Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee November 17, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Street Jones Building – Room #400A 1000 E. 11th St, Austin, TX 78702 CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) Nadia Barrera-Ramirez (Chair) Joao Paulo Connolly Awais Azhar Todd Shaw Ann Denkler Jolene Kiolbassa EXECUTIVE SESSION (No public discussion) The Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee will announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel on matters specifically listed on this agenda. The committee may not conduct a closed meeting without the approval of the city attorney. Private Consultation with Attorney – Section 551.071 CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approval of the October 20, 2021, meeting minutes. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. None. 3. POTENTIAL CODE AMENDMENTS: Proposed for Discussion and/or Initiation Facilitator: Chair Barrera-Ramirez City Attorney: None 1 Potential amendments to the code are offered for discussion and/or possible recommendation for initiation. If initiated, Staff will research the proposal and report back to the subcommittee. a. Floodplain Regulations. Discuss and consider initiation of amendments to Title 25 of the City Code related to floodplain regulations. City Staff: Kevin Shunk, Watershed Protection Department, (512) 974-9176, Kevin.Shunk@austintexas.gov; (Discussion and/or Possible Action). 4. REGULAR AGENDA: Previously Initiated Previously initiated amendments to the code are offered for discussion and possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission. a. Vertical Mixed Use Affordability Requirements. Discuss and consider amendments to Title 25 of the City Code related to vertical mixed use (VMU) affordability requirements. City Staff: Sam Tedford, Housing and Planning Department, (512) 974-2613, Sam.Tedford@austintexas.gov; (Discussion and/or Possible Action). 5. OTHER BUSINESS a. Update on Potential Upcoming and Current Code Amendments – City Staff: Greg Dutton, Housing and Planning and Department, (512) 974-3509, Greg.Dutton@austintexas.gov; (Discussion and/or Possible Action). 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future agenda items will NOT be discussed at the current meeting, but will be offered for initiation, discussion, and/or possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission at a FUTURE meeting. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations 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 Greg Dutton at Planning and Development Review Department, at (512) 974-3509, for …
Atlas 14 – Commercial Redevelopment Exception Watershed Protection Department Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee | November 17, 2021 Floodplain Regulations Update What floodplain rules did we update? What floodplain rules do we recommend updating now? 2 What floodplain rules did we update? Most significant update to our floodplain rules in their 36-year history Goal of updated rules: Protect our residents from flooding based on a better understanding of flood risk with new rainfall information Updated four basic elements of rules • Floodplain definitions • Residential redevelopment exception • Colorado River exception • Freeboard 3 Result of Collaborative Code Revision Process Contacted more than 2,700 people at 110 different meetings City Council approved the new rules on November 14, 2019 Staff pledged to develop draft rules regarding commercial redevelopment 4 What floodplain rules do we recommend updating now? Commercial Redevelopment exception 5 Commercial Redevelopment exception Goal: Create an administrative approval process for commercial redevelopment that decreases flood risk compared to the existing condition Considerations: Building use; square footage; occupant load; parking flood risk 6 Process to approval • Codes and Ordinances Joint • Zoning and Platting Commission • Planning Commission Committee ➢ Request permission to initiate Code • Planning Commission • Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee revision • City Council • Environmental Commission • Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals 7 Atlas 14 – Commercial Redevelopment Exception
Recommended changes to the affordability requirements for the Vertical Mixed Use Buildings Exhibit A (Commissioners Azhar and Connolly) a. The affordability requirements for owner-occupied units should be adjusted to reserve at least ten percent of the residential units in the VMU building for ownership and occupancy by households earning no more than 80 percent of the current Annual Median Family Income for the City of Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area, for not less than 99 years. b. The affordability requirements for rental units should be adjusted to reserve at least ten percent of the residential units in the VMU building as affordable, for a minimum of 40 years, for rental by households earning no more than 60 percent of the Annual Median Family Income. Initiation at PC 7/27/21 Vertical Mixed Use Affordability Requirements Subsection (F) of Chapter 25-2, Subchapter E, Section 4.3.3 (Standards) is amended to read as follows: F. Affordability Requirements. To be eligible for the dimensional or parking standards exemptions in Subsection E of this section, the residential units in a VMU building shall meet the following affordability requirements, which shall run with the land. This ordinance does not amend or repeal graphics or pictures that are used to illustrate various code requirements in the published version of Chapter 25-2, Subchapter E (Design Standards and Mixed Use). 