REGULAR MEETING OF THE CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026, 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 CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Felicity Maxwell Chris Gannon Casey Haney AGENDA 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. 2. Approve the minutes of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee Special Called meeting on September 24, 2025. Approve the minutes of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee meeting on February 18, 2026. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. C20-2024-004 Citywide Density Bonus Program. Approve a recommendation to Planning Commission to amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to adopt a new citywide density bonus program that will replace Density Bonus 90 (DB90) and Vertical Mixed Use (V) combining districts and consist of five new combining districts that allow additional height and land uses and relax site development standards and compatibility in exchange for providing affordable housing and meeting certain requirements. 4. C20-2026-003 Amendments Related to Transit System Projects. Approve a recommendation to Planning Commission to amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) and amend Ordinance No. 20221115-048 to modify development review processes, methods to demonstrate water quality compliance, street design, and utility infrastructure design for the design and construction of certain transit system projects and related transit system infrastructure. 5. Officer Elections. Conduct elections for Chair and Vice Chair. 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. …
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- …
CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE DRAFT MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER (PDC), ROOM 2103 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 The Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Flores called the codes and Ordinances Joint Committee Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Alejandra Flores, Chair Betsy Greenberg Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Felicity Maxwell Lonny Stern Casey Haney joined the commission late at 6:47 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee meeting on December 2025. 17, The minutes from the Codes and Ordinance Joint Committee regular meeting on December 17, 2025, was approved unanimously on a 4-0 vote on a motion by Commissioner Greenberg, seconded by Chair Flores. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve a recommendation to the Planning Commission to amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to modify existing requirements and establish new requirements related to rezoning applications. that give notice of zoning and the posting of signs The motion to approve the recommendation to Planning Commission to amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to modify existing requirements and establish new requirements related to the posting of signs that give notice of zoning and rezoning DRAFT CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026 applications was approved on Commissioner Greenberg’s motion, seconded by Commissioner Maxwell on a vote 4-0 with the following changes: a. Revert 25-1-136 (B) to current code b. Change 25-1-136 (E) to “Require at least one street sign on every street frontage and require at least one sign every 200 feet along street frontage up to a maximum of three signs and a total of ten total.” c. Only applicable for the subject tract STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Staff briefing on the February 2026 Schedule of Active Code Amendments Gantt Chart. Presentation by Jordan Feldman, Principal Planner, Austin Planning. Jordan Feldman presented. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The motion to approve an election for Chair and Vice Chair at the April 15, 2026, meeting was approved unanimously on a 5-0 vote on a motion by Chair Flores, seconded by Commissioner Greenberg. ADJOURNMENT Chair Flores adjourned the meeting at 6:53 …
Citywide Density Bonus Program Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee Briefing | April 15, 2026 Agenda ▪ Housing Affordability in Austin ▪ Density Bonus Programs ▪ What We’ve Heard ▪ Citywide Density Bonus Program Proposal ▪ Next Steps + Q&A Source: City of Austin 2 Housing Affordability in Austin Austin's Affordability Challenges Because Austin has seen population growth over recent decades and housing production has not kept up with this growth, housing costs have increased, making it more difficult for residents to find affordable housing. Affordable housing is a priority in policy initiatives for the City, including the City's historic investment in Project Connect. Source: City of Austin 4 Project Connect Project Connect includes investment in new light rail, a second commuter rail, and new high-frequency, high- capacity bus rapid transit (BRT) lines. New transit