REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, June 22, 2026, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Design Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. 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, call or email Chad Sharrard at 512- 974-8033 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Marissa McKinney, Chair Kevin Howard, Vice Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Saira Khan CALL TO ORDER AGENDA Conners Ladner Josue Meiners Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Jon Salinas Brendan Wittstruck PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on May 18th, 2026. Discussion Items 2. 3. 4. Discussion on alley access and promoting the use of alley spaces for economic vitality. Sponsors: Commissioner Nkiru Gelles and Commissioner Jon Salinas. Discussion on clarifying the purpose and mandate of the Design Commission. Sponsors: Commissioner Jenny Murkes and Vice Chair Kevin Howard. Discussion of Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) Phase I background and context, including discussion of the Design Guidelines Working Group recommendations, and discussion regarding the approach, strategy, and stakeholder engagement process for DDBP Phase II. Sponsors: Vice Chair Kevin Howard and Commissioner David Carroll. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and action items regarding the makeup of the Urban Design Guidelines Working Group. Sponsors: Chair Marissa McKinney and Commissioner Brandon Wittstruck. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS City Code requires at least two board members sponsor an item to be included on an agenda. This section of the agenda provides members an opportunity to request items for future agendas. Staff should assume that if there is no objection from other members expressed at the meeting, the members’ silence indicates approval for staff to include on the next agenda. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications …
§ 2-1-130 DESIGN COMMISSION. (A) The Design Commission membership should include a diverse group of persons having expertise in urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, civic art, real property development, construction, and economic development. (B) The commission shall provide advisory recommendations to the city council as requested by the city council to assist in developing public policy and to promote excellence in the design and development of the urban environment. (C) The commission shall: (1) offer policy recommendations regarding specific issues of urban design; (2) participate in developing design guidelines; (3) unless otherwise directed by the city council, for projects that require the approval of the Planning Commission or the Zoning and Platting Commission: (a) review a project only after a formal request by the project sponsor or applicant; and (b) complete the review before the respective Planning or Zoning and Platting Commission takes final action; (4) provide citizen education and outreach regarding quality urban design; (5) provide a venue for citizen input on the design and development of the urban environment; (6) maintain liaison relationships with city staff and other boards and commissions; and (7) perform other activities as directed by the city council. (D) The commission may appoint one or more of its members to serve as liaison to a project-specific community advisory group addressing urban design and planning issues at the formal request of the project sponsor. Source: Ord. 20071129-011; Ord. No. 20171214-043, Pt. 1, 12-25-17. (Supp. No. 173) Page 1 of 1
MEMORANDUM To: From: Date: Chair McKinney and Design Commission Members Andrea Bates, Interim Director, Austin Planning June 15, 2026 Subject: Downtown Density Bonus Program Update Phase 2 Work Program As directed by Council Member Qadri’s motion that was approved at the May 28, 2026, Council meeting as part of adoption of Downtown Density Bonus Program Update Phase 1, staff will be developing a work plan for the second phase of the Downtown Density Bonus Program Update. Staff plans to publish the proposed work plan prior to the August 31, 2026, deadline set by Council. While project staff will not be available to attend the June meeting of the Design Commission as requested, we will work to schedule an item for a future Design Commission meeting where staff can present the published proposed work plan, discuss next steps, and answer questions. In the meantime, commission members are welcome to provide input to staff or to reach out directly with any specific questions. Warner Cook, Planner Principal, will be serving as the case manager for this project moving forward, and staff looks forward to engaging with the members of the Commission throughout the next phase of work. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Warner Cook, Planner Principal of Austin Planning, at warner.cook@austintexas.gov or (512) 978-1724.
Design Commission Alternative Draft DRAFT 5/4/2026 Downtown Density Bonus Program- Urban Design Standards Downtown Density Bonus Program Urban Design Standards apply only to projects participating in the Downtown Density Bonus Program and are intended to implement public realm and pedestrian environment objectives that currently apply under §25-2-586. Frontage Designations For the purpose of complying with the Downtown Density Bonus Program Urban Design Standards, frontage designations are determined based on the street or trail that is adjacent to the lot line: ● Primary Street- ○ All streets identified as Main Streets are primary streets. A site has multiple primary street frontages where it is adjacent to more than one Main Street. ○ Where a site does not abut a Main Street, the primary street is the street with the highest priority (see Street Priorities below). A site has only one primary street frontage where it is not adjacent to multiple Main Streets. ● Side Street- Side streets are all other streets and listed trails, excluding alleys, not designated as primary streets. ● Street Priorities- are based on Great Streets Master Plan street typologies and named streets and trails within the Downtown Density Bonus Program boundary. Street priorities are as follows, from highest to lowest: 1. Main Streets a. Pedestrian Priority Street (Great Streets) b. Congress Avenue c. Red River Street d. Rainey Street e. 6th Street 2. Bicycle and Local Access Street (Great Streets) 3. Rapid Transit Street (Great Streets) 4. Mixed Mode Street (Great Streets) 5. Waller Creek Trail, Waterloo Greenbelt, 6. Shoal Creek Trail, Shoal Creek Greenbelt 7. Pedestrian Promenade (Great Streets) / Butler Hike and Bike Trail 8. Commuter Street (Great Streets) 9. Commuter Boulevard (Great Streets) Mandatory Standards All projects participating in the Downtown Density Bonus (DDB) program must comply with each of the following mandatory standards: Downtown Density Bonus- Urban Design Standards 1 City of Austin Council Meeting Backup: May 28, 2026File ID: 26-1745 1. Windows a. Ground story facades must include transparent windows for a minimum portion of Design Commission Alternative Draft DRAFT 5/4/2026 the facade area: i. Primary streets: 65% ii. Side streets: 45% iii. Alley: 0% b. Window glazing must have a visible light transmittance of 60% or higher and an external reflectance of 20% or less to be considered transparent. 2. Doors a. Entrances must be provided at the following minimum average frequencies* : i. Primary street: 1 per 75 feet of …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 ORDINANCE NO. _________________ AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 25-2 TO CREATE NEW DENSITY BONUS ZONING DISTRICTS AND ESTABLISH REGULATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS THAT APPLY TO THE NEW DENSITY BONUS COMBINING DISTRICTS AND TO DECREASE THE ELIGIBILITY AREA AND REMOVE CERTAIN PROPERTIES FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE DOWNTOWN DENSITY BONUS PROGRAM. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: PART 1. Include as Figure 1 (Figure 1) in Subsection (B)(1) of City Code Section 25-2-586 (Downtown Density Bonus Program) the Downtown Districts Map attached as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein. PART 2. Replace the maps identified as Figure 2 (Figure 2) in Subsection (B)(3) of City Code Section 25-2-586 (Downtown Density Bonus Program) and with the Downtown Density Bonus Program – Eligibility, Floor Area Ration (FAR) and Height Map attached as Exhibit “B”, which is incorporated herein. PART 3. Subsection (B)(2) of City Code Section 25-2-586 (Downtown Density Bonus Program) is deleted in its entirety and the remaining subdivisions are renumbered accordingly. [Properties in the Rainey Street Subdistrict may participate in the Downtown Density Bonus Program only for floor-to-area ratio that exceeds 8:1 or height above 350 feet. To achieve floor-to-area ratio up to 8:1 or height between 41 feet and 350 feet, properties in the Rainey Street Subdistrict must comply with Subsection (C)(4) of Section 25-2-739 (Rainey Street Subdistrict Regulations) of the City Code] PART 4. Subsection (E)(2) of City Code Section 25-2-586 (Downtown Density Bonus Program) is deleted in its entirety and the remaining subdivisions are renumbered accordingly. [(2) Rainey Street Subdistrict Historic Preservation Community Benefit. (a) A project may achieve bonus area for each historically significant building that is: (i) rehabilitated; and Draft 5/20/2026 Page 1 of 20 COA Law Department City of Austin Council Meeting Backup: May 28, 2026File ID: 26-1745 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 (ii) preserved on site, relocated to a site within the Rainey Street Subdistrict, or relocated to a location within the city limits …
