GIRARD KINNEY CHAIR PHILLIP REED VICE CHAIR CALVIN CHEN JUAN COTERA JOAN HYDE PERRY LORENZ ELEANOR MCKINNEY RICHARD WEISS JEANNIE WIGINTON ERICA LEAK STAFF LIAISON AUSTIN DESIGN COMMISSION Amendment to the Sign Ordinance 07 April 2008 Re: Mayor Wynn and members of the City Council; The Design Commission has reviewed the proposed Amendment to the Sign Ordinance and offers these comments in our role of advising Council with respect to Urban Design Issues in the City. In general, the Commission favors well-conceived signage in the public realm that aids in way-finding and does not contribute to visual clutter. Our view is that pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers and users of public transportation should have clear and unobstructed views of the natural and built environment without overhead lines, mechanical equipment or unnecessary signage. The Commission also supports protections offered by the various ordinances that seek to protect the scenic beauty of the Scenic Roadway system in our City and the Hill Country. With these facts in mind, we make the following recommendations: BILLBOARD RELOCATIONS • The Design Commission opposes the concept of relocation, opposed the 2004 council decision allowing it, and recommends eliminating the concept entirely. • The Design Commission opposes the expansion of the roadways to which billboards can be relocated, including any portion of Scenic Roadways. • The Design Commission opposes the proposed elimination of the 300 Sq. Ft Area of Signs in Commercial Sign Districts, which would allow relocation of signs of up to 672 Sq. Ft. in these districts. • The Design Commission supports the "greening" of signage by requiring low wattage lamps for illuminating the signs at night. BILLBOARD LOCATIONS: The Design Commission would like the proximity restrictions extended to schools, prohibiting the installation of a sign within 800 feet of a boundary of school property. BAN MOBILE BILLBOARDS: We support the banning of mobile billboards. While we support and applaud well designed graphics, logos and signage on business vehicles that identify the goods transported by those vehicles, we regard Mobile Billboards as off-premise signage which the City banned in 1983. Neighborhood Planning & Zoning Department P.O. Box 1088 Austin, Texas 78767-8810 FEES FOR TAXICAB SIGNAGE: While we would prefer not to have advertising on Taxicabs (other than that advertising the cab company), if such signage is to continue to be allowed on taxis, we have no objection to charging a fee for the signage, if the amount …
Exhibit A – updated to incorporate Council Action from 5/8/08 and Final Commission recommendations as of 5/27/08 Sign Regulation Amendment Tracking Sheet November Resolution Proposals Current Code/Impact Recommendations No such definitions exist in the current code. 1. Define elevated travel ways and except major interchanges and intersections from that definition 2. Prohibit truck-mounted and car- mounted ads within the full-purpose City limits, on vehicles driven solely for the purpose of advertising businesses that are unrelated to the vehicle's primary business, excluding vehicles that are not motor-operated (such as pedi-cabs), vehicles which display only an advertisement or business identification of its owner so long as such vehicle is engaged in the usual business or regular work of its owner and is not used merely, mainly, or primarily to display "third-party" advertisements, and buses used primarily for the purpose of transporting multiple passengers. 3. Clarify, and establish penalties, for Section 25-10-152(B)(6)(b) that removes the right to replace a billboard sign once it is removed City Code does not currently regulate “mobile” billboards. Amendment bans motor-operated vehicles that operate for the main/sole purpose of advertising a business’ unrelated to the purpose or business of the vehicle. For example, vehicles with advertisements displaying the business of the owner of the vehicle would be allowed. But, vehicles advertising an unrelated business would not be authorized. Buses, including those operated by Capital Metro, are exempt from this regulation if they are used primarily for the purpose of transporting multiple passengers. Pedi-cabs and horse-drawn carriages would be exempt as well. Signs that are part of a relocation application must be removed from their original site and may not be replaced. Amendment clarifies once the sign is physically removed/relocated, it cannot be replaced, regardless if a replacement application is submitted/approved. Council Action Compared to November Resolution Proposals 1st Reading – Did not accept definitions. 1st Reading – Accepted with PC recommendation to give 2 years for existing companies to comply. 1st Reading – Intended to be accepted; needs clarification. Design Commission. No specific recommendation Planning Commission (full). Not applicable due to non-support for increased height. Design Commission. Recommended. Applauds well designed graphics, etc on business vehicles that identify goods transported by the vehicles. Regards mobile billboards as off- premise signage banned since ‘83. Planning Commission (full). Recommended with clarifications. Immediately ban new mobile billboard businesses. For existing mobile billboard companies operating in Austin (City is aware of two …