investment is often tied to housing development nearby, but new units can be unaffordable to those who rely on transit most. Policy efforts can increase the proportion of affordable housing in project areas so that new transit can meaningfully serve all Austinites. Source: CapMetro 5 Austin's Affordable Housing Needs ▪ The 2017 Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint set a goal of creating 60,000 new affordable units over 10 years while preserving existing affordable housing. ▪ The Blueprint advocates for the use of various strategies and tools, including: o Public subsidies and grants o Public-private partnerships o Fee waivers o Tax incentives o Density bonuses 6 Austin's Affordable Housing Needs ▪ Affordability is measured using Median Family Income (MFI). ▪ These figures help determine income limits for affordable housing programs, ensuring that rent levels or home sales prices are aligned with what families at various income levels can afford. Austin MFI Level Annual Income (4-person household) Monthly Rent Limit (2-bedroom) 30% 50% 60% 80% $40,150 $903 $66,900 $1,506 $80,280 $1,807 $104,200 $2,345 100% $133,800 $3,010 120% $160,550 $3,612 Source: City of Austin, US Department of Housing and Urban Development 7 Austin's Affordable Housing Needs ▪ A recent housing gap analysis found that, generally: Austin MFI Level Annual Income (4-person household) Monthly Rent Limit (2- Bedroom) o Households at 80% MFI and above ($104,200 for a four-person household) are able to find rental housing that is affordable to them. o The greatest need is at and below 50% MFI ($66,900 for a four-person household). 30% 50% 60% 80% $40,150 $903 $66,900 $1,506 $80,280 $1,807 $104,200 $2,345 100% $133,800 $3,010 …
ORDINANCE NO. 20221115-048 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE TITLE 25 AND CHAPTER 9-2 TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN TRANSIT SYSTEM PROJECTS AND RELATED TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: Project Connect is the City's high-capacity transit system expansion, PART 1. which will ultimately consist of a light rail network, an expanded bus system, transportation terminals and stations, maintenance facilities, and all associated improvements necessary for operation of the transit system. To facilitate the construction ofthis critical transportation infrastructure, certain modifications and waivers to City Code are necessary to ensure the construction of a high-capacity transit system. This ordinance and the attached Exhibits A and B consist of the PART 2. "Transit System Project Regulations". Development ofthe Transit System Project shall conform to the limitations and conditions set forth in this ordinance. If this ordinance and the attached exhibits conflict, this ordinance controls. Except as otherwise provided by this ordinance, all other rules, regulations, and ordinances of the City apply. PART 3. The attached exhibits are incorporated into this ordinance in their entirety as though set forth fully in the text of this ordinance. The exhibits are as follows: A. Transit System Project Map B. Light Rail Construction Noise and Mitigation Plan Requirements PART 4. Definitions. A. Transit System Project means a transportation project generally depicted on Exhibit A with any related appurtenances, including but not limited to a rail and public transit line, rail station, or a transportation terminal, funded by a public entity. B. Unless otherwise specifically defined, all terms in this ordinance shall have the meaning established in Title 25 of Code of the City of Austin, Texas (the .,Land Development Code"). Page 1 0f 3 A Transit System Project for light rail lines or any associated PART 5. infrastructure necessary to construct the light rail lines must comply with a noise and mitigation plan approved by the City that meets the requirements listed in Exhibit B. To the extent there is a conflict with Chapter 9-2 (Noise and Amplified Soundj, the approved noise and mitigation Plan will control. PART 6. Transit System Uses A. The use of a site for a traction powered substation is a Local Utility Service use as described in City Code Section 25-2-6(28). B. The use of a site for the provision of maintenance, repair, vehicular or equipment servicing, material storage, or similar activities for …