Citywide Density Bonus Program – Planning Commission Amendments and Staff Responses Staff Recommendation Not recommended Planning Commission Amendment 1 Allow fee in lieu payments as an option for rental housing developments. Fee in lieu funds generated shall be a) restricted for use as RDHA or OHDA funding, and b) geographically prioritized to affordable developments within 1.5 miles of the originating density bonus development. If no eligible Rental Housing Development Assistance (RHDA) or Ownership Housing Development Assistance (OHDA)-funded projects exist to accept the funds within 3 years of fee-in-lieu payment, fee-in-lieu funds shall revert to general RHDA/OHDA funding for any citywide project receiving this funding. Staff Response Staff’s proposal is for on-site units only for rental developments, consistent with our longstanding policy for density bonuses. The City’s density bonus programs have resulted in nearly 6,000 affordable units (or beds, in the case of some properties in the University Neighborhood Overlay), which would cost up to $600M to subsidize, making density bonus programs the main tool for generating affordable housing without the need for subsidy. However, staff is happy to provide information about the pros and cons of any proposed fee-in-lieu option for rental. If Council decides to include a fee-in-lieu option, staff wants to ensure that it continues to promote geographic dispersion, and avoids concentration of poverty. Planning Commission’s proposed geographic restrictions would not be administratively feasible, as staff would not feasibly be able to maintain, track, and communicate fee availability to prospective RHDA/OHDA applicants for funding if each fee-in-lieu payment had its own geographic restriction and shot clock for spending. If Council chooses to include a fee-in-lieu option, staff recommends that Austin Housing limit the use of fee-in-lieu revenues to High Opportunity Areas as defined by Austin Housing, which would advance the policy intent while remaining administratively workable. Staff also want to ensure that fee-in-lieu does not negate or supersede any requirements for on-site units in cases of redevelopment of existing multifamily buildings. We would therefore recommend that if a fee-in-lieu is adopted for rental developments, it should only be available for developments that do not trigger City Code § 4-18-32 which sets out redevelopment requirements for existing multifamily structures. C20-2024-004 Text Changes No changes were made to the staff version of the ordinance. Aspects of this amendment that are able to be included were included in the Planning Commission version of the ordinance. 1 City of Austin Council Meeting …
DRAFT C20-2024-018 DDB Phase I Downtown Density Bonus Urban Design Standards These standards would apply only to projects seeking Downtown Density Bonus entitlements and are intended to implement public realm and pedestrian environment objectives that currently apply under §25-2-586. In order to participate in the proposed Downtown Density Bonus (DDB) program, projects would be required to adhere to all mandatory design standards and a minimum number of additional urban design standards from a menu of options. For Phase I of the Downtown Density Bonus update, the proposed requirements would be: - - Projects zoned –DDB400 must adhere to all mandatory standards and at least 7 out of the 14 menu standards to participate in the DDB program Projects zoned –DDB850 must adhere to all mandatory standards and least 10 out of the 14 menu standards to participate in the DDB program In future phases of the Downtown Density Bonus program update, additional combining districts may be created that have different requirements for the minimum number of urban design standards that must be met. Additionally, subdistricts may be created that provide additional urban design standards or requirements based on the unique character of specific areas (such as the Red River Cultural District). Additional design standards may be added in the future. If additional design standards are added to the menu, the minimum number of standards that must be met may be modified. The Urban Design team in Austin Planning will review site plans and determine compliance with the urban design standards. Mandatory Urban Design Standards Screening Requirements (A) Utility equipment, mechanical equipment, and solid waste collection areas, including loading docks, truck parking, outdoor storage, trash collection, trash compaction, and other service functions: a. are prohibited in the area between a building and a street; b. must not be visible from a street, adjacent property lines, or the property lines across adjacent public streets; and c. must be screened or located in a public alley. (B) This subsection applies to a site with frontage on an alley 20 feet or more wide. City of Austin Council Meeting Backup: May 28, 2026File ID: 26-1745 DRAFT C20-2024-018 DDB Phase I a. A transformer room or utility vault must be adjacent to and accessible from the alley, unless Austin Energy determines placement is required in another location. b. A pump room, sprinkler room, or other utility or mechanical room must be adjacent to and accessible …
CM Qadri Motion Sheet May 28, 2026 City Council Meeting Item No. 67 MOTION SHEET I move to amend sections of Part 8 of the draft ordinance as follows and reorder the remaining sections accordingly: Part 8. City Code Chapter 25-2, Subchapter C, Article 3, Division 5 (Combining and Overlay Districts) is amended to add a new Section 25-2-657 to read: (G) DDB400 zoning. (1) A building located on a site with DDB400 zoning may exceed the maximum building height in the base zoning district by a maximum of 400 feet except that no building may exceed 750 feet in height. (2) A site with DDB400 zoning seeking bonus area must provide mandatory urban design standards and 6 [7] optional urban design standards described in subsection R below. (H) DDB850 zoning. (1) A building located on a site with DDB850 zoning may exceed the maximum building height in the base zoning district by a maximum of 850 feet except that no building may exceed 1200 feet in height. (2) A site with DDB850 zoning seeking bonus area must provide mandatory urban design standards and provide 9 [10] optional urban design standards described in subsection R below. (M) Mandatory Urban Design Standards (UDS). (1) UDS-1 (Screening) (c) Above-ground parking structures must be screened to prevent spaces from view [from] of a public street and adjacent properties. (4) UDS-5 (Limit Curb Cuts) CM Qadri Motion Sheet May 28, 2026 City Council Meeting Item No. 67 (a) A development shall minimize curb cuts shall be located to preserve a continuous active frontage. (b) Unless [as] required by Austin Fire or Austin Transportation and Public Works, vehicular access from a site to a public street shall be limited to: i) one curb cut for each 140 feet of single street frontage along a street that runs east and west; and ii) one curb cut along a street that runs north and south. (R) Optional Urban Design Standards (UDS). (1) UDS-6 [5] (Enhanced Pedestrian-Oriented Frontage Requirements). (a) A minimum of 75 percent of the total building frontage on the ground floor of must contain one or more commercial or civic uses and must comply with the dimensional requirements found in Section 4.3.3.C in Subchapter E (Design Standards and Mixed Use) of this chapter; and (b) In alignment with Great Streets Streetscape Standards provide a street- facing outdoor amenity space which must: (i) (ii) be located …
CM Qadri May 28, 2026 Council Meeting Item 67 Item 67 Motion Sheet #2: Further Direction I move to provide the following direction to the City Manager regarding future phases of the Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) update: ● Develop regulatory, programmatic, and financial tools and incentives in coordination with the Downtown Density Bonus Red River Cultural District subdistrict creation through cross-departmental collaboration to preserve and retain cultural spaces and venues. ● Analyze and explore implementation of Equity-based Preservation Plan recommendations such as transfer of development rights and historic tax incentive reform. ● Initiate a South Central Waterfront subdistrict of the DDBP. ● Provide Council with a memorandum by August 31st that outlines the Phase II engagement and DDBP design process, including South Central Waterfront, and addresses the following in alignment with previously adopted Council initiatives: ○ Engage stakeholders broadly on urban design standards and provide further recommendations and refinements on Phase I and Phase II design standards, including the Design, Planning, and Downtown Commissions as critical points of feedback in this process, ○ Continue to consider inclusion of additional gatekeeper design standards and community benefits, while exploring additional regulatory pathways and incentives that would support desired design outcomes in downtown.