ORDINANCE NO. 20080605-076 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE SECTION 25-10-3 TO DEFINE MOBILE BILLBOARDS; AMENDING CITY CODE SECTION 25-10-102 TO PROHIBIT MOBILE BILLBOARDS; AMENDING CITY CODE SECTION 25-10- 152 RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-CONFORMING SIGNS; AND ADDING A NEW CITY CODE SECTION 2540-237 TO IMPOSE A PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: PART 1. The city council makes the following findings1 (A) The basic purpose of mobile billboards is to display commercial advertising on public streets By their nature, mobile billboards are intended to attract the attention of citizens on public streets and adjacent right-of-way, including drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and others (B) Vehicles that display commercial advertising fiom a mobile platform, which can stop, start, and turn abruptly, accentuate the tendency of commercial advertising to seize attention and distract drivers and pedestnans (C) The use of motor vehicles to display commercial advertising creates exhaust emissions and adds to traffic congestion by placing additional motor vehicles on City streets for the sole purpose of advertising Air quality in the City of Austin metropolitan planning area has deteriorated such that the area may be categorized as a "non-attainment" area in the near future under Environmental Protection Agency regulations (D) For these reasons, mobile billboards create aesthetic blight and visual clutter, as well as potential and actual traffic, health, and safety hazards Prohibiting mobile billboards will promote the public health, safety and welfare of motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and others using public streets and roadways in the City and adjoining areas, by eliminating aesthetic blight and visual clutter and potential traffic and safety hazards caused by the operation of mobile billboards A traffic congestion and exhaust emissions by prohibition will also eliminating an emission source that requires and encourages continuous and extensive operation of motor vehicle engines Finally, a prohibition of mobile billboards will protect the public investment in and the character and dignity of the City's streets reduce Page 1 of 10 PART 2. City Code Section 25-10-3 (Definitions) is amended to read § 25-10-3 DEFINITIONS. In this chapter (1) ADVERTISING SEARCHLIGHT means a searchlight used to direct beams of light upward for advertising purposes (2) COMMERCIAL FLAG means a piece of fabric or other flexible material displayed for commercial purposes, but excluding the official flag of a nation or of a state (3) FREESTANDING SIGN means a sign not attached …
STAKEHOLDER COMMENTS Summarized by Issue BILLBOARDS Reagan Advertising. With the respect to Section 25-10-3; definitions # 3, limit to one definition: Elevated Travel Ways OR Elevated Travel Lanes. There is no need to have both terms included in the definition. With respect to definition # 5 Main-Traveled Way, the last sentence should be deleted in the sense those areas referenced in the sentence should not be excluded from the definition. Main-Traveled Way should include turning roadways, entrance or exit ramps and parking areas as well as frontage roads or entrance ramps of any type. With respect to Section 25-10-152(5) regarding replacement of off-premise signs should be deleted in its entirety. Rather than make it punitive for someone who has a sign relocated from their property and then in turn replaces a sign on the same property, which the City has had a difficult time enforcing under the current Ordinance, it should be clarified, and the replacement section should be removed. The replacement section serves no benefit to anyone. It allows the signs to remain in its current location in perpetuity. Moreover, someone replaces a sign on a piece of property, after a sign has been relocated; the result is an increase the overall number of signs within the City of Austin. This is contrary to the stated objectives of the preambles of the Ordinance and the relocation policy. With respect to 25-10-152 (6)(b), the punitive statement needs to be removed in conjunction with the elimination of Section 25-10-152(5). No statement has been made anywhere, in the existing ordinance. It is unlawful to replace a sign where relocation has already taken place. Additionally, what is to happen to additional or future sign owners who can be subject to penalties for purport acts which were carried out by the previous owners? With respect 25-10-152(6)(d)(ii), the word sign should be pluralized as well elevated travel ways and we should insert the word main-traveled way of the elevated travel lanes for clarification purposes. Additionally, the distance in 25-10-152(6)(d)(ii)(1) seems too short at 500 feet. Reagan Advertisings recommend expanding this to 1000 feet. Additionally, 25-10- 152(6)(d)(ii)(2) should be deleted in its entirety, as 2640 feet is far too excessive and the definition itself is ambiguous. It would be simpler to say that signs placed on flyovers are prohibited and list what those flyovers are rather than try to define a ramp and/or other interchanges or …