Affordability Impact Statement Transit System Projects Amendments Case number: C20-2026-003 Initiated by: Resolution No. 20211029-003 Date: 4/2/2026 Proposed Regulation The proposed amendment changes the Transit System Ordinance (20221115-048) adopted in 2022 to add additional streamlining elements with a focus on project-specific technical regulation. The local justification of this ordinance is to streamline the review process for Light Rail to help the efficiency of the funds and resources devoted to the effort. The ordinance streamlines local regulations and criteria for the Light Rail project, while not changing the intended outcomes of these regulations and criteria. This project-specific ordinance only affects the departments that perform reviews and the affected department’s utilities. Watershed Protection, Development Services, Austin Water, Austin Energy, Transportation Public Works, and Planning have been directly involved with the drafting of their sections of the revised ordinance, ensuring the changes will streamline reviews, especially that of variances, and reduce review time/effort. Proposed changes include: • There are technical spacing requirements for utilities - project specific/constrained criteria, project specific criteria for water quality. • Allowing for the Limits of Construction within a site plan to be non-contiguous. • Reviewing Heritage Trees administratively rather than by Commission (borrowed from school district ordinance). • Revoke an unused 4th street ordinance that limited utilities. • Requiring that the construction of the light rail itself comply with the Project Connect Design Criteria (PCDC) for sidewalk standards. 1 Land Use/Zoning Impacts on Housing Costs The proposed changes would have neutral impacts on housing costs. Impact on Development Cost The proposed changes would have neutral impacts on development costs. Impact on Affordable Housing The proposed changes would have neutral impacts on affordable housing: Overall Impact The proposed changes would have a neutral overall impact: • The proposed amendment applies only to Transit System Projects and does not alter the intended outcomes of existing criteria or regulations. Its primary effect is to streamline project‑specific technical reviews for the Light Rail program, reducing staff time and administrative effort while aligning with citywide goals for regulatory efficiency and implementation of Project Connect. • While streamlining transit projects can indirectly support broader affordability goals by improving access to reliable transportation, this amendment does not directly affect housing development, costs, or affordability. Other Policy Considerations • None at this time. Manager’s Signature ______________________________________________________________ 2
WORKING DRAFT FOR AMENDMENT TO PROJECT CONNECT ORDINANCE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE CHANGES PART 1. On November 15, 2022, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 20221115-048 (the “Original Ordinance”), approving the Transit System Project Regulations to facilitate the construction of Project Connect (“Project”), the City’s high-capacity transit system expansion. PART 2. The attached exhibits are incorporated into this ordinance in their entirety as though set fully in the text of this ordinance. The exhibits are as follows: Exhibit A and A-1: Transit System Project Map Exhibit C: Preliminary Water Quality Treatment Map PART 3. This ordinance and the attached exhibits amend the Original Ordinance as amended for the Transit System Project Regulations, modifying conditions and replacing any likewise named or identified exhibits in the Original Ordinance as amended. Development of and uses for the Transit System Project shall conform to the limitations and conditions set forth in this ordinance and in the attached exhibits. If this ordinance and the attached exhibits conflict, this ordinance controls. Except as otherwise specifically provided by this ordinance, all other rules, regulations and ordinances of the City of Austin (“City”) apply to a Transit System Project. PART 4. This ordinance repeals Ordinance No. 000309-114. PART 5. Code Modifications. The following code modifications apply to a Transit System Project. (A) General Requirements and Procedures (1) City Code Section 25-1-21(108) (Definitions, Site) is modified to provide that a site can be a noncontiguous area and may cross a public street or right-of-way. (2) The Director of Austin Development Services may allow development to be reviewed and approved in multiple layers within one overall site plan. (B) Transportation (1) City Code Section 25-6-171 (Standards for Design and Construction) is modified to allow Project Connect Design Criteria to supersede any conflicting requirements in Chapter 25-6 (Transportation), subject to final approval by the City Traffic Engineer or Director of Austin Transportation and Public Works. (2) Notwithstanding any provision in Title 25 (Land Development) excluding Chapter 25- 2 (Zoning), the planting of street trees in the right-of-way shall follow the criteria of this subsection. WORKING DRAFT FOR AMENDMENT TO PROJECT CONNECT ORDINANCE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE CHANGES (a) Street trees planted in the right-of-way can have a horizontal clearance from the outer edge of the root barrier to the outer edge of an existing storm drain that is running parallel to the light rail alignment of: (i) five feet; or (ii) three …
