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
SB 840 Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee September 24, 2025 Agenda SB 840 Overview Impacts of SB 840 Next Steps SB 840 Overview SB 840 Summary Allows by-right mixed-use or multifamily in all zoning districts that allow non-residential uses (excluding zones with heavy industrial). Sets minimum standards for height, density, and maximum setbacks for multifamily and mixed-use developments in commercial zones. Exempts residential conversions of existing commercial or office buildings from impact fees and other city requirements. Effective Date: September 1, 2025. SB 840 Applicability: Residential By Right Allows residential by-right on any property where mixed-use, office, commercial, retail, or warehouse uses are currently allowed in the zoning district. Does not apply to: – Zones that allow a heavy industrial use – Properties within 1,000 ft. of a heavy industrial use or development site or within 3,000 ft. of an airport or military base – An area designated by a city as “a clear zone or accident potential zone” SB 840 Applicability: Residential By Right (cont.) Residential is allowed by right in the following zoning districts in Austin: – All office base zones: – Neighborhood Office (NO), Limited Office (LO), General Office (GO) – All commercial base zones: – Community Recreation (CR), Neighborhood Commercial (LR), Community Commercial (GR), Lake Commercial (L), Central Business District (CBD), Downtown Mixed-Use (DMU), Warehouse/Limited Office (W/LO), Commercial Services (CS), Commercial Highway (CH) – Special purpose base zones: – Agriculture (AG), Planned Unit Development (PUDs)* – Industrial base zones: – Research & Development (R&D)* – Regulating plans: – Lamar/Justin, Plaza Saltillo, MLK, East Riverside Corridor, North Burnet/Gateway Regulating Plans *Applicable to properties with PUD and R&D zoning that allow commercial uses & prohibit heavy industrial uses SB 840 Applicability: New Minimum Entitlements Bill sets new minimum entitlements for “mixed-use residential” and “multifamily residential” development, for sites where SB 840 applies. – Mixed-Use Residential = any site in which the residential uses are at least 65% of the development’s total square footage. – Multifamily Residential = any site for 3 or more dwelling units within one or more buildings. New Minimum Entitlements Under SB 840 Density: – Cities must allow the greater of 36 units per acre or the highest residential density currently allowed in the city. This is 54 units per acre in Austin. – Cannot restrict floor-area-ratio (FAR) Height: – Cities must allow the greater …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee July 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating in the video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison, Jonathan Lee, at (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Alejandra Flores (Chair) Awais Azhar Betsy Greenberg Lonny Stern Felicity Maxwell Nadia Barrera-Ramirez Alice Woods CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of April 16, 2025, meeting minutes. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Staff Request for Code Amendment Initiation. Discussion and possible action to initiate amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development Code) related to the drainage easements on parkland owned by the City of Austin. City staff: Kevin Shunk, Watershed Protection Department, (512) 974-9176, Kevin.Shunk@austintexas.gov. 3. Annual Report. Discussion on the 2024-2025 Annual Report for the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee. 4. Officer Election. Conduct an election for Vice Chair. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please call Jonathan Lee, at 512-974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov for additional information; the City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. For more information on the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee, please contact Jonathan Lee, at 512-974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov . 2
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee April 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating in the video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison, Jonathan Lee, at (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Alejandra Flores (Chair) (In Person) Greg Anderson (Virtual) Awais Azhar (Virtual) Lonny Stern (Virtual) COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: Betsy Greenberg CALL TO ORDER Meeting started at 6:08 PM PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There was no public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of March 19, 2025, meeting minutes. Unanimously approved on a motion by Commissioner Azhar, 2nd by Chair Flores. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2023-037 S.M.A.R.T. Housing Updates Phase 2. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to the City’s S.M.A.R.T. Housing Program, including amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development Code), to improve the functionality of the program. City Staff: Brendan Kennedy, Housing Department, (512) 978-1594, Brendan.Kennedy@austintexas.gov. Brendan Kennedy presents. Commissioner Azhar motions to recommend approval of the code amendment by Planning Commission, 2nd by Commissioner Anderson. Motion passes 4-0. 