1. Affordability Requirements for Owner-Occupied Units. [Five] Ten percent of the residential units in the VMU building shall be reserved as affordable, for not less than 99 years from the date a certificate of occupancy is issued, for ownership and occupancy by households earning no more than 80 percent of the current Annual Median Family Income for the City of Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area as determined by the Director of Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Department. [In addition, five percent of the residential units in the VMU building shall be reserved, for not less than 99 years from the date a certificate of occupancy is issued, for ownership and occupancy by households earning no more than 100 percent of the Annual Median Family Income.] [c.] The city in its sole discretion may elect to subsidize an additional ten percent of the for-sale residential units in the building, at an affordability level consistent with criteria and procedures established by the Director. Affordability Requirements for Rental Units. 2. Ten percent of the residential units in the VMU building shall be reserved as affordable, for …
REGULAR MEETING CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday, October 20, 2021 The Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 20, at 1000 E. 11th St, Street Jones Building, Room 400A, Austin, TX 78702. Chair Barrera-Ramirez called the meeting to order at 6:13 pm. Subcommittee Members in Attendance: Awais Azhar Ann Denkler Nadia Barrera-Ramirez (Chair) City Staff in Attendance: Brent Lloyd, Development Services Department Others in Attendance: Ron Thrower David Hartmann CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Claire Hempel Jolene Kiolbassa a. Approval of the July 8, 2020 meeting minutes. b. Approval of the April 21, 2021 meeting minutes. c. Approval of the September 15, 2021 meeting minutes. A motion was made to approve the minutes by Commissioner Denkler, seconded by Commissioner Azhar. Vote: 5-0. (Commissioners Shaw and Connolly absent). 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Approval of 2022 Meeting Schedule. Approve the 2022 meeting schedule of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee. (Discussion and/or possible action). A motion was made to approve the 2022 meeting schedule by Commissioner Denkler, seconded by Commissioner Hempel. Vote: 5-0. (Commissioners Shaw and Connolly absent). b. Annual Internal Review. Review 2020-2021 Annual Internal Review. (Discussion and/or possible action). Facilitator: Commissioner Barrera-Ramirez, Chair of COJC City Attorney: None 1 a. None. A motion was made to approve the 2020-2021 Annual Internal Review by Commissioner Hempel, seconded by Commissioner Azhar. Vote: 5-0. (Commissioners Shaw and Connolly absent). 3. POTENTIAL CODE AMENDMENTS: Proposed for Discussion and/or Initiation Potential amendments to the code are offered for discussion and/or possible recommendation for initiation. If initiated, Staff will research the proposal and report back to the subcommittee. 4. REGULAR AGENDA: Previously Initiated Previously initiated amendments to the code are offered for discussion and possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission. a. BRIEFING: Affordability Unlocked Site Plan Amendment. Update on potential changes to City Code Title 25 related to Affordability Unlocked and site plan requirements and process. City Staff: Brent Lloyd, Development Services Department (512) 974-2974, brent.lloyd@austintexas.gov (Discussion). Brent Lloyd gave a briefing of proposed amendments related to the site plan process for projects using Affordability Unlocked provisions. Changes to the site plan process that were proposed as a part of the LDC revision were done in conjunction with other changes to the draft code; the current proposed amendment to the current code is more complicated because it’s being done in isolation, without associated changes in …
Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee October 20, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Street Jones Building – Room #400A 1000 E. 11th St, Austin, TX 78702 CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) Joao Paulo Connolly Awais Azhar Todd Shaw Nadia Barrera-Ramirez (Chair) Ann Denkler Jolene Kiolbassa EXECUTIVE SESSION (No public discussion) The Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee will announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel on matters specifically listed on this agenda. The committee may not conduct a closed meeting without the approval of the city attorney. Private Consultation with Attorney – Section 551.071 CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approval of the July 8, 2020 meeting minutes. b. Approval of the April 21, 2021 meeting minutes. c. Approval of the September 15, 2021 meeting minutes. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Approval of 2022 Meeting Schedule. Approve the 2022 meeting schedule of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee. (Discussion and/or possible action). b. Annual Internal Review. Review 2020-2021 Annual Internal Review. (Discussion and/or possible action). 3. POTENTIAL CODE AMENDMENTS: Proposed for Discussion and/or Initiation Facilitator: Chair Barrera-Ramirez City Attorney: None 1 Potential amendments to the code are offered for discussion and/or possible recommendation for initiation. If initiated, Staff will research the proposal and report back to the subcommittee. a. None. 4. REGULAR AGENDA: Previously Initiated Previously initiated amendments to the code are offered for discussion and possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission. a. BRIEFING: Affordability Unlocked Site Plan Amendment. Update on potential changes to City Code Title 25 related to Affordability Unlocked and site plan requirements and process. City Staff: Brent Lloyd, Development Services Department (512) 974-2974, brent.lloyd@austintexas.gov (Discussion). 5. OTHER BUSINESS a. Update on Potential Upcoming and Current Code Amendments – City Staff: Greg Dutton, Housing and Planning and Department, (512) 974-3509, Greg.Dutton@austintexas.gov; (Discussion and/or Possible Action). 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future agenda items will NOT be discussed at the current meeting, but will be offered for initiation, discussion, and/or possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission at a FUTURE meeting. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the …
Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee 2022 Meeting Schedule Date: Every third Wednesday Time: 6pm Place: Street Jones Building – Room #400A, 1000 E. 11th St, Austin, TX 78702 2022 actual dates: January 19 February 16 March 16 April 20 May 18 June 15 July 20 August 17 September 21 October 19 November 16 December 21
CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday, April 21, 2021 REGULAR MEETING The Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee convened via teleconference. Commissioner Barrera-Ramirez called the meeting to order at 6:03 pm. Subcommittee Members in Attendance: Awais Azhar Ann Denkler City Staff in Attendance: Jerry Rusthoven, Housing and Planning Department Others in Attendance: None CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Todd Shaw Nadia Barrera-Ramirez a. Approval of the August 21, 2020 minutes. A motion was made to approve the minutes by Commissioner Denkler, seconded by Commissioner Azhar. Vote: 4-0. 2. NEW BUSINESS Committee. a. Election of Officers. Elect a chair and vice-chair of the Codes and Ordinances Joint A motion was made to postpone the item to a future meeting by Commissioner Denkler, seconded by Commissioner Azhar. Vote: 4-0. (Commissioners Hempel, Connolly, and Kiolbassa absent). 3. POTENTIAL CODE AMENDMENTS: Proposed for Discussion and/or Initiation Potential amendments to the code are offered for discussion and/or possible recommendation for initiation. If initiated, Staff will research the proposal and report back to the subcommittee. a. None. 4. REGULAR AGENDA: Previously Initiated Facilitator: Commissioner Barrera-Ramirez, Vice-Chair of COJC City Attorney: None 1 Previously initiated amendments to the code are offered for discussion and possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission. a. University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) District Sign Regulations. Discuss and consider an amendment to City Code Title 25 relating to sign regulations in the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) District. City Staff: Jerry Rusthoven, Housing and Planning Department (512) 974-3207, jerry.rusthoven@austintexas.gov (Discussion and/or possible action). Jerry Rusthoven gave a summary of the amendment, which is a correction to code language that inadvertently prohibited illuminated signs in the UNO district (25-10-133), which has resulted in applicants seeking relief at the Board of Adjustment. A motion was made to recommend the item by Commissioner Azhar, seconded by Commissioner Shaw. Vote: 4-0 (Commissioners Hempel, Connolly, and Kiolbassa absent). 5. OTHER BUSINESS a. Update on Potential Upcoming and Current Code Amendments – City Staff: Greg Dutton, Planning and Zoning Department, 974-3509, Greg.Dutton@austintexas.gov; (Discussion and/or Possible Action). The item was not discussed and no action was taken. 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future agenda items will NOT be discussed at the current meeting, but will be offered for initiation, discussion, and/or possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission at a FUTURE meeting a. None. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Barrera-Ramirez adjourned the meeting without objection at 6:16 pm. The City of Austin is committed …
CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday, July 8, 2020 REGULAR MEETING Nadia Barerra-Ramirez Conor Kenny Jim Duncan The Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee convened via teleconference. Commissioner Seeger called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. Subcommittee Members in Attendance: Patricia Seeger Awais Azhar Greg Anderson Ann Denkler City Staff in Attendance: Lyndi Garwood, Planning and Zoning Department Liane Miller, Austin Transportation Department Annick Beaudet, Austin Transportation Department Cole Kitten, Austin Transportation Department Others in Attendance: Jeff Whitmere CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approval of the August 21, 2019 meeting minutes. b. Approval of the November 20, 2019 meeting minutes. c. Approval of the June 17, 2020 meeting minutes. A motion was made to approve items 1.a. and 1.c. by Commissioner Azhar, seconded by Commissioner Denkler. Vote: 7-0. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Elect and Codes and Ordinances Chair and Vice-Chair. A motion was made to nominate Commissioner Anderson as Chair; motion made by Commissioner Seeger, seconded by Commissioner Azhar. Vote: 7-0. A motion was made to nominate Commissioner Barrera-Ramirez as Vice-Chair; motion made by Commissioner Denkler, seconded by Commissioner Anderson. Vote: 7-0. Facilitator: Commissioner Seeger, Chair of COJC City Attorney: None 1 3. POTENTIAL CODE AMENDMENTS: Proposed for Discussion and/or Initiation Potential amendments to the code are offered for discussion and/or possible recommendation for initiation. If initiated, Staff will research the proposal and report back to the subcommittee. a. None. 4. REGULAR AGENDA: Previously Initiated Previously initiated amendments to the code are offered for discussion and possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission. a. Street Impact Fee. Discuss and consider an ordinance amending Title 25 of the City Code related to establishing a street impact fee. City Staff: Liane Miller, Austin Transportation, (512) 974-7922, Liane.Miller@austintexas.gov; (Discussion and/or Possible Action). Liane Miller presented amendments to City Code that would create street impact fees for different types of development in Austin. A motion was made to recommend the item by Commissioner Kenny, seconded by Commissioner Azhar, with the following amendments. Vote: 7-0. Maximum charge/fee be attained over a timeframe recommended by staff, for properties outside ¼ mile of a Transit Priority Network (TPN), and substantial additional discount for properties within ¼ mile of a TPN. Motion made by Commissioner Kenny, seconded by Commissioner Barrera-Ramirez. Vote: 6-1 (Denkler nay). Simplification of the Land Use, Vehicle-Mile Equivalency Table (LUVMET). Motion made by Commissioner Denkler, seconded by Commissioner Duncan. …
REGULAR MEETING CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday, September 15, 2021 The Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, September 15, at 1000 E. 11th St, Street Jones Building, Room 400A, Austin, TX 78702. Vice Chair Barrera-Ramirez called the meeting to order at 6:15 pm. Subcommittee Members in Attendance: Awais Azhar Ann Denkler Todd Shaw City Staff in Attendance: Katie Wettick, Public Works Department Atha Phillips, Watershed Protection Department Others in Attendance: None CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Nadia Barrera-Ramirez (Vice-Chair) Claire Hempel Jolene Kiolbassa a. Approval of the April 21, 2021 meeting minutes. Postponed without objection to the next meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS Committee. a. Election of Officers. Elect a chair and vice-chair of the Codes and Ordinances Joint A motion was made to elect Commissioner Barrera-Ramirez as Chair and Commissioner Hempel as Vice-Chair, by Commissioner Azhar, seconded by Commissioner Shaw. Vote: 6-0. (Commissioner Connolly absent). 3. POTENTIAL CODE AMENDMENTS: Proposed for Discussion and/or Initiation Potential amendments to the code are offered for discussion and/or possible recommendation for initiation. If initiated, Staff will research the proposal and report back to the subcommittee. a. None. Facilitator: Commissioner Barrera-Ramirez, Vice-Chair of COJC City Attorney: None 1 4. REGULAR AGENDA: Previously Initiated Previously initiated amendments to the code are offered for discussion and possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission. a. Urban Trail Code Amendments. Discuss and consider amendments to City Code Title 25 related to cut and fill requirements and critical water quality zone development regulations as applied to Urban Trails. City Staff: Katie Wettick, Public Works Department (512) 974-3529, katie.wettick@austintexas.gov (Discussion and/or possible action). Katie Wettick gave an overview of proposed amendments related to urban trails, that will modify cut and fill requirements and allow wider trails within critical water quality zones. A motion was made to recommend the item by Commissioner Azhar, seconded by Commissioner Hempel. Vote: 6-0 (Commissioner Connolly absent). 