MEMORANDUM To: From: Date: Chair McKinney and Design Commission Members Andrea Bates, Interim Director, Austin Planning June 15, 2026 Subject: Downtown Density Bonus Program Update Phase 2 Work Program As directed by Council Member Qadri’s motion that was approved at the May 28, 2026, Council meeting as part of adoption of Downtown Density Bonus Program Update Phase 1, staff will be developing a work plan for the second phase of the Downtown Density Bonus Program Update. Staff plans to publish the proposed work plan prior to the August 31, 2026, deadline set by Council. While project staff will not be available to attend the June meeting of the Design Commission as requested, we will work to schedule an item for a future Design Commission meeting where staff can present the published proposed work plan, discuss next steps, and answer questions. In the meantime, commission members are welcome to provide input to staff or to reach out directly with any specific questions. Warner Cook, Planner Principal, will be serving as the case manager for this project moving forward, and staff looks forward to engaging with the members of the Commission throughout the next phase of work. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Warner Cook, Planner Principal of Austin Planning, at warner.cook@austintexas.gov or (512) 978-1724.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 18, 2026, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Design Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. 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, call or email Chad Sharrard at 512- 974-8033 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Marissa McKinney, Chair Kevin Howard, Vice Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Saira Khan CALL TO ORDER AGENDA Conners Ladner Josue Meiners Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Jon Salinas Brendan Wittstruck PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission special-called meeting on May 4th, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Barton Springs Road Bridge. Presented by Eric Bailey, Austin Capital Delivery Services. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Carroll. Staff briefing regarding the inclusion of West Campus into the Downtown area. Presented by Shanisha Johnson, Austin Planning. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Vice Chair Meiners. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project Fiesta Gardens, located at 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St., complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by Clayton Korte and Travis Greig of Clayton Korte. Discussion and action to appoint a member of the Design Commission to serve as the Commission’s representative on the Downtown Commission. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Vice Chair Meiners. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS City Code requires at least two board members sponsor an item to be included on an agenda. This section of the agenda provides members an opportunity to request items for future agendas. Staff should assume that if there is no objection from other members expressed at the meeting, the members’ silence indicates approval for staff to include on the next agenda. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications …
DESIGN COMMISSION MINUTES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Monday May 4, 2026 The Design Commission convened in a Special Called meeting on Monday May 4, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Marissa McKinney called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Marissa McKinney (Chair) Kevin Howard (Vice Chair) Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula (arrived 6:05) David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes (arrived 6:09) Jon Salinas Brendan Wittstruck Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission Regular Meeting on April 27th, 2026. The minutes from the Design Commission regular meeting on April 27th, 2026, were approved on Vice Chair Kevin Howard’s motion, Jon Salinas’ second on a vote of 6-0. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action on recommendations regarding the proposed Downtown Density Bonus Phase I Urban Design Standards. Motion to recommend that the Design Commission forward the alternative draft, as amended, to the Planning Commission. Sponsors Howard and Wittstruck. Vote 8-0. 1 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Working group update from a representative from the urban design guideline working group that will update the design commission about ongoing coordination with the planning commission regarding the downtown density bonus standards document and process. Sponsors: Howard and Gelles. ADJOURNMENT Chair Marissa McKinney adjourned the meeting at 6:36 p.m. without objection. 2
REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 18, 2026, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Design Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. 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, call or email Chad Sharrard at 512- 974-8033 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Marissa McKinney, Chair Kevin Howard, Vice Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Saira Khan CALL TO ORDER AGENDA REVISED Conners Ladner Josue Meiners Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Jon Salinas Brendan Wittstruck PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission special-called meeting on May 4th, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Barton Springs Road Bridge. Presented by Eric Bailey, Austin Capital Delivery Services. Sponsors: Commissioner Salinas and Commissioner Carroll. Staff briefing regarding the inclusion of West Campus into the Downtown area. Presented by Shanisha Johnson, Austin Planning. Sponsors: Commissioner Salinas and Chair Meiners. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. Discussion and possible action on recommendations regarding the future of the Design Commission and their role in the development review process. Sponsors: Commissioner Murkes and Vice Chair Howard. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project Fiesta Gardens, located at 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St., complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by Clayton Korte and Travis Greig of Clayton Korte. Discussion and action to appoint a member of the Design Commission to serve as the Commission’s representative on the Downtown Commission. Sponsors: Commissioner Salinas and Chair Meiners. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS City Code requires at least two board members sponsor an item to be included on an agenda. This section of the agenda provides members an opportunity to request items for future agendas. Staff should assume that if there is no objection from other members expressed at the meeting, the members’ …
Central City District Plan Austin Planning | Design Commission | May 18, 2026 Agenda 01 02 03 04 05 Central City District Introduction Plan Overview Advisory Groups Project Timeline Progress to Date 2 The Central City District Plan Area Downtown Austin Plan area, South Central Waterfront area, and the University of Texas area Lamar Boulevard to the west Proposed UNO Update boundary to the north I-35 to the east Proposed South Central Waterfront regulating boundary to the south 3 About the Central City District Plan The 2011 Downtown Austin Plan is being updated as the Central City District Plan, including the University of Texas area and the South Central Waterfront. The Plan will create a 10-year blueprint for future growth and investments with a unified vision for improving land use, mobility, public spaces, and economic and cultural vibrancy in our urban core. It will align with existing citywide strategic plans and policies and seeks to build consensus for effective implementation. Community-informed vision and goals Place Type mapping to inform future development patterns Public realm and multimodal improvements Program, policy, project, and partnership recommendations Implementation action items Map: AECOM Data: City of Austin 4 Interagency Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) COA Departments Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Austin Housing Austin Capital Delivery Services Austin Parks & Recreation Austin Climate Action and Resilience Austin Planning Austin Communications and Engagement Austin Police Austin Development Services Austin Police Oversight Austin Economic Development Austin Public Library Austin Emergency Services Austin Resource Recovery Austin Energy Austin Small & Minority Business Resources Austin Equity and Inclusion Austin Project Connect Austin Facilities Management Austin Transportation and Public Works Austin Financial Services Austin Water Austin Fire Austin Watershed Protection Austin Government Relations Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations Meets once monthly via Teams Review draft deliverables using subject matter expertise Will remain in contact on annual basis to inform implementation tracking Partner Agencies Austin Community College Austin Transit Partnership CapMetro Central Health Rally Austin Texas Department of Transportation Travis County University of Texas 5 Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) Member Organizations Accessible Housing Austin (aha!) Endeavors Safe Streets Austin ADAPT of Texas allgo AURA ATX Greater South River City Combined Neighborhood Plan Contact Team Shoal Creek Conservancy Judge’s Hill Neighborhood Association South Congress Merchant's Association La Pena Texas School for the Deaf Austin Chamber of Commerce Mexic Arte The Contemporary Austin Housing Coalition Movability …