3. Officer Elections. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. Commissioner Anderson motions to reappoint Chair Flores as Chair, 2nd by Commissioner Azhar. Chair Flores is reappointed Chair on 4-0 vote. Commissioner Azhar motions to appoint Commissioner Anderson as Vice Chair, 2nd by Chair Flores. Commissioner Anderson is appointed Vice-Chair on a 4-0 vote. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Anderson requests the creation of a zoning district that will allow multifamily residential buildings with single-stair layouts. Commissioner Azhar asks for an update on the status of the DB90 Fee-In-Lieu item initiated by Planning Commission; requests the item be added to the Code Amendments Gantt Chart; and recommends that staff working on the item engage with members of the Zoning and Platting Commission when developing the recommended code amendments. ADJOURNMENT 6:39 PM The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be …
NEW BUSINESS: CODE AMENDMENT INITIATION REVIEW SHEET Amendment: Consider initiation of amendments to Title 25 of the City Code related to the Parkland Drainage Easements. Description: Amendment to 25-7-152 (E) as related to parkland drainage easements. The proposed amendment would allow an administrative variance for a development that is on parkland owned by the city of Austin so that a drainage easement is not required for development that is on parkland. If ever the subject property is sold through a Chapter 26 process and voter referendum, the new property owner will be required to dedicate the easement as part of any future development per the code. Anticipated community benefits: • Reduction in site plan review time and staff time • Improvements to fiscal efficiency and responsibility on public parkland projects Proposed Language: TBD (draft ordinance language will be brought to PC for a recommendation before going to Council for final approval). Background: Current code requires that when a property owner submits a site development permit application, they must dedicate a public drainage easement encompassing the 100-year floodplain located on the property. The code already includes provisions allowing the Director to grant an administrative variance under certain circumstances. The proposed amendment would add a provision allowing an administrative variance for projects that are proposed on City-owned parkland. This change would improve fiscal and administrative efficiency for public park development and capital projects. The Parks and Recreation Department and Watershed Protection Department are in longstanding agreement that this change is appropriate and beneficial. Currently, each parkland development project must provide evidence of this agreement to apply for and receive a variance individually. Codifying this exception will streamline the process and reduce unnecessary administrative work for both departments Staff Recommendation: Recommended for initiation by WPD and PARD staff. Board and Commission Actions: TBD Council Action: TBD Ordinance Number: NA City Staff: 1 Kevin Shunk Phone: (512) 974-9176 Email: Kevin.Shunk@austintexas.gov (Subject Matter Expert) - Watershed Protection Department D’Anne Williams Phone: (512) 496-5880 Email: Danne.Williams@austintexas.gov (Subject Matter Expert) - Parks and Recreation Department Leslie Lilly Phone: (512) 535-8914 Email: leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov (Subject Matter Expert) - Watershed Protection Department Sean Watson Phone: (512) 963-2167 Email: sean.watson@austintexas.gov (Subject Matter Expert) - Watershed Protection Department 2
Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee Land Development Code change initiation Drainage Easements on PARD proper ty July 16, 2025 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Intent of current code – Drainage Easements 2 5- 7 - 1 5 2 ( A ) T h e o w n e r o f r e a l p r o p e r t y p r o p o s e d t o b e d e v e l o p e d s h a l l d e d i c a t e t o t h e p u b l i c a n e a s e m e n t f o r s t o r m w a t e r f l o w t o t h e l i m i t s o f t h e 1 0 0- y e a r f l o o d p l a i n • Ensures that the current and future property owners know that flood risks exist on the property • Accomplished by surveying the floodplain area on the property C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T PARD project impacts under current code • • • • • R e q u i r e s s o l i c i t a t i o n a n d c o n t r a c t n e g o t i a t i o n R e q u i r e s m u l t i p l e r o u n d s o f s t a f f r e v i e w A D e c l a r a t i o n o f U s e ( D O U ) r e q u i r e s R e a l E s t a t e …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 _Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee_ (Official Name of Board or Commission) The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: § 2-1-207 - CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE. (A) The city council creates