — Commercial & Residential Subdivisions Subdivision Overview (cont’d) Subdivision Types and Order of Process • Preliminary Plan • Final Plat • Subdivision Construction Plans • Re-subdivision Effect of Subdivision on Residential Development • “Fee Simple” Ownership vs. “Condominium Regimes” Greenfield Subdivision Subdivision Construction Plan - Build Infrastructure Residential Subdivision Infill Plats – Challenges • In the platting context, “infill” is the re- subdivision of lots in existing single-family subdivisions into new, smaller lots. • Current regulations, particularly drainage & water quality, are tailored to greenfield subdivisions rather than residential infill. Infill Plat Process - Council Direction Goals of Resolution No. 20230504-023: • Establish an efficient process to create infill lots within residential subdivisions, thereby facilitating fee-simple ownership and small-lot development form. • Right-size regulations to the scale and intensity of infill development. • Explore making waivers and variances administrative. • Include other changes to facilitate creation of infill lots. Subdivision-Related Improvements Adopted in 2023 Ordinance No. 20230831-141 • Eliminated commission approvals for plats, which means all applications without variances may be approved by staff. • Streamlined application submittal requirements. • Extended application deadlines. • Modified flag lot regulations. Summary of Infill Plat Proposal Response to Resolution No. 20230504-023 • Targeted changes to regulations for residential resubs. aimed at: — Making the process more efficient and less costly for small-lot developments that are comparable in scale & intensity to development currently permitted under HOME 1. — Ensuring that drainage requirements are: Right-sized to infill development Sufficient to ensure that development does not increase risk of lot-to-lot flooding. Infill Plat Proposal (cont’d) Drainage Plan In-Lieu of Onsite Detention & Drainage Studies • For resubdivisions of platted residential lots, onsite detention & drainage studies would not be required for development that: — Does not exceed: (b) …