City of Austin v Reagan & Lamar Outdoor Advertising Companies Underlying case: Two outdoor advertising companies, Reagan and Lamar (Reagan/Lamar), filed permit applications to allow approximately 80 non-digital billboards to be converted into digital billboards. The city denied, and Reagan/Lamar sued claiming the city was acting unconstitutionally by allowing digital on-premise business signs but denying digital off-premise billboards. The District Court agreed with the City. Reagan/Lamar appealed to the Fifth Circuit who agreed with Reagan/Lamar. The City appealed to SCOTUS who ultimately held FOR the City, and remanded the case back to the Fifth Circuit to determine whether Austin’s sign code furthered an important governmental interest by a means that substantially related to that governmental interest, aka, “intermediate” scrutiny standard. SCOTUS: Reversed and Remanded to Fifth Circuit, 6-3, in an opinion authored by Justice Sotomayor on April 21, 2022. Justice Thomas filed a dissenting opinion, in which Justices Gorsuch and Barrett joined. The majority found that the distinction between on-premises signs and off-premises signs in the city of Austin’s sign code was facially content-neutral under the First Amendment, but the majority also remanded the case back to the Fifth Circuit in order to assure that the city ordinance passed the content-neutral test under intermediate scrutiny. In other words, the Fifth Circuit had to hear arguments and evidence to determine whether the city sign code furthered an important government interest via a means that substantially related to that governmental interest. Fifth Circuit Remand: In March 2023, the Fifth Circuit finally held the city sign code passed constitutional muster under the intermediate scrutiny test, thus upholding the city’s denial of the 80 city digital permit applications. It found the city’s stated interests in traffic safety and aesthetics was undisputed, and then concluded there was enough evidence, including common sense, to support Austin’s Sign Code distinctions. The Fifth Circuit noted that municipalities have traditionally been given wide discretion in the domain of sign regulations, thus allowing Austin that same latitude. SCOTUS Majority Opinion highlights: Location-based regulations are not content-based. A majority of the Court, led by Justice Sotomayor, held that Austin’s on/off premises distinction was content neutral on its face. Justice Sotomayor gave the history of outdoor-advertising regulation in the United States. “American jurisdictions,” she explained, “have regulated outdoor advertisements for well over a century.” And, “[a]s part of this regulatory tradition,” governments “have long distinguished” between signs that promote things located elsewhere …
March 21, 2024 Via Electronic Delivery Amanda Swor direct dial: (512) 807-2904 aswor@drennergroup.com Ms. Lauren Middleton-Pratt, Director Planning Department, City of Austin Street-Jones Building 1000 East 11th Street, Suite 200 Austin, Texas 78702 Re: 1106 and 1110 East 30th Street – Neighborhood Plan Amendment application and rezoning application for the 0.4054-acre property located at 1106 and 1110 East 30th Street in Austin, Travis County, Texas (the “Property”); identified by Travis Central Appraisal District Parcel Numbers 0214090420 and 0214090418. Dear Ms. Middleton-Pratt: As representatives of the owner of the Property, we respectfully submit the enclosed Neighborhood Plan Amendment application and rezoning application packages. The project is titled 1106 and 1110 East 30th Street and is comprised of 0.4054 acres of land that contains existing single-family residential uses. The Property is located east of Interstate Highway 35 along East 30th Street. The Property is located within the Neighborhood Planning Area of Upper Boggy Creek Neighborhood Plan, therefore a Neighborhood Plan Amendment will be required. The proposal is to amend the Future Land Use Map from Single-Family to Mixed-Use: Retail. The rezoning application request has been submitted concurrent with the Neighborhood Plan Amendment. The Property is currently zoned SF-3-NP (Family Residence-Neighborhood Plan). The Property is currently developed with existing single-family residential. The requested rezoning is from SF-3-NP to CS-MU-V-CO-NP (General Commercial Services-Mixed Use-Vertical Mixed Use-Conditional Overlay-Neighborhood Plan). The purpose of the rezoning is to relocate an existing billboard from the property fronting onto Interstate Highway 35 which will be condemned with the I-35 Capital Express Central project. A billboard cannot be relocated to a property that holds a zoning designation of SF-3, and all parcels between Interstate Highway 35 and the Property will be condemned with said project. As part of the rezoning application, we offer to prohibit the following uses as part of the conditional overlay: • Automotive Rentals • Automotive Repair Services • Automotive Sales • Automotive Washing • Bail Bond Services • Construction Sales and Services • Drop-Off Recycling Collection Facility • Electronic Prototype Assembly • Electronic Testing • Equipment Repair Services • Equipment Sales • Funeral Services • Pawn Shop Services • Pedicab Storage and Dispatch • Service Station • Vehicle Storage • Custom Manufacturing The Neighborhood Plan Amendment pre-application meeting sign-off was provided by Austin Plan Amendment Case Manager Maureen Meredith on February 21, 2024. A Traffic Impact Analysis (“TIA”) is not required, per approved TIA Determination Form …