the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee to consider and make recommendations to the Planning Commission regarding: (1) proposed amendments to the Land Development Code for which review is required under Section 25-1-502 (Amendment; Review); and (2) requests to initiate amendments to the Land Development Code under Section 25-1-501 (Initiation). (B) The committee consists of seven members, which shall include: (1) four members of the Planning Commission, selected by the Planning Commission; and (2) three members of the Zoning and Platting Commission, selected by the Zoning and Platting Commission. (Ord. No. 20160505-037, Pt. 1, 5-16-16) Annual Review and Work Plan 2024 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. As required by the City Code, the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee considered and made recommendations on the following amendments to the Land Development Code: 2024 – Recommended Initiation to full Planning Commission Hays Commons Site-Specific Save Our Springs (SOS) Amendment Initiation. Initiation of site-specific amendments to City Code Chapter 25-8, Subchapter A, Article 13 of the Save Our Springs Initiative as necessary for the Hays Commons Municipal Utility District. Permitted uses along Imagine Austin corridors. Initiation of amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to modify permitted uses along Imagine Austin corridors. Permitted and Conditional uses for Residential Zones. Initiation of amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to modify permitted and conditional uses for residential zones 2024 – Recommended to full Planning Commission C20-2022-003 South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program. An ordinance to amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to create a new zoning district and modify related site development regulations and compatibility standards; and create a new zoning district for density bonus that includes granting additional floor-to-area ratio in exchange for providing community benefits; and to establish boundaries for the new zoning districts located in the vicinity commonly known as the South Central Waterfront. C20-2023-026 Live Music and Creative Space Bonus Phase 2. An ordinance to amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee Minutes 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 minutes were …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee April 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating in the video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison, Jonathan Lee, at (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Alejandra Flores (Chair) Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Betsy Greenberg Lonny Stern CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of March 19, 2025, meeting minutes. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2023-037 S.M.A.R.T. Housing Updates Phase 2. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to the City’s S.M.A.R.T. Housing Program, including amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development Code), to improve the functionality of the program. City Staff: Brendan Kennedy, Housing Department, (512) 978-1594, Brendan.Kennedy@austintexas.gov. 3. Officer Elections. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please call Jonathan Lee, at 512-974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov for additional information; the City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. For more information on the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee, please contact Jonathan Lee, at 512-974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov . 2
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee March 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating in the video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison, Jonathan Lee, at (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Alejandra Flores (Chair) Betsy Greenberg Greg Anderson (Late at 6:05) Awais Azhar Lonny Stern COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) CALL TO ORDER Meeting started at 6:03 PM. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Ryan Saunders – Regarding concerns about food trucks and live music venues APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of February 19, 2025, meeting minutes. On a motion by Commissioner Greenberg, seconded by Commissioner Azhar, the minutes from the February 19th, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously (5-0) with Vice Chair Hempel absent. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2024-010 UNO Update. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to repeal University Neighborhood Overlay District requirements and regulations, and to create a new zoning district for a density bonus program that grants additional building height and modifies uses and site development regulations, including compatibility standards, in exchange for community benefits, for property generally located west of the University of Texas, east of Lamar Boulevard, south of 29th Street and north of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. City Staff: Paul Books, Planning Department, (512) 974-3173, Paul.Books@austintexas.gov and Alan Pani, Planning Department, (512) 974-8084, Alan.Pani@austintexas.gov. Paul Books presented. Public Speakers on Item 2: - Justin Lanier, Policy Director for University Tenants Union - Christian Tschoepe, AURA member and Commissioner of the Zoning and Platting Commission - Sarah Campbell, CANPAC member Commissioner Stern moves to consider an amendment to staff’s recommendation to require a 5-ft public access easement on any side of buildings that does not front a public right-of-way. Motion passes (4-0) with Commissioner Anderson off the dais. Commissioner Stern moves …
Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee S.M.A.R.T. Housing Amendments Phase 2 Brendan Kennedy, Program Manager Housing Department S.M.A.R.T. Housing S.M.A.R.T. Housing Incentives ▪ Waiver of certain development fees ▪ DSD review times are shortened; S.M.A.R.T. Housing development permits are prioritized for case management ▪ Gatekeeper requirement for new construction seeking most affordable housing approvals 3 S.M.A.R.T. Housing Requirements ▪ At least 10% of units priced at or below 80% MFI for sale or lease (= 25% fee waiver) – Scales up to 40% of units affordable = 100% fee waiver ▪ Requires AEGB 1-Star certification and additional accessibility/visitability standards ▪ Requires transit proximity, with options for waiver set in Code 4 Initiation – Resolution No. 20230720-129 ▪ Phase 1: Amend Section 25-1-704 so that fees eligible for a waiver under the S.M.A.R.T. Housing program would be identified as part of the annual fee ordinance ▪ Phase 2: Amend Title 25 as needed to improve the operation and functionality of the S.M.A.R.T. Housing program. 5 Proposed Amendments Amendment #1 – Land Restriction Process ▪ Amend § 25-1-705 (D) to require affordability restrictions to be executed prior to certification – Establishes consistency between programs – Ensures applicants are aware of and bound to requirements at an earlier stage 7 Amendment #2 – CLT exemption ▪ Amend § 25-1-704 (B)(2)(a-b) to remove exemption for land dedicated to City-approved CLT. – Presents significant administrative burdens and frequently infeasible to implement – Underutilized by dedicated CLT entities 8 Proposed Amendment #3 – Rental MFI ▪ Amend § 25-1-703 (C)(2)(a) to lower affordable rental MFI from 80% MFI to an average 60% MFI – Establishes consistency between programs by requiring 60% MFI rental – Reduces confusion on affordability from permit reviewers – Meets Department’s programmatic goals to target 60% MFI and below affordability – Income averaging still accommodates "workforce housing" when deeper affordability levels are provided 9 Amendment #4 – Remove Outdated Provisions ▪ Remove in their entirety: – § 25-1-702 (B), a requirement to notify TPW of all S.M.A.R.T. developments – § 25-1-703 (D),§ 25-1-704 (B)(2)(c), and § 25-1-705 (A)(4), an automatic 100% fee waiver for Vertical Mixed Use developments – This provision is inconsistent with move to 60% MFI for rental – § 25-1-705 (A)(1), which has been superseded by more recent University Neighborhood Overlay ordinances 10 Amendment #4– Remove Outdated Provisions cont’d ▪ Remove in their entirety: – § 25-1-703 (C)(2)(b) 25-1-704 (B)(2)(d), and …
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2023-037 S.M.A.R.T. Housing Updates Phase 2 Description: Amend the City’s S.M.A.R.T. Housing Program and City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to improve the functionality of the program. Background: Initiated by City Council Resolution 20230720-129. On July 20, 2023, City Council approved Resolution No. 20230720-129 that directed staff to make amendments to S.M.A.R.T. Housing. Staff with the Development Services Department initiated amendments related to Phase 1, which amended Section 25-1-704 so that fees eligible for a waiver under the S.M.A.R.T. Housing program would be identified as part of the annual fee ordinance. On February 1, 2024, City Council approved Ordinance No. 20240201-053 to adopt these amendments. Phase 2 directs staff to amend the S.M.A.R.T. Housing program to improve the functionality of the program. Summary of Proposed Code Amendment: Amendments to § 25-1-703 (C)(2) will lower the eligible median family income (MFI) level for rental properties from 80 percent to 60 percent MFI. Amendments to this section will also allow for income averaging to achieve the required MFI for both rental and ownership. This will improve consistency and clarity across programs, and is responsive to recommendations recently made from a comprehensive density bonus study conducted by the Planning Department. Amendments to § 25-1-705 (D) will improve program administration and consistency across programs by requiring affordability restrictions to be executed prior to certification. § 25-1-704 (B)(2)(a-b) will be removed in its entirety to eliminate a provision related to exceptions for certain units dedicated to a community land trust, which has been underutilized and is administratively infeasible. Additional provisions will be removed to eliminate outdated provisions or provisions which are inconsistent