§ 2-1-130 DESIGN COMMISSION. (A) The Design Commission membership should include a diverse group of persons having expertise in urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, civic art, real property development, construction, and economic development. (B) The commission shall provide advisory recommendations to the city council as requested by the city council to assist in developing public policy and to promote excellence in the design and development of the urban environment. (C) The commission shall: (1) offer policy recommendations regarding specific issues of urban design; (2) participate in developing design guidelines; (3) unless otherwise directed by the city council, for projects that require the approval of the Planning Commission or the Zoning and Platting Commission: (a) review a project only after a formal request by the project sponsor or applicant; and (b) complete the review before the respective Planning or Zoning and Platting Commission takes final action; (4) provide citizen education and outreach regarding quality urban design; (5) provide a venue for citizen input on the design and development of the urban environment; (6) maintain liaison relationships with city staff and other boards and commissions; and (7) perform other activities as directed by the city council. (D) The commission may appoint one or more of its members to serve as liaison to a project-specific community advisory group addressing urban design and planning issues at the formal request of the project sponsor. Source: Ord. 20071129-011; Ord. No. 20171214-043, Pt. 1, 12-25-17. (Supp. No. 173) Page 1 of 1
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2021 – 6:00 PM VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING COMMISSION MEMBERS: x x x x x x Terri Myers, Chair Ben Heimsath, Vice Chair Witt Featherston Mathew Jacob Kevin Koch Kelly Little x ab x x x Trey McWhorter Alex Papavasiliou Blake Tollett Beth Valenzuela Caroline Wright CALL TO ORDER: 6:01 PM AGENDA CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten (10) speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. January 25, 2021 – Offered for consent approval MOTION: Approve the minutes, per passage of the consent agenda, on a motion by Commissioner Koch. Commissioner Valenzuela seconded the motion. Vote: 10-0. 2. PRESENTATIONS, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION A. B. Presentation on the Translating Community History project. http://www.austintexas.gov/page/current-projects Presentation by Cara Bertron, Housing & Planning Department. Presentation on recently completed historic resource surveys: Historic Resources Survey for Old Austin Neighborhood Association (2020) Historic Building Survey Report for North Central Austin: West Campus, North University, Heritage, Bryker Woods, and North Hyde Park (2021) http://www.austintexas.gov/page/historic-survey Presentation by Andrew Rice, Housing & Planning Department. 1 C. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to seek a recommendation to City Council for the Parks and Recreation Department’s preferred design scenario for the Dougherty Arts Center Replacement Project. Presentation by Kevin Johnson, Parks & Recreation Department, and Jonathan Pearson, Studio8 Architects. MOTION: Recommend endorsement of either Option 1A or Option 1B on the basis of preservation of the historic PARD Headquarters building on a motion by Vice Chair Heimsath. Commissioner Little seconded the motion. Vote: 10-0. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Discussion and Possible Action on Applications for Historic Zoning, Discussion and Action on Applications for Historic District Zoning, and Requests to Consider Initiation of Historic Zoning Cases A.1. No cases. B. Discussion and Possible Action on Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness B.1. C14H-2009-0021 – 2406 Harris Blvd. – Discussion Jackson-Novy Kelly-Hoey House Council District 9 Proposal: Construct a swimming pool and terrace, landscape modifications; remove an attic vent opening on the front of the house Applicant: Tina Contros City Staff: Elizabeth Brummett, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-1264 Committee Feedback: Provide evidence of historic nature of proposed changes and consider another location for the proposed pool; concerns regarding the appropriateness of a pool in the front yard. Staff Recommendation: Approve the …
A. PROJECT INFORMATION PROJECT NAME PROJECT T YP E Infrastructure Private project PROJECT LOCATIO N/ ADDR ESS PROJECT LOCATIO N/ ADDR ESS City building & site Other Density Bonus A PPLICANT PROPE RT Y O WN ER A PPLICANT MAILI NG A DDRESS PROPE RT Y O WN ER MAI LING AD DR ESS A PPLICANT TELEP HONE N UM BE R PROPE RT Y O WN ER TEL EPHONE NUMBER PROJECT START DATE PROJECT CO MPL E TION DATE A PPLICANT’S ARCHI TE CT A PPL IC ANT’S ENGI NEER Page 8 Design Commission - Project Review Application 1. Indi cate if propo se d Pro jec t is re q u ir e d by City Ordinance to be reviewed by the Design Commiss ion . 2. D escribe the r ec omm end atio n t h at yo u a re requesting from the Desig n Com mission. 3. Current De sig n P hase o f Pro jec t ( D e s ign C o mmission prefers to see pro jec ts right aft er ap proved conceptual, sc he m atic, d esign d ev e lo pm e nt ) . 4. Is thi s Proje ct su bjec t to Site Pl an an d /o r Zonin g application ap provals? Will it b e p rese nt e d to Plann ing Commission and/o r City Co uncil? I f s o , wh en? 5. D o es t his P roj ect c om ply with L an d D ev e l opment Code Subchapter E? List specific ally an y Alternative E quiva lent Comp lianc e r equ est if any. Ple ase refer to website for Alternate Equivalent Com plia nce ( AEC) requirements. Page 9 Design Commission - Project Review Application B. PROJECT BACKGROUND 6. Prov ide proj ec t b ackgro u nd inc lu d ing go als , scope, building/planning type, and sc hedule. Broadly addre ss e ach of the “Shar ed Value s fo r Ur ban A re as ” t hat are listed on Page 6 o f the Ur ban Design Guidelines . 7. Has this proje ct c ondu cted co m mu n it y/ s t ak eholder out reach? If so, please provide do c ume ntation to d emonstrate …
A R C H I T E C T U R A L A N D H I S TO R I C P R E S E R VAT I O N S E R V I C E S F O R F I E S TA GA R D E N S C O M P L E X R E H A B I L I TAT I O N D E S I G N C O M M I S S I O N | P R E L I M I N A R Y - N O T F O R C O N S T R U C T I O N | M AY 1 8 , 2 0 2 6 | 1 O F 3 1 2101 JESSE E. SEGOVIA ST. | AUSTIN, TEXAS 78702FIESTA GARDENS P R OJ E C T G OA L S T h e F i e s t a G a r d e n s R e h a b i l i t a t i o n fo c u s e s o n p r e s e r v i n g a n d r e s t o r i n g c h a r a c t e r - d e f i n i n g a r c h i t e c t u r a l fe a t u r e s o f t h e h i s t o r i c s t r u c t u r e s w h i l e r e h a b i l i t a t i n g t h e s t r u c t u r e s a n d s i t e t o m e e t c u r r e n t c o d e s a n d e n h a n c e u s e . T h e p r o j e c t s c o p e w a s c o n c e i v e d b y t h e A u s t i n P a r k s a n d R e c r e …
A R C H I T E C T U R A L A N D H I S TO R I C P R E S E R VAT I O N S E R V I C E S F O R F I E S TA GA R D E N S C O M P L E X R E H A B I L I TAT I O N S U P P O R T I N G I N F O R M AT I O N D E S I G N C O M M I S S I O N | P R E L I M I N A R Y - N O T F O R C O N S T R U C T I O N | M AY 1 8 , 2 0 2 6 | 1 O F 2 0 2101 JESSE E. SEGOVIA ST. | AUSTIN, TEXAS 78702FIESTA GARDENS S T A K E H O L D E R I N P U T D E S I G N C O M M I S S I O N | P R E L I M I N A R Y - N O T F O R C O N S T R U C T I O N | M AY 1 8 , 2 0 2 6 | 2 O F 2 0 2101 JESSE E. SEGOVIA ST. | AUSTIN, TEXAS 78702FIESTA GARDENS V I S I O N P L A N I N T R O D U C T I O N • 2 0 1 2 : C i t y o f A u s t i n h i r e d t e a m t o p r e p a r e Pa r k I m p r o v e m e n t M a s t e r P l a n • I n c l u d e s 9 . 3 a c r e s o f n e w l y d e d i c a t e d p a r k l a n d a t H o l l y S t r e e t Po w e r P l a n …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 18, 2026, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Design Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. 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, call or email Chad Sharrard at 512- 974-8033 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Marissa McKinney, Chair Kevin Howard, Vice Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Saira Khan Conners Ladner Josue Meiners Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Jon Salinas Brendan Wittstruck AGENDA ADDENDUM DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Discussion and possible action on a letter from Design Commission to City Council regarding the Density Bonus Standards. Sponsors: Chair McKinney and Vice Chair Howard. 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 Chad Sharrard at Austin Planning at 512-974-8033 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Design Commission, please contact Chad Sharrard at 512-974-8033 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov.