Austin 827,227 sorted by City City Addison, Town of Alamo Aledo Alice Allen Alvin Andrews Angleton Anna Annetta Anthony, Town of Aransas Pass Archer City Argyle, Town of Aubrey Azle Bailey's Prairie Village Balch Springs Ballinger Bartonville, Town of Bastrop Bayside Bayview, Town of Beach City Beaumont Bedford Bee Cave Bellaire Bellmead Bellville Belton Benbrook Bertram Beverly Hills Blanco Boerne Bonham Bonney Brenham Bridgeport Bryan Buda Bulverde Bunker Hill Population 13,056 18,353 3,210 19,104 84,246 24,236 14,000 18,862 8,249 2,630 5,011 8,204 1,834 3,282 2,595 10,947 727 23,728 3,767 1,469 7,394 325 383 2,198 118,296 46,979 5,163 16,855 9,901 4,097 19,809 21,234 1,353 1,995 1,739 12,564 10,127 310 15,716 6,045 76,201 10,205 5,027 3,633 No New Billboards Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Although Austin sign code does not permit new billboard locations, it undermines that provision by allowing existing billboards that operate along certain scenic-designated highways to move (aka, relocate) to certain non scenic-designated highways. We are not aware of any other Texas city on this list that allows this. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes sorted by City City Burleson Canyon Carrollton Castroville Cedar Hill Cedar Park Celina Chandler Cibolo Clarendon Cleburne Clute College Station Colleyville Conroe Converse Cooper Coppell Corinth Cross Roads, Town of Crowley Cuero Dayton Decatur DeCordova Denton Devine Dickinson Double Oak, Town of Dripping Springs Dumas Duncanville Eagle Lake Eastland Eden Edgecliff Village El Campo El Lago Elgin Elmendorf Emory Euless Everman Fair OaksRanch Fairfield Fairview, Town of Farmers Branch Farmersville Fate Population 36,690 13,303 119,097 2,909 45,028 57,957 7,320 2,734 25,000 2,026 29,337 11,211 93,857 22,807 71,592 18,198 1,969 39,880 19,935 1,100 13,900 6,841 7,242 6,330 2,683 121,123 4,350 18,680 2,867 1,919 14,691 38,524 3,639 3,960 2,766 2,776 11,602 2,706 8,135 1,488 1,239 51,277 6,108 6,084 3,091 8,400 28,616 3,350 6,357 No New Billboards Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes sorted by City City Ferris Florence Flower Mound, Town of Forest Hill Fort Stockton Fort Worth Fredericksburg Freeport …
sorted by Population City Houston San Antonio Population 2,157,096 1,410,000 Austin 827,227 Fort Worth Plano Irving Grand Prairie Pasadena Mesquite Frisco McAllen McKinney Denton Carrollton Beaumont Round Rock Richardson Lewisville College Station Pearland Allen League City Sugar Land Bryan Conroe Pharr Missouri City Flower Mound, Town of North Richland Hills New Braunfels Mansfield Rowlett Cedar Park Pflugerville Georgetown Euless Grapevine Galveston Bedford Cedar Hill Wylie Rockwall Keller Coppell Friendswood 781,000 271,140 216,290 175,396 149,043 142,230 140,220 138,808 131,117 121,123 119,097 118,296 106,573 102,430 95,290 93,857 91,252 84,246 83,560 78,817 76,201 71,592 70,400 67,358 66,830 63,780 62,998 59,954 58,043 57,957 56,831 52,303 51,277 50,514 49,608 46,979 45,028 41,427 41,370 41,090 39,880 39,871 No New Billboards Yes No Although Austin sign code does not permit new billboard locations, it undermines that provision by allowing existing billboards that operate along certain scenic-designated highways to move (aka, relocate) to certain non scenic-designated highways. We are not aware of any other Texas city on this list that allows this. Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes sorted by Population City Hurst Huntsville Duncanville Lancaster Kyle Burleson Rosenberg Leander San Juan Little Elm Nacogdoches Socorro Schertz Waxahachie Cleburne Farmers Branch Southlake Lake Jackson Kingsville Weatherford Cibolo Alvin Balch Springs Watauga University Park Colleyville Hutto Benbrook Corinth Belton Stafford Stephenville Alice Angleton Palestine Dickinson Alamo Converse Bellaire Mineral Wells Horizon City, Town of White Settlement Taylor Uvalde Brenham Hereford Humble Seagoville Portland Population 38,600 38,548 38,524 38,361 37,700 36,690 34,127 34,000 33,856 33,125 32,996 32,013 31,788 30,233 29,337 28,616 27,080 27,000 26,213 26,200 25,000 24,236 23,728 23,497 23,068 22,807 21,992 21,234 19,935 19,809 19,560 19,560 19,104 18,862 18,712 18,680 18,353 18,198 16,855 16,800 16,735 16,116 16,080 15,751 15,716 15,370 15,133 15,130 15,099 No New Billboards Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes sorted by Population City Highland Village West University Place Prosper, Town of Dumas Katy Andrews Crowley Canyon Addison, Town of Forest Hill Freeport Boerne Lakeway Port Lavaca Santa …
DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241209-003 December 9, 2024 Commissioner Luckens Seconded By: Chair Salinas Asian American Resource Center Phase II Improvement Project Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation The Design Commission recommends to the Planning Department that the Asian American Resource Center Phase II Improvement Project (located at 8401 Cameron Road), as presented on December 9th, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards with the accepted friendly amendment that additional investigation for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure sized appropriately to accommodate usage and circulation through the site in future phases and during high occupancy events. Description of Recommendation to Council: Although the proposed improvements to the Asian American Resource Center Phase II complies with City Design and Sustainability Standards, the Commission had concerns with the proposed width of internal sidewalks for both pedestrians and bicycle might be too narrow to accommodate large events. Other concerns voiced during discussion include providing underground power for mobile food venders to avoid extension cables being laid over accessible routes and including more shade at the pedestrian walkway connecting the transit stop to the main entrance. Vote For: Chair Salinas, Vice Chair Meiners, Commissioner Howard, Commissioner Luckens, Commissioner McKinney, Commissioner Wallace, Commissioner Wittstruck 7-0 Against: Abstain: Absent: Commissioner Carroll, Commissioner Gelles, Commissioner Ladner Vacancy: District 6 Attest: Jon Salinas, AIA Design Commission, Chair 1 of 1
DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241209-004 December 9, 2024 Commissioner Wittstruck Seconded By: Chair Salinas Billboard Relocation within or beside Residential Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation The Design Commission recommends to Planning Commission and City Council to not support zoning changes that would allow for billboards on sites purchased by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for the expansion of I-35 to be relocated and reconstructed within or beside a residential area. However, it should be noted that Design Commission generally does not oppose upzoning along Interstate Highway 35. Rationale: Although the Design Commission is not empowered by Charter to make recommendations on specific zoning cases, the pending zoning change request at the properties 1106 and 1110 East 30th Street from SF-3-NP to CS-MU-V-CO-NP makes it clear that the zoning change request is specifically made to reconstruct a new billboard along the expanded I-35, relocated from a property being purchased by TxDOT. The new location is within 500 feet of a residential base zoning district, per § 25-10-152(B)(5)(a)(iii), which should prohibit the construction of a billboard in that location. The Design Commission has previously recommended against billboard relocation. In an April 7, 2008 letter to then-Mayor Will Wynn and Members of Council opposed the concept of relocation and the 2004 Council decision allowing it, further recommended that relocation be eliminated entirely. Vote For: Chair Salinas, Vice Chair Meiners, Commissioner Howard, Commissioner Luckens, Commissioner McKinney, Commissioner Wittstruck 6-1 Against: Commissioner Wallace Abstain: Absent: Commissioner Carroll, Commissioner Gelles, Commissioner Ladner Vacancy: District 6 Attest: Jon Salinas, AIA Design Commission, Chair 1 of 2 2 of 2
DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241209-004 December 9, 2024 Commissioner Wittstruck Seconded By: Chair Salinas Billboard Relocation Prohibition Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation The Design Commission recommends to City Council that the City remove the right to replace a billboard sign once it is removed Rationale: City of Austin code § 25-10-152(B)(5) allows for an owner of an off-premise sign to relocate the sign to another tract under certain provisions. Most Texas cities do not provide an allowance for a billboard to be relocated to another site. This code provision allows for the continued presence of billboards within City limits. The Design Commission, in an April 7, 2008 letter to then- Mayor Will Wynn and Members of Council opposed the concept of relocation and the 2004 Council decision allowing it, further recommended that relocation be eliminated entirely. The impending expansion of I-35 makes it likely that owners of existing billboards on properties acquired by the Texas Department of Transportation along the I-35 corridor will seek to relocate billboards on new properties fronting the expanded I-35. Vote For: Chair Salinas, Vice Chair Meiners, Commissioner Howard, Commissioner Luckens, Commissioner McKinney, Commissioner Wittstruck 6-0-1 Against: Abstain: Commissioner Wallace Absent: Commissioner Carroll, Commissioner Gelles, Commissioner Ladner Vacancy: District 6 Attest: Jon Salinas AIA Design Commission, Chair 1 of 1