with the amendments listed above. Proposed Text Amendment(s): Amend § 25-1-703 (C)(2)(a) to read, or amend with comparable language: “ dwelling units must serve households whose incomes average 80 percent of the median family income or below as determined by the director of the Housing Department. (a) If an applicant develops dwelling units for sale, reasonably-priced (b) If an applicant develops dwelling units for lease, reasonably-priced dwelling units must serve households whose incomes average 60 percent of the median family income or below as determined by the director of the Housing Department.” Amend § 25-1-705 (D) to read, or amend with comparable language: “(D) Before the director may certify a proposed development, the applicant shall comply with § 4-18-25, Certification. The agreement required under § 4-18-25 (C)(1) may …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee Approved Minutes April 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating in the video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison, Jonathan Lee, at (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Alejandra Flores (Chair) (In Person) Greg Anderson (Virtual) Awais Azhar (Virtual) Lonny Stern (Virtual) COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: Betsy Greenberg CALL TO ORDER Meeting started at 6:08 PM PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There was no public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of March 19, 2025, meeting minutes. Unanimously approved on a motion by Commissioner Azhar, 2nd by Chair Flores. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2023-037 S.M.A.R.T. Housing Updates Phase 2. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to the City’s S.M.A.R.T. Housing Program, including amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development Code), to improve the functionality of the program. City Staff: Brendan Kennedy, Housing Department, (512) 978-1594, Brendan.Kennedy@austintexas.gov. Brendan Kennedy presents. Commissioner Azhar motions to recommend approval of the code amendment by Planning Commission, 2nd by Commissioner Anderson. Motion passes 4-0. 3. Officer Elections. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. Commissioner Anderson motions to reappoint Chair Flores as Chair, 2nd by Commissioner Azhar. Chair Flores is reappointed Chair on 4-0 vote. Commissioner Azhar motions to appoint Commissioner Anderson as Vice Chair, 2nd by Chair Flores. Commissioner Anderson is appointed Vice-Chair on a 4-0 vote. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Anderson requests the creation of a zoning district that will allow multifamily residential buildings with single-stair layouts. Commissioner Azhar asks for an update on the status of the DB90 Fee-In-Lieu item initiated by Planning Commission; requests the item be added to the Code Amendments Gantt Chart; and recommends that staff working on the item engage with members of the Zoning and Platting Commission when developing the recommended code amendments. ADJOURNMENT 6:39 PM The minutes were approved at the July 16th, 2025, meeting unanimously (4-0) on a motion by Commissioner Azhar seconded by Commissioner …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee March 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating in the video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison, Jonathan Lee, at (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Alejandra Flores (Chair) Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) Betsy Greenberg Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Lonny Stern CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of February 19, 2025, meeting minutes. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2024-010 UNO Update. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to repeal University Neighborhood Overlay District requirements and regulations, and to create a new zoning district for a density bonus program that grants additional building height and modifies uses and site development regulations, including compatibility standards, in exchange for community benefits, for property generally located west of the University of Texas, east of Lamar Boulevard, south of 29th Street and north of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. City Staff: Paul Books, Planning Department, (512) 974-3173, Paul.Books@austintexas.gov and Alan Pani, Planning Department, (512) 974-8084, Alan.Pani@austintexas.gov. 3. Discussion and possible action to recommend initiation of code amendments related to non- residential uses in the Density Bonus 90 (DB-90) program. Sponsor: Commissioner Greenberg. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please call Jonathan Lee, at 512-974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov for additional information; the City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. For more information on the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee, please contact Jonathan Lee, at 512-974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee February 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating in the video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison, Jonathan Lee, at (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Alejandra Flores (Chair) Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Betsy Greenberg Lonny Stern CALL TO ORDER Present in person: Chair Flores Present via Webex Teleconference: Commissioners Azhar, Greenberg, Stern, Anderson (late 6:08pm) Absent: Vice-Chair Hempel PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of December 18, 2024, meeting minutes. 