5. OTHER BUSINESS a. Update on Potential Upcoming and Current Code Amendments – City Staff: Greg Dutton, Planning and Zoning Department, 974-3509, Greg.Dutton@austintexas.gov; (Discussion and/or Possible Action). A request was made for a summary list of in-process code amendments, which will be provided at a future meeting. 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future agenda items will NOT be discussed at the current meeting, but will be offered for initiation, discussion, and/or possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission at a FUTURE …
Annual Review and Work Plan Year: 2021 Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2020 to 6/30/2021 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) 1 Annual Review and Work Plan Year: 2021 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. (Reference all reports, recommendations, letters or resolutions presented to the City Council on mission-specific issues. If some of the elements of the mission statement were not acted on by the board in the past year, the report should explain why no action was taken.) 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: 2020 – Recommended Initiation to full PC None. 2020 – Recommended to full PC Street Impact Fee. Discuss and consider an ordinance amending Title 25 of the City Code related to establishing a street impact fee. City Staff: Liane Miller, Austin Transportation, (512) 974-7922, Liane.Miller@austintexas.gov; (Discussion and/or Possible Action). Platting Exceptions. Discuss and consider an amendment to Chapter 25-4 (Subdivision) to allow a parcel of land that has obtained a minimum lot width variance from the Board of Adjustment to satisfy the minimum frontage requirement for a platting exception under Section 25-4-2. City Staff: Christopher Johnson, Development Services (512) 974-2769, christopher.johnson@austintexas.gov (Discussion and/or possible action). 2021 – Recommended Initiation to full PC None. 2021 – Recommended to full PC University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) District Sign Regulations. Discuss and consider an amendment to City Code Title 25 relating to sign regulations …
In-Process Code Amendments 10/19/21 AMENDMENT • C20-2021-008 Urban Trails • Initiated by Council on 7/29/21 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. • C20-2021-007 North Burnet Gateway Parkland Dedication Initiated by Council 6/10/21 • • C20-2021-006 Vertical Mixed Use Affordable Housing Initiated by PC on 7/27/21 • • C20-2021-004 Great Streets Fee-In- Lieu Mechanism • Initiated by Council 8/22/19 • C20-2021-003 Downtown Density Bonus Updates Initiated by Council on 4/22/21 • • C20-2021-002 Affordability Unlocked Site Plan Changes Initiated by PC on 3/9/21 • • C20-2021-001 UNO Sign Correction • Initiated by PC on 5/22/20 • C20-2018-004 Mirrored Glass • Initiated by PC on 12/11/18 NOTES • Increases cut and fill allowances for public trails, and trail width • Allows parkland dedication deferral for NBG properties that meet criteria • Changes the affordability requirements for properties using VMU • Creates a mechanism for fees to be paid in-lieu of constructing great streets • Update to DDBP fees; possible change to caps on floor area ratio and height • Changes to site plan process to expedite affordability unlocked projects • Correction to sign regulations for the University Neighborhood Overlay • Change to definition of mirrored glass LEAD DEPT • Public Works EST. COUNCIL DATE • December 2021 • Parks and Recreation • Housing and Planning • Housing and Planning • Housing and Planning • Late 2021/early 2022 • Early 2022 • 2022 • 2022 • Development Services • Housing and Planning • Late 2021/early 2022 • Late 2021/early 2022 • Housing and Planning • TBD
REGULAR MEETING CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday, October 20, 2021 The Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 20, at 1000 E. 11th St, Street Jones Building, Room 400A, Austin, TX 78702. Chair Barrera-Ramirez called the meeting to order at 6:13 pm. Subcommittee Members in Attendance: Awais Azhar Ann Denkler Nadia Barrera-Ramirez (Chair) City Staff in Attendance: Brent Lloyd, Development Services Department Others in Attendance: Ron Thrower David Hartmann CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Claire Hempel Jolene Kiolbassa a. Approval of the July 8, 2020 meeting minutes. b. Approval of the April 21, 2021 meeting minutes. c. Approval of the September 15, 2021 meeting minutes. A motion was made to approve the minutes by Commissioner Denkler, seconded by Commissioner Azhar. Vote: 5-0. (Commissioners Shaw and Connolly absent). 