Design Commission – Barton Springs Rd. Bridge Update May 18, 2026 Eric Bailey, P.E. – Deputy Director Capital Delivery Services Barton Springs Road Bridge 100years old built in 1926 1946 Bridge Expansion 20,000 Vehicles per day Key Entrance to Zilker Park and for Major City Events FUNDING SOURCE: • Preliminary Design: 2012, 2018 and 2020 Bonds • Design: 2020 Bond • Construction: FHWA/City 2 Project Development Process - PRELIMINARY PHASE 2015 - 2023 - DESIGN PHASE 2024 - 2027 - CONSTRUCTION PHASE 2027 - 2029 PUBLIC MEETING April 2023 RESPOND TO COMMENTS Summer 2023 REFINE REPORT Fall 2023 COUNCIL ACTION December 2023 60% DESIGN + NEPA PUBLIC MEETINGS + BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS FINAL DESIGN AND PERMITTING BID AND AWARD + COUNCIL ACTION CONSTRUCTION WE ARE HERE Current Condition Spalling Concrete in Bridge Structure Concrete Cores Delamination of Beams Curb And Railing Do Not Meet Current ADA Standards Load Restricted As Of November 2023 – Heavy Vehicles Moving Eastbound Must Use Outer Lanes 4 Analysis Structural and Mobility Analysis: • • • • External Structure - Spalling Concrete • ADA compliance – Pedestrian Circulation Internal Structure – Deteriorating Steel Geotechnical Data –Replacement Design • Pedestrian and Bicycle Mobility – no improvement to existing condition Cost/Benefit Analysis – extended life vs. cost Historical Analysis: • Coordinated with US Army Corps (USACE) and Texas Historic Commission (THC) • The bridge is a contributing feature to the Zilker Park National Register of Historic Places District (1997) • The Texas Historic Commission has approved potentially fully replacing the bridge. As the process continues, the final design will be reviewed and approved by USACE and THC. • Additional analysis is underway as a part of the NEPA process 5 Project Options 6 Bridge Rehabilitation Bridge Structure Rehabilitation 1 Remove Existing Bridge Deck and Spandrel Columns 2 Remaining Portion of Existing Structure 3 New Components: Exterior Pairs of Arch Ribs, Spandrel Columns, Deck, and Abutment Extensions Less than half of the original structure will remain Remaining structure will require refacing with new material surfaces View of old arches will be mostly blocked by new structure 7 City Council Actions 1 Direction from Council in 2020 Bond Resolution (20200812-011): 2 Previous Council Action/Hearings: 11/30/23 – Council conducts a public hearing to recommend the bridge replacement alternative 12/12/23 – Council work session on the recommended option 12/14/23 – Council conducts a public hearing and directs Staff to …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Recommendation: Design Commission Description of Recommendation to Council: Date of Approval: 5/4/2026 The Design Commission recommends to City Council that the Downtown Density Bonus Program Urban Design Standards be adopted as recommended by the Planning Commission. Recommendation Number: 20260518-007: Urban Design Working Group Alternative Draft for the Urban Design Standards DRAFT ● The Urban Design Standards recommended by the Planning Commission were developed by the Design Commission to promote quality urban design that ensures safety, comfort, and vitality within the downtown public realm. These standards were directly informed by the Urban Design Guidelines update process. Commission and City Council in issues of urban design and should be engaged as a primary stakeholder in future phases of the Downtown Density Bonus program update and Citywide Density Bonus program updates to support the development of appropriate gatekeeper urban design standards. Urban Design Standards; the Commission believes it is essential to maintain the stronger mandatory and enhanced standards and frontage designations as recommended by the Planning Commission. ● The Design Commission does not support Staff’s recommended draft of the ● The Design Commission serves a critical function advising the Planning Rationale: The proposed amendments to the Downtown Density Bonus Program before City Council would eliminate both administrative design review and the public-facing Design Commission review for DDB projects, changes that significantly alter the role and function of the Design Commission and the Urban Design Guidelines. This process has historically helped secure meaningful public benefits and improve the quality of Austin’s Downtown. The removal of this process risks leaving the City of Austin without leverage to require that downtown projects contribute meaningfully to the urban fabric of downtown. The Commission supports continued growth and increased housing production downtown. We also recognize the evolving legal constraints surrounding discretionary development review and the value of a more predictable entitlement process. For this reason, we support the Urban Design Standards as recommended by the Planning Commission. The Urban Design Standards proposed by staff were a rushed and insufficient replacement for the previous design review process. In contrast, the standards recommended by the Planning Commission were developed by the Design Commission through a substantial multi-year effort to update the Urban Design Guidelines. These standards were shaped through extensive engagement with stakeholders, practitioners, and staff, and calibrated against real projects, professional practice, and national best practices for drafting objective design standards. Recognizing the relative inflexibility of …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 4th, 2026, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Design Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. 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, call or email Chad Sharrard at 512- 974-8033 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Marissa McKinney, Chair Kevin Howard, Vice Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Saira Khan CALL TO ORDER AGENDA Conners Ladner Josue Meiners Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Jon Salinas Brendan Wittstruck PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission Design regular meeting on April 27th, 2026. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action on recommendations to the proposed Downtown Density Bonus Phase I Urban Design Standards. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS City Code requires at least two board members sponsor an item to be included on an agenda. This section of the agenda provides members an opportunity to request items for future agendas. Staff should assume that if there is no objection from other members expressed at the meeting, the members’ silence indicates approval for staff to include on the next agenda. 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 Chad Sharrard at Austin Planning at 512-974-8033 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Design Commission, please contact Chad Sharrard at 512-974-8033 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov.
