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 …
DESIGN COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR OR MEETING Monday May 18, 2026 The Design Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Monday May 18, 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 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Marissa McKinney (Chair) Kevin Howard (Vice Chair) Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula (arrived 6:05) David Carroll Jenny Murkes (arrived 6:11) Jon Salinas Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Nkiru Gelles Saira Khan Josue Meiners Brendan Wittstruck PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None Present APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission Special Called Meeting on May 4th, 2026. The minutes from the Design Commission special called meeting on May 4th, 2026, were approved on Chair McKinney’s motion, Commissioner Gelle’s second on an 8-0 vote. 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. Item was discussed. Staff briefing regarding the inclusion of West Campus into the Downtown area. Presented by Shanisha Johnson, Austin Planning. Sponsors: Commissioner Salinas and Chair Meiners. Item was discussed. 1 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. There was a motion by Vice Chair Howard seconded by Commissioner Jenny Murkes that the design commission repurpose the urban design guideline working group to sort out a recommendation to council regarding the changing role of the design commission on an 8-0 vote. 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. There was a motion by Commissioner Jon Salinas, seconded by Commissioner David Carroll to recommend to City Council that the project Fiesta Gardens, located at 2101 Jesse E Segovia St., complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards on an 8-0 vote. 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. There was a motion by Vice Chair Howard seconded by Commissioner Jon Salinas to appoint Commissioner Jenny Murkes as Design Commission …
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 …
MEMORANDUM City of Austin Design Commission Jon Salinas – Chair Josue Meiners – Vice Chair Chris Ryerson, Division Manager, Austin Planning April 24, 2026 Staff briefing regarding the inclusion of West Campus into the Downtown area To: From: Date: Subject: The purpose of this memorandum is to withdraw Item 4 (Staff briefing regarding the inclusion of West Campus into the Downtown area) from the April 27, 2026, Design Commission agenda. Unfortunately, staff is unable to present at the April 27, 2026, Design Commission meeting. There is a scheduling conflict with the Project Manager out of town for a professional conference. Staff requests postponement of the briefing to the May 18, 2026, Design Commission meeting. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Chris Ryerson, Division Manager, Austin Planning, at Chris.Ryerson@austintexas.gov or 512-978-1422 or Shanisha Johnson, Principal Planner, Austin Planning, at Shanisha.Johnson@austintexas.gov or 512-974-3458. cc: Chad Sharrard, Design Commission Liaison
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 …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH, 23rd, 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- 974-8333 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 or special called meeting on February 23rd, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on Downtown Density Bonus Program gatekeeper requirements. Presented by Alan Pani, Austin Planning. Sponsors: Vice Chair Meiners and Commissioner Howard. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 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 and Howard. urban Sponsors: Commissioners Gelles guidelines. design 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. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. 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. 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. 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. …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH, 23rd, 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- 974-8333 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard STAFF BRIEFINGS Saira Khan Conners Ladner Marissa McKinney Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Brendan Wittstruck AGENDA ADDENDUM 8. Staff briefing on Concourse M improvements at Austin Bergstrom Airport. Presented by Pradeep Ramadoss, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Sponsors: Vice Chair Meiners and Commissioner 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 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on February 23, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Commented [NC1]: Please correct to February 23, 2026, Chair Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair Ramachandra Aradhyula David Carroll Kevin Howard Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Nkiru Gelles Conners Lander Marissa