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Approval of 2022 Meeting Schedule. Approve the 2022 meeting schedule of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee. (Discussion and/or possible action). A motion was made to approve the 2022 meeting schedule by Commissioner Denkler, seconded by Commissioner Hempel. Vote: 5-0. (Commissioners Shaw and Connolly absent). b. Annual Internal Review. Review 2020-2021 Annual Internal Review. (Discussion and/or possible action). Facilitator: Commissioner Barrera-Ramirez, Chair of COJC City Attorney: None 1 a. None. A motion was made to approve the 2020-2021 Annual Internal Review by Commissioner Hempel, seconded by Commissioner Azhar. Vote: 5-0. (Commissioners Shaw and Connolly absent). 3. POTENTIAL CODE AMENDMENTS: Proposed for Discussion and/or Initiation Potential amendments to the code are offered for discussion and/or possible recommendation for initiation. If initiated, Staff will research the proposal and report back to the subcommittee. 4. REGULAR AGENDA: Previously Initiated Previously initiated amendments to the code are offered for discussion and possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission. a. BRIEFING: Affordability Unlocked Site Plan Amendment. Update on potential changes to City Code Title 25 related to Affordability Unlocked and site plan requirements and process. City Staff: Brent Lloyd, Development Services Department (512) 974-2974, brent.lloyd@austintexas.gov (Discussion). Brent Lloyd gave a briefing of proposed amendments related to the site plan process for projects using Affordability Unlocked provisions. Changes to the site plan process that were proposed as a part of the LDC revision were done in conjunction with other changes to the draft code; the current proposed amendment to the current code is more complicated because it’s being done in isolation, without associated changes in …
Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee September 15, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Street Jones Building – Room #400A 1000 E. 11th St, Austin, TX 78702 CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Claire Hempel Joao Paulo Connolly Awais Azhar Todd Shaw Nadia Barrera-Ramirez (Vice-Chair) Ann Denkler Jolene Kiolbassa EXECUTIVE SESSION (No public discussion) The Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee will announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel on matters specifically listed on this agenda. The committee may not conduct a closed meeting without the approval of the city attorney. Private Consultation with Attorney – Section 551.071 CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approval of the April 21, 2021 meeting minutes. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Election of Officers. Elect a chair and vice-chair of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee. 3. POTENTIAL CODE AMENDMENTS: Proposed for Discussion and/or Initiation Facilitator: City Attorney: None 1 Potential amendments to the code are offered for discussion and/or possible recommendation for initiation. If initiated, Staff will research the proposal and report back to the subcommittee. a. None. 4. REGULAR AGENDA: Previously Initiated Previously initiated amendments to the code are offered for discussion and possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission. a. Urban Trail Code Amendments. Discuss and consider amendments to City Code Title 25 related to cut and fill requirements and critical water quality zone development regulations as applied to Urban Trails. City Staff: Katie Wettick, Public Works Department (512) 974-3529, katie.wettick@austintexas.gov (Discussion and/or possible action). 5. OTHER BUSINESS a. Update on Potential Upcoming and Current Code Amendments – City Staff: Greg Dutton, Planning and Zoning Department, (512) 974-3509, Greg.Dutton@austintexas.gov; (Discussion and/or Possible Action). 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future agenda items will NOT be discussed at the current meeting, but will be offered for initiation, discussion, and/or possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission at a FUTURE meeting. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations 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 Greg Dutton at Planning and Development Review Department, at (512) 974-3509, for additional information; the City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are …