Downtown Density Bonus Phase 1 – Proposal Austin Planning | Design Commission | 04/27/2026 Agenda • • • Background Existing Program & Process Proposed Changes • Urban Design Standards • Community Benefits | • Downtown Density Bonus Process • Stakeholder Engagement and Timeline 2 Background City Council Resolution Downtown Density Bonus Update Resolution No. 20240718-185 in July 2024 directed staff to update the Downtown Density Bonus (DDB) program Requested: Updates to gatekeeper requirements Integration of Rainey subdistrict Creation of new subdistricts Prioritization of accessibility and shade opportunities Simplification of the affordability program Alignment of the program with the Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) overlay. Downtown Density Bonus – Phase 1 In response to Senate Bill 840, Council adopted Ordinance No. 20251023-063, which amended the Central Business District Zone and directed staff to update the DDB program by June 2026 for three DDB subdistricts 4 Existing Program & Process Phase 1 - Existing Height & FAR Map After the recent adoption of the Central Business District Zone amendments and updates to the DDB, the three subdistricts in Phase 1 have the following entitlements available via the DDB program: Core Subdistrict – 350ft of height and 25:1 FAR* Rainey Subdistrict – 350ft of height and 15:1 FAR* Convention Center Subdistrict – 350ft of height and 15:1 FAR* Applicants can request Council approval to exceed these entitlements *FAR limits are only applicable to commercial developments 6 Proposed Changes Phase I – Proposed Applicability Revised to remove the Red River Cultural District from Phase I To be updated and included in Phase II of the DDB Update DDB is a voluntary program Supersedes the following overlays: Capitol Dominance Overlay Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Density Bonus Waterfront Overlay 8 Phase I – Combining Districts Each combining district will have different entitlements/requirements. Phase I will create 2 combining districts: DDB400 has +400 ft DDB850 has +850 ft Additional height is additive to the property’s base zoning height limit E.g., a CBD-DDB400 site could build up to 750 ft (350 ft base height + 400 bonus ft) Sites will be rezoned into DDB400 in Phase I. Sites will be eligible to request rezoning into DDB850 through the standard rezoning process. Max height cannot be exceeded by Council approval. …
DRAFT C20-2024-018 DDB Phase I Downtown Density Bonus Urban Design Standards These standards would apply only to projects seeking Downtown Density Bonus entitlements and are intended to implement public realm and pedestrian environment objectives that currently apply under §25-2-586. In order to participate in the proposed Downtown Density Bonus (DDB) program, projects would be required to adhere to all mandatory design standards and a minimum number of additional urban design standards from a menu of options. For Phase I of the Downtown Density Bonus update, the proposed requirements would be: - Projects zoned –DDB400 must adhere to all mandatory standards and at least 7 out of the 14 menu standards to participate in the DDB program - Projects zoned –DDB850 must adhere to all mandatory standards and least 10 out of the 14 menu standards to participate in the DDB program In future phases of the Downtown Density Bonus program update, additional combining districts may be created that have different requirements for the minimum number of urban design standards that must be met. Additionally, subdistricts may be created that provide additional urban design standards or requirements based on the unique character of specific areas (such as the Red River Cultural District). Additional design standards may be added in the future. If additional design standards are added to the menu, the minimum number of standards that must be met may be modified. The Urban Design team in Austin Planning will review site plans and determine compliance with the urban design standards. Mandatory Urban Design Standards Screening Requirements (A) Utility equipment, mechanical equipment, and solid waste collection areas, including loading docks, truck parking, outdoor storage, trash collection, trash compaction, and other service functions: a. are prohibited in the area between a building and a street; b. must not be visible from a street, adjacent property lines, or the property lines across adjacent public streets; and c. must be screened or located in a public alley. (B) This subsection applies to a site with frontage on an alley 20 feet or more wide. DRAFT C20-2024-018 DDB Phase I a. A transformer room or utility vault must be adjacent to and accessible from the alley, unless Austin Energy determines placement is required in another location. b. A pump room, sprinkler room, or other utility or mechanical room must be adjacent to and accessible from the alley unless the Fire Chief determines that placing the …
DESIGN COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING Monday, April 27, 2026 The Design Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Jon Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Salinas, Jon (Chair) Aradhyula, Ramachandra Gelles, Nkiru Howard, Kevin Murkes, Jenny Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Meiners, Josue (Vice Chair) Ladner, Conners Khan, Saira Mckinney, Melissa (arrived at 7:20) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ryan Saunders, East Cesar Chavez Contact Team-Neighborhood Association Seeking to propose two future agenda items regarding Plaza Saltillo and activating public alleyways. Ryan is a local public space activist looking to reengage Plaza Saltillo as a community space as well as speak on bringing improvements to an alley that runs parallel to East Cesar Chavez Street. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Design Commission Regular Meeting on. The minutes from the Design Commission regular meeting on March 23rd, 2026, were approved on Vice Chair Josue Meiners’s motion, Chair Jon Salinas’s second on an 8-0. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the Barton Springs Road Bridge. Presented by Eric Bailey, Austin Capital Delivery Services. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Carroll. Postponed to Design Commission Regular Meeting on May 18, 2026. 1 3. 4. Staff briefing regarding Downtown Density Bonus Phase I Updates. Presented by Alan Pani, Austin Planning. Sponsors: Vice Chair Meiners and Commissioner Howard. Item was discussed. Staff briefing regarding the inclusion of West Campus into the Downtown area. Presented by Shanisha Johnson, Austin Planning. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Vice Chair Meiners. Postponed to Design Commission Regular Meeting on May 18, 2026. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project Fiesta Gardens, located at 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St., complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by Clayton Korte and Travis Greig of Clayton Korte. Postponed to Design Commission Regular Meeting on May 18, 2026. 6. Conduct officer elections for Design Commission Chair and Vice Chair. Kevin Howard was nominated for Vice Chair by Vice Chair Meiners and seconded by Chair Jon Salinas in a vote of 8-0. Marissa Mckinney was nominated for Chair by Nkiru Gelles and seconded by Chair Jon Salinas in a vote of 8-0. 7. Discussion and action to appoint a member of the Design Commission to serve …
DRAFT C20-2024-018 DDB Phase I Downtown Density Bonus Urban Design Standards These standards would apply only to projects seeking Downtown Density Bonus entitlements and are intended to implement public realm and pedestrian environment objectives that currently apply under §25-2-586. In order to participate in the proposed Downtown Density Bonus (DDB) program, projects would be required to adhere to all mandatory design standards and a minimum number of additional urban design standards from a menu of options. For Phase I of the Downtown Density Bonus update, the proposed requirements would be: - - Projects zoned –DDB400 must adhere to all mandatory standards and at least 7 out of the 14 menu standards to participate in the DDB program Projects zoned –DDB850 must adhere to all mandatory standards and least 10 out of the 14 menu standards to participate in the DDB program In future phases of the Downtown Density Bonus program update, additional combining districts may be created that have different requirements for the minimum number of urban design standards that must be met. Additionally, subdistricts may be created that provide additional urban design standards or requirements based on the unique character of specific areas (such as the Red River Cultural District). Additional design standards may be added in the future. If additional design standards are added to the menu, the minimum number of standards that must be met may be modified. The Urban Design team in Austin Planning will review site plans and determine compliance with the urban design standards. Mandatory Urban Design Standards Screening Requirements (A) Utility equipment, mechanical equipment, and solid waste collection areas, including loading docks, truck parking, outdoor storage, trash collection, trash compaction, and other service functions: a. are prohibited in the area between a building and a street; b. must not be visible from a street, adjacent property lines, or the property lines across adjacent public streets; and c. must be screened or located in a public alley. (B) This subsection applies to a site with frontage on an alley 20 feet or more wide. 15 - C20-2024-018 - Downtown Density Bonus Update Phase 1 1 of 7 DRAFT C20-2024-018 DDB Phase I a. A transformer room or utility vault must be adjacent to and accessible from the alley, unless Austin Energy determines placement is required in another location. b. A pump room, sprinkler room, or other utility or mechanical room must be adjacent to …