2. Motion by Commissioner Greenberg 2nd by Commissioner Azhar – unanimous approval with Chair Hempel and Commissioner Anderson absent 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2024-024 Area Plan Process Amendment. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to specify an amendment process for area plans, including station area vision plans, when process is not already defined in another section of City code. City Staff: Stevie Greathouse, Division Manager, (512) 974-7226, Stevie.Greathouse@austintexas.gov. Stevie Greathouse presented. On a motion by Commissioner Greenberg and a second by Commissioner Azhar, the Committee voted 4-0 to recommend the proposed amendments, with Commissioner Anderson off the dais and Vice-Chair Hempel absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on Active and Upcoming Code Amendments. City Staff: Jonathan Lee, Planning Department, (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov. Jonathan Lee presented. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Staff briefing on existing zoning regulations and active code amendments in the North Burnet/Gateway area. Sponsor: Commissioner Stern. Discussion and possible action on code amendments related to commercial uses in the Density Bonus 90 (DB-90) program. Sponsor: Commissioner Greenberg. ADJOURNMENT Adjourned at 6:55pm The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If …
C20-2024-010 UNO Update Proposal Public Review Paul Books, Principal Planner Content Background Process Proposed Changes Next Steps Background Subdistrict Outer West Inner West Guadalupe Dobie Background UNO: A Brief History – Established in 2004 (Updated: 2014, 2019) – Overlay district for the West University area designed to promote high-density and pedestrian-oriented redevelopment that maintains the existing character of the area – Helped to facilitate population growth to over 28,000 residents in the West Campus area 4 City Council Resolution Resolution No. 20240418-077 – Adopted on April 18, 2024 – Includes 29 distinct items for further investigation – Initiated updates to the Land Development Code & Building Criteria Manual – Requested programmatic updates – Land Development Code changes to be considered in Spring 2025 5 Resolution Goals Provide quality, safe, affordable living for all, especially for students attending colleges and universities by: Supporting the implementation of light rail and mobility enhancements Ensuring the area provides daily needs and services Increasing housing capacity, quality, and affordability 6 Land Development Code Council Direction Height limits achievable with participation in the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) density bonus program in alignment with the Planning Commission's recommendation to remove height limits for Inner West Campus and Dobie Height limits that are similar to what can be achieved with participation in the ETOD overlay, at minimum Expansion of UNO boundaries Subdistrict boundaries that expand Inner West Campus An appropriate step down of heights within expansion areas Modifying development requirements to discourage above-ground parking and encourage shared parking and underground parking Stakeholder and community engagement 7 Process How it Works 3-Step Process for Code Amendments: Initiation Development & Engagement Review & Adoption 9 Rezoning Process To update the regulations, staff proposes to create a new zoning district that incorporates the existing overlay with requested updates Rezoning requires notice to impacted properties and review by the Planning Commission and City Council at public hearings 10 Plan Amendment Process UNO is part of the Central Austin Combined Neighborhood Plan, an element of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Current Future Land Use Map 11 Plan Amendment Process Mixed use land use designation allows up to 3:1 floor-to-area ratio High density mixed use is appropriate for areas with 3:1 FAR or (FAR) greater Staff propose updating the Central Austin Combined Neighborhood Plan to ensure that the …