Subsection (B) of City Code Section 25-8-261 (Critical Water Quality Zone Development) is amended to read as follows: (B) Open space is permitted in a critical water quality zone if a program of fertilizer, pesticide, and herbicide use is approved by the Watershed Protection Department, subject to the conditions in this Subsection. (1) In a water supply rural watershed, water supply suburban, or the Barton Springs Zone, open space is limited to sustainable urban agriculture or a community garden if the requirements in subsection (B)(4) are met, multi-use trails, picnic facilities, and outdoor facilities, excluding stables, corrals for animals and athletic fields. (2) A master planned park that is approved by the council may include recreational development other than that described in Subsection (B)(1). (3) A hard surfaced trail may cross the critical water quality zone pursuant to Section 25-8-262 (Critical Water Quality Zone Street Crossings). A hard surfaced trail that does not cross the critical water quality zone may be located within the critical water quality zone only if: (a) designed in accordance with the Environmental Criteria Manual; (b) (c) (d) (e) located outside the erosion hazard zone unless protective works are provided as prescribed in the Drainage Criteria Manual; limited to 12 feet in width plus one-foot compacted sub-grade shoulders, unless a wider trail is designated in a Council- adopted plan [the Urban Trails Master Plan adopted by Council]; located not less than 25 feet from the centerline of a waterway if within an urban watershed; located not less than 50 feet from the centerline of a minor waterway, 100 feet from the centerline of an intermediate waterway, and 150 feet from the centerline of a major waterway if within a watershed other than an urban watershed; September 2021 Ordinance re: Urban Trails Page 1 of 5 (f) located not less than 50 feet from the shoreline of Lake Travis, Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, and Lake Walter E. Long, as defined in Section 25-8-92; and (g) located not less than 100 feet from the ordinary high water mark of the Colorado River downstream from Longhorn Dam. (4) Open space may include sustainable urban agriculture or a community garden only if: (a) in an urban watershed and located not less than 25 feet from the centerline of a waterway, or in a watershed other than an urban watershed and located not less than 50 feet from the centerline …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210818 004b Date: August 18, 2021 Seconded by: Rachel Scott Subject: Proposed changes to the Land Development Code for urban trails Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City staff are requesting changes to Land Development Code for urban trails specifically requesting: (1) An amendment to LDC 25-8-341 and 25-8-342 to cut and fill requirements to allow cut and fill of up to 8 feet for a public trail if the cut or fill is not located on a slope of more than 15% or within 100 feet of a classified waterway and the trail is constructed in accordance with the Environmental Criteria Manual and (2) An amendment to LDC 25-8-261 to clarify the language to formalize the current interpretation making clear that a trail within the critical water quality zone is limited to 12 feet plus one foot compacted subgrade shoulders on each side. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the above noted changes to the Land Development Code. VOTE 7-0 For: Qureshi, Brimer, Scott, Thompson, Barrett Bixler, Ramberg, and Coyne Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Bedford, Bristol, Guerrero Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair
Urban Trail Proposed Code Amendments SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 Agenda 9.15.2021 I. Background #EFA160 #16362F II. Proposed Code Amendments I. II. LDC 25-8-341/342 LDC 25-1-261(B)(3)(c) #1886CA III. Q&A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT – CITY OF AUSTIN 2 Background Resolution NO. 20200220-045 ] PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT – CITY OF AUSTIN 3 Background February 2020 April 2020 • Resolution NO. 20200220-045 Passed • Stakeholder Group Convened January 2021 #EFA160 • Memo response to Resolution June 2021 #16362F • Resolution NO. 20210610-041 Passed Resolution NO. 20210610-041 #1886CA “(2) Council initiates the following amendments to the Land Development Code, as recommended by PWD and WPD in Appendix B of the January 4, 2021 memo from PWD, and asks that they be brought back to Council by August 26, 2021: (a) Amend Land Development Code 25-8-341 and 25-8-342 to grant urban trails projects greater cut and fill allowances under specific environmental circumstances. (b) Amend Land Development Code 25-8-261(B)(3)(c) to reflect current policy that trails within the critical water quality zone be limited to 12 feet in surface width plus one-foot shoulders on each side. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT – CITY OF AUSTIN 4 PURPOSE • Streamline review process • Create transparency • Formalize internal policy What is Cut + Fill? cut fill #EFA160 #16362F #1886CA PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT – CITY OF AUSTIN 6 LDC 25-8-341 & 25-8-342: Cut and Fill Current Status: Cut and/or fill in a suburban watershed is limited to 4 ft in depth Administrative variance typically granted to allow up to 8 ft, with certain conditions Construction of roadways in public right-of-way has no cut or fill limit Proposed Improvement #EFA160 #16362F Allow cut and/or fill of up to 8 ft for a public trail if: The cut or fill is not located on a slope of more than 15% The cut or fill is not located within 100 #1886CA ft of a classified waterway; and The trail is designed in accordance with the Environmental Criteria Manual. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT – CITY OF AUSTIN 7 NORTHERN WALNUT CREEK TRAIL Northern Walnut Creek Trail Phase 2A • Construction beginning November 2021 • Granted admin variance from cut and fill requirements LDC 25-8-261: Critical Water Quality Zone Development Current Status: A hard surface trail within the critical water quality zone is limited to 12 feet in width, unless a wider trail is designated in a Council adopted plan. Current …
Description Type of Change Current Status/Concern Proposed Improvement 25-8-341 Cut Requirements and 25-8-341 Fill Requirements Policy 25-8-261 Criteria for hard surfaced trails located within the critical water quality zone Clarify Cut and fill for a trail located in a suburban watershed is currently limited to 4 ft or an administrative variance is required. While administrative variances are typically granted, construction of roadways in public right-of-way has no cut or fill limit. A hard surface trail within the critical water quality zone is limited to 12 feet in width, unless a wider trail is designated in a Council adopted plan. Current language does not make clear if that is surface width or if it includes the sub- grade shoulders that extend beyond the usable width of the trail. Current interpretation is that the 12 ft width refers to the usable width of the trail. Allow cut and fill of up to 8 ft for a public trail if the cut or fill is not located on a slope of more than 15% or within 100 ft of a classified waterway and the trail is designed in accordance with the Environmental Criteria Manual. Clarify the language to formalize current interpretation making clear that a trail within the critical water quality zone is limited to 12 feet plus one foot compacted sub grade shoulders on each side. Advantage Disadvantage Streamlines review process. None Formalizes internal policy. None
REGULAR MEETING CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday, September 15, 2021 The Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, September 15, at 1000 E. 11th St, Street Jones Building, Room 400A, Austin, TX 78702. Vice Chair Barrera-Ramirez called the meeting to order at 6:15 pm. Subcommittee Members in Attendance: Awais Azhar Ann Denkler Todd Shaw City Staff in Attendance: Katie Wettick, Public Works Department Atha Phillips, Watershed Protection Department Others in Attendance: None CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Nadia Barrera-Ramirez (Vice-Chair) Claire Hempel Jolene Kiolbassa a. Approval of the April 21, 2021 meeting minutes. Postponed without objection to the next meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS Committee. a. Election of Officers. Elect a chair and vice-chair of the Codes and Ordinances Joint A motion was made to elect Commissioner Barrera-Ramirez as Chair and Commissioner Hempel as Vice-Chair, by Commissioner Azhar, seconded by Commissioner Shaw. Vote: 6-0. (Commissioner Connolly absent). 3. POTENTIAL CODE AMENDMENTS: Proposed for Discussion and/or Initiation Potential amendments to the code are offered for discussion and/or possible recommendation for initiation. If initiated, Staff will research the proposal and report back to the subcommittee. a. None. Facilitator: Commissioner Barrera-Ramirez, Vice-Chair of COJC City Attorney: None 1 4. REGULAR AGENDA: Previously Initiated Previously initiated amendments to the code are offered for discussion and possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission. a. Urban Trail Code Amendments. Discuss and consider amendments to City Code Title 25 related to cut and fill requirements and critical water quality zone development regulations as applied to Urban Trails. City Staff: Katie Wettick, Public Works Department (512) 974-3529, katie.wettick@austintexas.gov (Discussion and/or possible action). Katie Wettick gave an overview of proposed amendments related to urban trails, that will modify cut and fill requirements and allow wider trails within critical water quality zones. A motion was made to recommend the item by Commissioner Azhar, seconded by Commissioner Hempel. Vote: 6-0 (Commissioner Connolly absent). 5. OTHER BUSINESS a. Update on Potential Upcoming and Current Code Amendments – City Staff: Greg Dutton, Planning and Zoning Department, 974-3509, Greg.Dutton@austintexas.gov; (Discussion and/or Possible Action). A request was made for a summary list of in-process code amendments, which will be provided at a future meeting. 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future agenda items will NOT be discussed at the current meeting, but will be offered for initiation, discussion, and/or possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission at a FUTURE …