Transit System Projects Ordinance Amendment Austin Project Connect | April 15, 2026 Transit System Projects Ordinance Response to: Resolution No. 20211029-003 which directed staff to: • Review City Code, criteria manuals, and permitting procedures to identify impediments to the design, construction, implementation, and operation of Project Connect • Develop new regulations and procedures to address those impediments Foundational ordinance approved by Council on Nov. 15, 2022 Established home for Transit System Project regulations Modified permitting tools to accommodate Austin Light Rail Anticipated additional impediments would be identified as project progressed Amendments address these issues and support the project as it enters final design 2 Components of this Ordinance 1. Site Plan Modification 2. Removal of Outdated Utility Policy 3. Austin Light Rail Streetscape Standards 4. Austin Light Rail Water Quality Compliance Program 5. Administrative Review of Heritage Trees 6. Administrative Rule Modifications 3 1. Site Plan Modifications To facilitate the permitting process for Austin Light Rail site plans will be allowed to have non-contiguous limits of construction (LOC). Refresher: Site Plan Layers Tool Modified from Fast Tracks tool. Allows construction to begin on permitted layers while future layers in design. Provides variety of options for efficient permitting and scheduling of project. 4 2. Removal of Outdated Utility Policy In 2000, utilities policy was passed in preparation for a potential future light rail system with an earlier alignment. This policy does not support the current Austin Light Rail alignment. Because this policy is obsolete and to prevent confusion, a recission is being issued. 5 SDf 3. Light Rail Streetscape Standards Project Connect Design Criteria Purpose: Contain back-of-curb streetscape standards for Austin Light Rail The Transportation Criteria Manual (TCM) acknowledges that tailored standards for Project Connect may be needed to align with highly localized contextual design. Provide a consistent design for pedestrian and bicycle facilities, street tree and furniture zones, and associated setbacks and buffers Identify priorities based on the character and needs of each segment along the light rail alignment Respond to constrained and unique conditions Reduce the need for waivers and align adjacent development with the Austin Light Rail design 6 3. Light Rail Streetscape Standards Illustrates typical street cross sections that will be built in the ROW (often constrained) by the Light Rail project In most cases, the …
City of Austin COJC Meeting Backup: April 15, 2026 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2026-003 Transit System Projects Ordinance Amendment Description: Amend the 2022 Transit System Projects Ordinance to add additional streamlining elements with a focus on project specific technical regulation. Background: On October 29, 2021, City Council approved Ordinance No. 20211029-003 directing staff to review City Code, criteria manuals, and permitting procedures to identify impediments to the design, construction, implementation, and operation of Project Connect to add streamlining elements with a focus on project specific technical regulation. The foundational ordinance for Transit System Projects, Ord. No. 20221115-048, was approved by Council on November 15, 2022. The Transit System Projects foundational ordinance created a central location for transit- specific regulations, expanded permitting options, clarified uses, and provided a programmatic approach to construction noise mitigation. Summary of Proposed Code Amendment: 1. Modifies site plan requirements to accommodate permitting tools for the light rail permitting process. 2. Recission of obsolete utility ordinance from 2000. 3. Establishes back-of-curb streetscape standards for light rail. 4. Establishes a water quality compliance program for light rail. 5. Establishes administrative review of heritage trees for Transit System Projects. 6. Incorporates administrative rule modifications that proactively address constrained right of way conditions where compliance will be challenging and ensures consistency in expiration of site plan components. Proposed Text Amendment(s): See attached draft ordinance. Staff Recommendation: Recommended Staff supports the proposed amendments to Ordinance No. 20221115-048. The amendments will further support Resolution No. 20211029-003 which directed staff to review City Code, criteria manuals, and permitting procedures to identify impediments to the design, construction, implementation, and operation of Project Connect to add streamlining elements with a focus on project specific technical regulation. Board and Commission Action: April 15, 2026 – To be considered by Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee. April 15, 2026 – To be considered by Environmental Commission. April 28, 2026 – Tentatively scheduled for consideration by the Planning Commission. May 21, 2026 – Tentatively scheduled for City Council action. Council Action: Sponsor Department: Austin Project Connect City Staff: Donna Galati, donna.galati@austintexas.gov, 512-974-2733