C20-2024-010 REZONING, NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, AND ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2024-010 University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) Update Description: Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to repeal Article 3 Division 9 University Neighborhood Overlay District Requirements and to create Density Bonus University Neighborhood Overlay (-DBUNO) and rezone property generally located west of the University of Texas, east of Lamar Boulevard, south of 29th Street and north of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to apply -DBUNO and amend the Central Austin Combined Neighborhood Plan, an element of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, to change the future land use map for the same property from multiple land use designations to High Density Mixed Use. Background: Initiated by City Council Resolution No. 20240418-077 and Resolution No. 2025-0130-057. The University Neighborhood Overlay, or UNO, was first adopted by Ordinance No. 040902-58 in 2004 to promote high-density, pedestrian-oriented redevelopment of the West Campus area that maintains the area's existing character and stimulates income- restricted affordable housing development. The overlay supersedes specific site development standards of the base zones and allows land uses to encourage development that serves the primarily student population of the area. This includes reduced required parking spaces, increased maximum allowable building height and bulk, and allowance for a mix of local, pedestrian-serving commercial uses. For a property to develop under UNO, additional requirements must be met, including providing affordable housing and adherence to stricter streetscape and design standards. These regulations were crafted through a robust community process involving residents and stakeholders. Since their original adoption, UNO regulations were amended in 2014 and 2019 through Ordinance No. 20140213-056 and Ordinance No. 20191114-067. The 2014 amendment allowed participating developments to rent by the bedroom and increased the affordability period from 15 to 40 years. Amendments in 2019 changed the second tier of maximum allowed building height available through the dedication of additional affordable housing units or bedrooms. These amendments demonstrate the commitment to updating UNO to address necessary changes that better serve students and the surrounding community. Since its adoption in 2004, the UNO overlay has facilitated the development of over 10,000 housing units or bedrooms and has led to the creation of 972 income-restricted bedrooms and 401 income-restricted units. In April 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 20240418-077, which initiated amendments to the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO). The Resolution included 29 distinct items for staff consideration, including amendments to the land development code, …
U T U university tenants union uttenantsunion@gmail.com I bit.ly/universitytenantsunion I @uttenantsunion DosporUNO 2 Recommendations to Optimize the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) for Austin Student-Renters Executive Summary The University Tenants Union (UTU) is an organization composed of University of Texas at Austin (UT) students which formed following advocacy by its founding members for the elimination of construction of windowless bedrooms in Austin in 2023. Since, UTU has provided resources to student-renters navigating off-campus living, gathered data on student housing needs, and continued its policy advocacy. Updating the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) provides a unique policy opportunity in Texas to institute tenant protections for students that are otherwise not feasible. UTU, through deep, ongoing engagement with students, developed two recommendations for UNO to protect student-tenants against exploitation by landlords. Through their implementation, the City of Austin (CoA) can improve students’ housing experiences, and in turn their academic performance. When students have adequate housing, their potential surges. UTU recommends that CoA adopt the following recommendations: 1. Limit Pre-leasing: ● Limit lease renewal offers to 6 months before a lease ends, with a guaranteed 30-day response window. ● Limit new lease signings to 5 months before the lease start date. ● Ban pre-leasing agreements, waiting lists, and any incentives or penalties that pressure tenants into quick decisions. ● Enforce violations with fines. 2. Hold Landlords Accountable for Delayed Move-ins: ● As part of an UNO-specific lease addendum, require a disclosure if a unit’s construction is incomplete or if the unit lacks a certificate of occupancy. ● As a renter’s move-in date approaches, if their leased unit’s certificate of occupancy has not been obtained, landlords must notify the renter between 60 and 90 days before the lease start date. ● In case of a delayed move-in, renters may: terminate the lease without fees OR not pay rent and be compensated for living expenses until they can move in OR choose to accept alternate accommodations from their landlord. UTU looks forward to the adoption of these protections, and will advocate for their future adoption citywide and retroactively (at older UNO-participating properties). Please contact Justin Lanier, Policy Director with any questions: jlanier@utexas.edu | uttenantsunion@gmail.com You can find more information about the University Tenants Union at: bit.ly/universitytenantsunion Engagement and Research These recommendations were developed in collaboration with numerous students, educators, and subject matter experts in the fields of architecture, law, housing, economics, policy development, advocacy, and more. Over …