DRAFT C20-2024-018 DDB Phase I Downtown Density Bonus Urban Design Standards These standards would apply only to projects seeking Downtown Density Bonus entitlements and are intended to implement public realm and pedestrian environment objectives that currently apply under §25-2-586. In order to participate in the proposed Downtown Density Bonus (DDB) program, projects would be required to adhere to all mandatory design standards and a minimum number of additional urban design standards from a menu of options. For Phase I of the Downtown Density Bonus update, the proposed requirements would be: - Projects zoned –DDB400 must adhere to all mandatory standards and at least 7 out of the 14 menu standards to participate in the DDB program - Projects zoned –DDB850 must adhere to all mandatory standards and least 10 out of the 14 menu standards to participate in the DDB program In future phases of the Downtown Density Bonus program update, additional combining districts may be created that have different requirements for the minimum number of urban design standards that must be met. Additionally, subdistricts may be created that provide additional urban design standards or requirements based on the unique character of specific areas (such as the Red River Cultural District). Additional design standards may be added in the future. If additional design standards are added to the menu, the minimum number of standards that must be met may be modified. The Urban Design team in Austin Planning will review site plans and determine compliance with the urban design standards. Mandatory Urban Design Standards Screening Requirements (A) Utility equipment, mechanical equipment, and solid waste collection areas, including loading docks, truck parking, outdoor storage, trash collection, trash compaction, and other service functions: a. are prohibited in the area between a building and a street; b. must not be visible from a street, adjacent property lines, or the property lines across adjacent public streets; and c. must be screened or located in a public alley. (B) This subsection applies to a site with frontage on an alley 20 feet or more wide. DRAFT C20-2024-018 DDB Phase I a. A transformer room or utility vault must be adjacent to and accessible from the alley, unless Austin Energy determines placement is required in another location. b. A pump room, sprinkler room, or other utility or mechanical room must be adjacent to and accessible from the alley unless the Fire Chief determines that placing the …
Design Commission Alternative Draft DRAFT 5/4/2026 Downtown Density Bonus Program- Urban Design Standards Downtown Density Bonus Program urban design standards apply only to projects participating in the Downtown Density Bonus Program and are intended to implement public realm and pedestrian environment objectives that currently apply under §25-2-586. 1. Windows reflectance of 20% or less to be considered transparent. facade area: i. ii. iii. Mandatory Standards All projects participating in the Downtown Density Bonus (DDB) program must comply with each of the following mandatory standards: b. Glazing must have a visible light transmittance of 60% or higher and an external a. Ground story facades must include transparent windows for a minimum portion of the Primary streets: 65% (min) Side streets: 45% (min) Alley: 0% (min) DRAFT a. Entrances must be provided at the following minimum frequencies (*NOTE: Consider designing in accordance with “Provide a main street frontage” enhanced standard) i. ii. iii. d. All required entrances must be provided within 5 vertical feet of adjacent sidewalk grade and have a direct pedestrian route to the adjacent sidewalk. A direct route must be located within 25’ of the street-facing entrance. Primary street: 1 per 75’ of street frontage Side street: 1 per 100’ of street frontages Alleys: not required c. Doors exclusively designed for fire stair egress, utilities, or service entrances do not b. Doors separated by less than 25’ accessing the same tenant space do not count as count as required street-facing entrances. separate entrances. 2. Doors e. Required entrances must be sheltered. Sheltering structures must have a depth no less than 40% of their clear height and a width no less than 60% their clear height. (*NOTE: Consider designing in accordance with “Human Scale Sheltering Structures” optional standard) Downtown Density Bonus- Urban Design Standards 1 Design Commission Alternative Draft DRAFT 5/4/2026 3. Active Uses a. Ground floor pedestrian-oriented commercial spaces must comprise at least 75% of the street facing linear building frontage for a depth of no less than 24 feet. b. Pedestrian-oriented commercial spaces must have 12’ min. ceiling height for their required depth. 4. Gutters and Driplines 5. Screening i. ii. entrances. a. Building drip lines must not be located over the pedestrian clear zone or access routes to b. Gutter or downspout outlets must not direct water onto the sidewalk clear zone. a. Utility equipment, mechanical equipment, solid waste collection areas, and motor vehicle use areas except …
DESIGN COMMISSION MINUTES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Monday May 4, 2026 The Design Commission convened in a Special Called meeting on Monday May 4, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Marissa McKinney called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Marissa McKinney (Chair) Kevin Howard (Vice Chair) Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula (arrived 6:05) David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes (arrived 6:09) Jon Salinas Brendan Wittstruck Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission Regular Meeting on April 27th, 2026. The minutes from the Design Commission regular meeting on April 27th, 2026, were approved on Vice Chair Kevin Howard’s motion, Jon Salinas’ second on a vote of 6-0. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action on recommendations regarding the proposed Downtown Density Bonus Phase I Urban Design Standards. Motion to recommend that the Design Commission forward the alternative draft, as amended, to the Planning Commission. Sponsors Howard and Wittstruck. Vote 8-0. DESIGN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES [Day, Month Date, Year] FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Working group update from a representative from the urban design guideline working group that will update the design commission about ongoing coordination with the planning commission regarding the downtown density bonus standards document and process. Sponsors: Howard and Gelles. ADJOURNMENT Chair Marissa McKinney adjourned the meeting at 6:36 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the May 18, 2026 meeting on Chair McKinney’s motion, Commissioner Gelles’ second on a 8-0 vote. 2 3
REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2026, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Design Commission may be participating by video conference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely 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, call or email Chad Sharrard at 512- 974-8333 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard CALL TO ORDER AGENDA Saira Khan Conners Ladner Marissa McKinney Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Brendan Wittstruck PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on March 23rd, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Barton Springs Road Bridge. Presented by Eric Bailey, Austin Capital Delivery Services. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Carroll. Staff briefing regarding Downtown Density Bonus Phase I Updates. Presented by Alan Pani, Austin Planning. Sponsors: Vice Chair Meiners and Commissioner Howard. 4. Staff briefing regarding the inclusion of West Campus into the Downtown area. Presented by Shanisha Johnson, Austin Planning. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Vice Chair Meiners. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project Fiesta Gardens, located at 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St., complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by Clayton Korte and Travis Greig of Clayton Korte. Conduct officer elections for Design Commission Chair and Vice Chair. Discussion and action to appoint a member of the Design Commission to serve as the Commission’s representative on the Downtown Commission. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Vice Chair Meiners. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS City Code requires at least two board members sponsor an item to be included on an agenda. This section of the agenda provides members an opportunity to request items for future agendas. Staff should assume that if there is no objection from other …
To: From: Date: MEMORANDUM City of Austin Design Commission Jon Salinas – Chair Josue Meiners – Vice Chair Eric Bailey, Capital Delivery Services Deputy Director April 21, 2026 Subject: Barton Springs Road Bridge Design Commission Withdraw The purpose of this memorandum is to withdraw Item 2 (Staff briefing regarding the Barton Springs Road Bridge) from the 4/27/26 Design Commission agenda. Background and Context On December 14, 2023, after an extensive public outreach and preliminary engineering process, City Council directed Capital Delivery Services Staff to proceed with the replacement alternative for the Barton Springs Road Bridge. Since 2023, staff advanced the design and permitting of the new structure and was awarded a $32 million Federal Bridge Improvement Program grant for construction. The grant requires the project undertake the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process in addition to the regular City permitting process which requires review from several boards and commissions, including the Design Commission. Unfortunately staff is unable to present at the 4/27/26 Design Commission due to a scheduling conflict. Next Steps Staff requests a postponement of the staff briefing to the May 18, 2026 Design Commission meeting. Staff will return to the Design Commission as the NEPA process continues with input from federal agencies and public comment. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Eric Bailey, Deputy Director of Austin Capital Delivery Services, at Eric.Bailey@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-7713. cc: Chad Sharrard, Design Commission Liason