McKinney Jenny Murkes PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commented [NC2]: Should be bold 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission special-called meeting on February 2, 2026. The minutes from the Design Commission special called meeting on February 2, 2026, were approved on Commissioner Aradhyula’s motion, Chair Salinas’s second on a 7-0-1. Commissioner Howard abstained. Commissioners Khan and Wittstruck were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Discussion of the Design Commission’s strategy prioritizing urban design in Density Bonus Program projects in the City of Austin. Sponsors: Commissioners Howard and Wittstruck. Discussed. Commented [NC3]: Comma instead of period Commented [NC4]: All motions need to list absent commissioner and commissioners who abstained or recused from the vote. The commissioners first name are not used here. It should read, Commissioner Aradhyula’s motion, Chair Salinas’ second, on a 7-0- 1 vote. Commissioner Howard abstained. Commissioners x, y, and z were absent. Commented [NC5]: No space between item and action Commented [NC6]: No space between item and action 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project ABIA Retail Center, located at 2703 Spirit of Texas Drive, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by Mirza Tahir Baig, Professional StruCIVIL Engineers, Inc. This item was withdrawn without objection. COMMITTEE UPDATES Commented [NC7]: No space between item and action Commented [NC8]: Perfect! 3. Update from representative of the Downtown Commission regarding the meeting on February 18, 2026. Update was given by Commissioner Gelles. Commented [NC9]: No space between item and action FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Staff briefing on Downtown Density Bonus Program Gatekeeper Requirements. Presented by Alan Pani, Austin Planning. Sponsors: Commissioners Howard and Vice Chair Meiners.. 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. Discussion on the implications of expanding the boundaries of Downtown …
Prereq Construction Activity Pollution Prevention Required V4 LEED v4.1 BD+C: Core and Shell Project Checklist ? N Y 1 Credit Integrative Process 11 0 26 Location and Transportation 20 Credit LEED for Neighborhood Development Location Credit Sensitive Land Protection Credit High Priority Site and Equitable Development Credit Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses 6 Credit Access to Quality Transit Credit Bicycle Facilities Credit Reduced Parking Footprint Credit Electric Vehicles 2 2 Sustainable Sites Credit Site Assessment 2 Credit Protect or Restore Habitat Credit Open Space 2 Credit Rainwater Management Credit Heat Island Reduction Credit Light Pollution Reduction Credit Tenant Design and Construction Guidelines 2 3 Water Efficiency Prereq Outdoor Water Use Reduction Prereq Indoor Water Use Reduction Prereq Building-Level Water Metering 1 1 Credit Outdoor Water Use Reduction Credit Indoor Water Use Reduction 3 Credit Optimize Process Water Use Credit Water Metering 3 21 Energy and Atmosphere Prereq Fundamental Commissioning and Verification Prereq Minimum Energy Performance Prereq Building-Level Energy Metering Prereq Fundamental Refrigerant Management 6 Credit Enhanced Commissioning 14 Credit Optimize Energy Performance Credit Advanced Energy Metering Credit Grid Harmonization 3 Credit Renewable Energy 1 Credit Enhanced Refrigerant Management 11 2 Y 1 1 0 Materials and Resources Prereq Storage and Collection of Recyclables Credit Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction Credit Environmental Product Declarations Credit Sourcing of Raw Materials Credit Credit Material Ingredients Construction and Demolition Waste Management 6 0 Indoor Environmental Quality Prereq Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance Prereq Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control Credit Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies Credit Low-Emitting Materials Credit Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan Credit Daylight 2 1 3 1 1 6 1 1 1 6 Y 1 1 2 1 1 5 Y Y Y 1 3 1 9 Y Y Y Y 4 1 2 2 6 1 1 1 2 5 Y Y 1 2 1 Regional Priority V4 RP - 1PT RP - 2PT RP - 2PT RP - 4PT RP - 10PT RP - 2PT 1 20 20 2 3 6 6 1 1 1 11 V4 V4 V4 V4 V4 V4 V4 V4 V4 V4 V4 1 2 1 3 2 1 1 11 Required Required Required 3 4 3 1 33 Required Required Required Required 6 18 1 2 5 1 14 Required 6 2 2 2 2 10 Required Required 2 3 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 Credit Quality …