REGULAR MEETING of the DESIGN COMMISSION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024, 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 Nicole Corona, at 512-974-3146 or nicole.corona@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard Conners Ladner AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ben Luckens Marissa McKinney Brita Wallace Brendan Wittstruck Vacancy, District 6 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 Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on October 28, 2024. 1. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by John Rigdon, Waterloo Greenway, regarding an update on the Palm Park design process. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES Select a representative to serve on the Downtown Commission per City Code § 2-1-140. 4. Update from the representative of the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board regarding the meeting on November 18, 2024. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Note: City Code requires 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 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 (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call or email Nicole Corona at the Planning Department, at 512-974-3146 or nicole.corona@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on …
1. DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2024 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard Conners Ladner Ben Luckens Brita Wallace Brendan Wittstruck Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Marissa McKinney PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on September 23, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 09/23/2024 were approved on Commissioner Howard’s motion, Vice Chair Meiners’ second on an 8-0-1 vote. Commissioner Carroll abstained. Commissioner Wallace was off the dais. One vacancy on the dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Corridor Program. Presented by Eric Bailey, Capital Delivery Services Department. The presentation was made by Eric Bailey, Capital Delivery Services Department. Staff briefing regarding the Red River Cultural District. Presented by Donald Jackson, Economic Development Department. The presentation was made by Donald Jackson, Economic Development Department. Discussion and action to recommend the Equity-based Preservation Plan to City Council. Presented by Cara Bertron, Planning Department. The motion to recommend the Equity-based Preservation Plan to City Council was approved on Commissioner Wittstruck’s motion, Chair Salinas’ second on a 10-0 vote. One vacancy on the dais. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project 305 W MLK, located at 305 West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines for the City of Austin in accordance with Land Development Code § 25-2-586 (C)(1)(a)(ii). Presented by Victoria Haase, Thrower Design. The motion that the project 305 W MLK, located at 305 West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, does not comply with the Urban Design Guidelines for the City of Austin in accordance with Land Development Code § 25-2-586 (C)(1)(a)(ii) was approved with the following friendly amendments on motion by Commissioner Howard, seconded by Vice Chair Meiners on a 9-0-1 vote. Commissioner Carroll abstained. One vacancy on the dais. The friendly amendment from Vice Chair Meiners was that the project is not in compliance with the following Urban Design Guidelines: AW.5 – Incorporate Civic Art in Both Public and Private Development PS.1 – Protect the …
Palm Park COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW Context: Waterloo Greenway Engagement Report PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT REPORT Available Online waterloogreenway.org/future Engagement Phases 1 2 3 GROUNDING June 2023–August Complete ENVISIONING September–November Complete CO-CREATING December–April 2024 Complete Project Launches Planning & Outreach Begins Gallery Walk Open Houses (2) Outreach Continues Small Group Conversations (5) Pop-Up Activity: Creek Show Virtual Survey Planning Phase III Review & Analyze Data Design Scenarios Phase III Outreach Public Meeting (1) Project Report Engagement Timeline JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2024 Project Launch Phase I Outreach Begins Virtual Survey Launches Small Group Conversations (Mtg #2) Creek Show Pop-Up Phase III Planning Gallery Walk Open Houses (Mtg #1) Public Meeting (Mtg #3) Summary Report Phase II Outreach Begins Engagement Strategies Tabling Events Flyering Block Walking Email Campaigns Partner Promotion Community Leader Outreach Marketing (social media, e-newsletters, press) Engagement - Overview SMALL GROUP CONVOS SURVEYS DESIGN CONVOS 93 93 30 9 Spanish Speakers + 84 English Speakers 54 Virtual + 39 Paper Surveys Completed 109 Comments 11 Palm School Alum 9 Palm School Alum 2 Palm School Alum TABLING POP-UP EVENT TOTAL ENGAGEMENT 939 1,055 2,024 Phase II Data - Local Representation SMALL GROUP CONVOS SURVEYS Primary