DRAFT C20-2024-018 DDB Phase I Downtown Density Bonus Urban Design Standards These standards would apply only to projects seeking Downtown Density Bonus entitlements and are intended to implement public realm and pedestrian environment objectives that currently apply under §25-2-586. In order to participate in the proposed Downtown Density Bonus (DDB) program, projects would be required to adhere to all mandatory design standards and a minimum number of additional urban design standards from a menu of options. For Phase I of the Downtown Density Bonus update, the proposed requirements would be: - Projects zoned –DDB400 must adhere to all mandatory standards and at least 7 out of the 14 menu standards to participate in the DDB program - Projects zoned –DDB850 must adhere to all mandatory standards and least 10 out of the 14 menu standards to participate in the DDB program In future phases of the Downtown Density Bonus program update, additional combining districts may be created that have different requirements for the minimum number of urban design standards that must be met. Additionally, subdistricts may be created that provide additional urban design standards or requirements based on the unique character of specific areas (such as the Red River Cultural District). Additional design standards may be added in the future. If additional design standards are added to the menu, the minimum number of standards that must be met may be modified. The Urban Design team in Austin Planning will review site plans and determine compliance with the urban design standards. Mandatory Urban Design Standards Screening Requirements (A) Utility equipment, mechanical equipment, and solid waste collection areas, including loading docks, truck parking, outdoor storage, trash collection, trash compaction, and other service functions: a. are prohibited in the area between a building and a street; b. must not be visible from a street, adjacent property lines, or the property lines across adjacent public streets; and c. must be screened or located in a public alley. (B) This subsection applies to a site with frontage on an alley 20 feet or more wide. DRAFT C20-2024-018 DDB Phase I a. A transformer room or utility vault must be adjacent to and accessible from the alley, unless Austin Energy determines placement is required in another location. b. A pump room, sprinkler room, or other utility or mechanical room must be adjacent to and accessible from the alley unless the Fire Chief determines that placing the …
Downtown Density Bonus Phase 1 – Proposal Austin Planning | Design Commission | 04/27/2026 Agenda • • • Background Existing Program & Process Proposed Changes • Urban Design Standards • Community Benefits | • Downtown Density Bonus Process • Stakeholder Engagement and Timeline 2 Background City Council Resolution Downtown Density Bonus Update Resolution No. 20240718-185 in July 2024 directed staff to update the Downtown Density Bonus (DDB) program Requested: Updates to gatekeeper requirements Integration of Rainey subdistrict Creation of new subdistricts Prioritization of accessibility and shade opportunities Simplification of the affordability program Alignment of the program with the Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) overlay. Downtown Density Bonus – Phase 1 In response to Senate Bill 840, Council adopted Ordinance No. 20251023-063, which amended the Central Business District Zone and directed staff to update the DDB program by June 2026 for three DDB subdistricts 4 Existing Program & Process Phase 1 - Existing Height & FAR Map After the recent adoption of the Central Business District Zone amendments and updates to the DDB, the three subdistricts in Phase 1 have the following entitlements available via the DDB program: Core Subdistrict – 350ft of height and 25:1 FAR* Rainey Subdistrict – 350ft of height and 15:1 FAR* Convention Center Subdistrict – 350ft of height and 15:1 FAR* Applicants can request Council approval to exceed these entitlements *FAR limits are only applicable to commercial developments 6 Proposed Changes Phase I – Proposed Applicability Revised to remove the Red River Cultural District from Phase I To be updated and included in Phase II of the DDB Update DDB is a voluntary program Supersedes the following overlays: Capitol Dominance Overlay Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Density Bonus Waterfront Overlay 8 Phase I – Combining Districts Each combining district will have different entitlements/requirements. Phase I will create 2 combining districts: DDB400 has +400 ft DDB850 has +850 ft Additional height is additive to the property’s base zoning height limit E.g., a CBD-DDB400 site could build up to 750 ft (350 ft base height + 400 bonus ft) Sites will be rezoned into DDB400 in Phase I. Sites will be eligible to request rezoning into DDB850 through the standard rezoning process. Max height cannot be exceeded by Council approval. …
April 20, 2026 Chad Sharrard City of Austin Planning – Urban Design Via email: chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov RE: Fiesta Gardens Design Commission Presentation Dear Chad, The Fiesta Gardens Complex Rehabilitation Project was originally scheduled for the April 27th meeting of the CoA Design Commission. Due to the extra time needed to revamp the presentation for a five-year-old project, and additional time required by for a proper review by PARD staff, the project team has requested a postponement until the next Design Commission meeting on May 18th. Sincerely, Travis Greig, AIA Project Manager 1 of 1
DESIGN COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING Monday, March 23, 2026 The Design Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Jon Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Salinas, Jon (Chair) Meiners, Josue (Vice Chair) Carroll, David Howard, Kevin Murkes, Jenny Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Aradhyula, Ramachandra Gelles, Nkiru Ladner, Conners Khan, Saira PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None Present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission Regular Meeting on . The minutes from the Design Commission regular meeting on February 23rd, 2026 were approved on Vice Chair Josue Meiners’s motion, Chair Jon Salinas’s second on a 9-0. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing on Downtown Density Bonus Program gatekeeper requirements. Presented by Alan Pani, Austin Planning. The motion to postpone this item to April 27th, 2026 was approved on Chair Jon Salinas’s motion, Josue Meiners’s second on a 9-0 vote. Staff briefing on Concourse M improvements at Austin Bergstrom Airport. Presented by Paul Bielamowicz, Project Architect. Item was discussed. 1 DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. Discussion of the implications of expanding the boundaries of Downtown to match the Central City District Plan and how that affects Design Commission scope and rewrite of urban design guidelines. Sponsors: Commissioners Gelles and Howard. Presentation was made by Commissioners Gelles and Howard. Item was discussed. Discussion on the future of the Downtown Density Bonus Program and integrating urban design guidelines, principles, and standards into that process. Sponsors: Commissioners Howard and Carroll. Presentation was made by Commissioner Howard. Item was discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project Nash Hernandez Building Renovation, located at 1621 Nash Hernandez Senior Road in Holly Shores/ Edward Rendon Sr. Metropolitan Park at Festival Beach, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by Philip Reed, Levy Dykema Architects. There was a motion with recommendations by Vice Chair Josue Meiners, seconded by Chair Jon Salinas to recommend to City Council that the project Nash Hernandez Building Renovation, located at 1621 Nash Hernandez Senior Road in Holly Shores/ Edward Rendon Sr. Metropolitan Park at Festival Beach, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Recommendations: • Incorporate public art or interpretive elements within the interior space that reflect the cultural and historical …
DESIGN COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING Monday, March 23, 2026 The Design Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Jon Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Salinas, Jon (Chair) Meiners, Josue (Vice Chair) Carroll, David Howard, Kevin Murkes, Jenny Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Aradhyula, Ramachandra Gelles, Nkiru Ladner, Conners Khan, Saira PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None Present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission Regular Meeting on . The minutes from the Design Commission regular meeting on February 23rd, 2026 were approved on Vice Chair Josue Meiners’s motion, Chair Jon Salinas’s second on a 9-0. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing on Downtown Density Bonus Program gatekeeper requirements. Presented by Alan Pani, Austin Planning. The motion to postpone this item to April 27th, 2026 was approved on Chair Jon Salinas’s motion, Josue Meiners’s second on a 9-0 vote. Staff briefing on Concourse M improvements at Austin Bergstrom Airport. Presented by Paul Bielamowicz, Project Architect. Item was discussed. 1 DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. Discussion of the implications of expanding the boundaries of Downtown to match the Central City District Plan and how that affects Design Commission scope and rewrite of urban design guidelines. Sponsors: Commissioners Gelles and Howard. Presentation was made by Commissioners Gelles and Howard. Item was discussed. Discussion on the future of the Downtown Density Bonus Program and integrating urban design guidelines, principles, and standards into that process. Sponsors: Commissioners Howard and Carroll. Presentation was made by Commissioner Howard. Item was discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project Nash Hernandez Building Renovation, located at 1621 Nash Hernandez Senior Road in Holly Shores/ Edward Rendon Sr. Metropolitan Park at Festival Beach, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by Philip Reed, Levy Dykema Architects. There was a motion with recommendations by Vice Chair Josue Meiners, seconded by Chair Jon Salinas to recommend to City Council that the project Nash Hernandez Building Renovation, located at 1621 Nash Hernandez Senior Road in Holly Shores/ Edward Rendon Sr. Metropolitan Park at Festival Beach, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Recommendations: • Incorporate public art or interpretive elements within the interior space that reflect the cultural and historical …