Zipcodes: 78702 (Central East Austin–City Council District #3) 78747 (South East Austin–City Council District #2) 78744 (South East Austin–City Council District #2) Primary Zipcodes: 78702 (Central East Austin–City Council District #3) 78747 (South East Austin–City Council District #2) 78701 (Central South Austin–City Council District #3) Phase II Data - Key Themes 632 Total Comments Collected Small Group Conversations How the redesign of Palm Park will transform surrounding areas? Cultural anchor to surroundings Place of gathering and play in East Austin Improve connectivity Honoring place/history of what once was Accessibility for East Austin residents Noise reduction from I-35 Business, neighborhood & Palm School connection Feel of what Palm Park should provide? Welcoming to all Peaceful & tranquil Oasis Family friendly Safe Natural Historic Informative/Educational space Phase II Data - Key Themes 632 Total Comments Collected Small Group Conversations How to reflect history & culture in Palm Park? Murals/monuments/artwork History of East Austin families Honor the pool history Stories from past, present & future Celebrate Mexican American heritage Educational experiences for families Recognition of Palm School Alumni How to use the space in Palm Park? Bridge to Downtown Community gatherings Water Feature Family-friendly space Walking, games, meditation, gardens Rest space from urban areas Connection of East …
DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard Brita Wallace Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Conners Ladner Ben Luckens PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on October 28, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 10/28/2024 were approved on Commissioner Gelles’ motion, Commissioner Carroll’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Luckens was off the dais. Vice Chair Meiners and Commissioners McKinney and Wittstruck were absent. One vacancy on the dais. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by John Rigdon, Waterloo Greenway, regarding an update on the Palm Park design process. 1 Presentation was made by John Rigdon, Waterloo Greenway. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Select a representative to serve on the Downtown Commission per City Code § 2-1-140. The motion to select Nkiru Gelles as the representative for Downtown Commission was approved on Chair Salinas’ motion, Commissioner Howard’s second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Meiners and Commissioners McKinney and Wittstruck were absent. One vacancy on the dais. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 4. Update from the representative of the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board regarding the meeting on November 18, 2024. Update was given by Commissioner Ladner. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion and action on the minimum requirements for applicants participating in the Downtown Density Bonus Program. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Howard. Staff briefing on the update to the Great Streets Program. Presented by Jill Amezcua, Planning Department. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Carroll. ADJOURNMENT Chair Salinas adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the 12/09/2024 meeting on Vice Chair Meiners’ motion, Chair Salinas’ second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner McKinney was off the dais. Commissioners Carroll, Gelles, and Ladner were absent. One vacancy on the dais. 2
REGULAR MEETING of the DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2024, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO 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 Nicole Corona, at 512-974-3146 or nicole.corona@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard Conners Ladner AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Chi Lee Ben Luckens Marissa McKinney Brita Wallace Brendan Wittstruck 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 Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on September 23, 2024. 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Corridor Program. Presented by Eric Bailey, Capital Delivery Services Department. Staff briefing regarding the Red River Cultural District. Presented by Donald Jackson, Economic Development Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and action to recommend the Equity-based Preservation Plan to City Council. Presented by Cara Bertron, Planning Department. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project 305 W MLK, located at 305 West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines for the City of Austin in accordance with Land Development Code § 25-2-586 (C)(1)(a)(ii). Presented by Victoria Haase, Thrower Design. Discussion and action to amend the Design Commission annual schedule for 2024. Discussion and action to approve the Design Commission annual schedule for 2025. Select a representative to serve on the Downtown Commission per City Code § 2-1-140. Select a representative to serve on the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board per per City Code § 2-1-172. Select a representative and alternate representative to serve on the Joint Sustainability Committee per City Code § 2-1-206. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Discussion on built outcomes and challenges to implementing the existing Urban Design Guidelines. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 12. …
1. DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, September 23, 2024, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco in Austin, Texas. Chair Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard Ben Luckens Marissa McKinney Brita Wallace Brendan Wittstruck Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1 Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on August 26, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 08/26/2024 were approved on Commissioner McKinney’s motion, Vice Chair Meiners’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Lukens was off the dais. Commissioners Carroll, Ladner, and Lee were absent. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project 701 W 6th St, located at 701 and 709 West 6th Street and 510 and 512 Rio Grande Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines for the City of Austin in accordance with Land Development Code § 25-2-586 (C)(1)(a)(ii). Presented by Richard Suttle, Armbrust & Brown, and Ray Tse, GDA Architects. The motion that the project 701 W 6th St, located at 701 and 709 West 6th Street and 510 and 512 Rio Grande Street, does not comply with the Urban Design Guidelines for the City of Austin in accordance with Land Development Code § 25-2-586 (C)(1)(a)(ii) was approved on Vice Chair Meiners’ motion, Commissioner Howard’s second on a 7- 0-1 vote. Chair Salinas abstained. Commissioners Carroll, Ladner, and Lee were absent. Select a representative to serve on the Downtown Commission per City Code § 2-1-140. No action was taken. Select a representative to serve on the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board per City Code § 2-1-172. No action was taken. Select a meeting date for the November 2024 Design Commission regular meeting. The motion to select Tuesday, November 19th for the Design Commission regular meeting was approved on Commissioner Howard’s motion, Chair Salinas’ second on an 8-0 vote. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES Update from the Urban Design Guidelines Working Group regarding the meeting on September 13, 2024. Update was given by Commissioner Howard. Update from representative of the Joint Sustainability Committee regarding the meeting on August 28, 2024. Update was given by Chair Salinas. Chair Salinas adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m. without …
CORRIDOR PROGRAM Design Commission October 28, 2024 Eric Bailey, PE Deputy Director Capital Delivery Services Building the City of Austin in collaboration with the community to enrich the experience of all who live, work, and play here. 1 PROGRAM TIMELINE 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Community Engagement Planning Design Construction City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 2 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Communications work and outreach for the Corridor Program began in 2017. We continue to conduct outreach and respond to inquiries from all stakeholders, including property and business owners, residents, community groups, the traveling public, elected officials, and others. Information has been shared through many channels, including email, mail, social media, news media, presentations, websites, and videos. • Community walks • Touch-a-Truck events • Open house events • Office hours • Website updates • Corridor coffee on the couch • Newsletter updates • Business workshops • Planning letters • Meetings with impacted property owners • Public meetings • Social media • Media advisories • Homeowner/Neighborhood association presentations 3 AIRPORT BLVD Completed Intersection @ Oak Springs Dr Intersection @ Gunter St North Lamar Blvd to 55th In construction 55th St to 45th St Intersection @ E 40th St Intersection @ Harvey St E MLK Blvd to Mokan Trail Bridge Construction upcoming Mokan Trail Bridge to US 183 45th St to East Martin Luther King Jr Blvd 4 BURNET RD Completed Koenig Ln to White Horse Trl Intersection @ Braker Ln In construction AE Kramer draining site Construction upcoming White Horse Trl to US 183 Bright Verde Way to Loop 1 US 183 to Bright Verde Way 5 E RIVERSIDE ST Completed Montopolis Dr to SH 71 Signal @ Tinnin Ford Rd/Burton Dr Signal @ Willow Creek Sr Signal @ Wickersham Ln Signal @ Coriander Dr Signal @ Vargas Rd In construction Signal @ Frontier Valley Dr Signal @ Airport Commerce Dr 6 GUADALUPE ST Contraflow Transit Lane Completed Nueces St from 24th St to Guadalupe 24th St from Guadalupe to N Lamar 7 N LAMAR BLVD Completed Signal @ West Grady Dr Signal @ Cooper Dr Signal @ Fairfield Dr Signal @ Powell Ln Construction upcoming North of Parmer Ln to Howard Ln Howard Ln Contraflow Bus Lane US 183 to south of Rundberg Ln Braker Ln to south of Parmer Ln Signal @ Walmart 8 WILLIAM CANNON DR …