NASH HERNANDEZ GREEN BUILDING FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS FOR SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM NATURAL GAS AVOIDANCE AUXILIARY WATER SUPPLY ELECTRICAL VEHICLE CHARGING STATION OCTOBER 29, 2025 PREPARED BY: ACR Engineering, Inc. 3001 South Lamar, Ste. 210 Austin, Texas 78704 (512) 440-8333 OVERVIEW In accordance with the project scope and the city of Austin policy, ACR has conducted an evaluation of “Green Building” features for consideration in the renovation of the Nash Hernandez Facility. The renovation of municipal facilities, such as Nash Hernandez, require a Green Building Feasibility Analyses as outlined in a City of Austin Memorandum dated June 12, 2020, and further detailed in the accompanying FINAL City of Austin Green Building Policy Update. See appendix A. The proposed final policy includes requirements for mandatory feasibility analyses for: 1. Rooftop solar installation. 2. Avoidance of natural gas. 3. Use of auxiliary water supply. 4. Provision of EV charging stations. This report presents the results of a high-level evaluation of these potential Green Building features for Nash Hernandez facility. These analyses are intended as a guide for the Owner to consider and determine which features to include, if any, in the plans for the current project and/or future development. 1 SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM A preliminary study was conducted to evaluate the Solar-Ready Zone Area within the mandatory “Reserved for Future Solar Installation” at the Nash Hernandez facility. The analysis utilized 3D roof views in conjunction with the 2D roof plan (see figure below). The Solar-Ready Zone is defined as 50% of the Potential Solar Area, identified as the red-shaded region. The Potential Solar Area is defined as free from obstructions such as, but not limited to, vents, pipes, ducts, and other equipment and must comply with access, pathway, smoke ventilation, spacing, and other requirements of the city of Austin Land Development Code. The red outline of the roof shall be reserved for future solar installation. Code Compliance Data (per C402.8 & C402.8.1): • Total Potential Solar Area: 5,796 sq ft • Total Solar-Ready Zone Area: 2,955 sq ft 2 Code Compliance Data (per C405.15.1): • Total Conditioned Space: 9,160 sq ft • Required Onsite Generation: 0.75 W/sq ft • Total Generation Required: 6,870 W • Generation per Panel: 340 W • Estimated Number of Panels: ~20 panels Electrical Provisions The electrical design for the Nash Hernandez project includes provisions for both future and solar photovoltaic (PV) installation to meet code requirements. A minimum generation …
C i t y o f A u s t i n Design Commission Project Review Application Photo courtesy of Jorge E. Rousselin C i t y o f A u s t i n Design Commission Project Review Application The Design Commission provides advisory recommendations to the City Council to assist in developing public policy and to promote excellence in the design and development of the urban environment. The Design Commission reviews three types of projects: 1. City projects (see page 3 for process) The Commission reviews all municipal buildings and associated site plans to ensure they demonstrate compliance with city design and sustainability standards (Council Resolution No. 20071129-046), including those seeking Subchapter E Design Standards Alternative Equivalent Compliance (AEC) (Council Resolution No. 20100923-086). 2. Density Bonus projects (see page 4 for process) The Commission reviews density bonus projects for substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin in accordance with the Gatekeeper requirements of LDC 25-2-586 for the Downtown Density Bonus Program. 3. Advisory Recommendations for Private projects (see page 3 for process) The Commission will consider Project Review Applications from private projects during its regularly scheduled monthly public meetings and may issue an advisory recommendation in the form of a Project Review Letter to the Applicant. Page 2 Design Commission - Project Review ApplicationPhoto courtesy of Jorge E. Rousselin This Project Review Application must be submitted before your project can be presented to the Design Commission for their review. Design Commission requests project be presented in their Conceptual/ Schematic Design phase. This application primarily addresses inhabited buildings and structures and their effect on the public realm; please refer to Appendix A for infrastructure type projects. The Commission’s review of projects is based on the planning/design principles in the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin. Ensure that all applicable principles are addressed in the application questions and in your presentation. The Design Commission supports the vision and principles of Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, especially those that affect the urban environment and fabric. All projects should consider this vision and principles, many of which are similar to the Urban Design Guidelines. Refer to Appendix C for the most pertinent sections of Imagine Austin. The Design Commission expects the applicant’s design team to present their project with those most knowledgeable and encourages the inclusion of sub-consultants at the presentation, when deemed necessary. EXHIBITS TO PRESENT 1. Completed Project Review Application …
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. DESIGN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 27, April 2026 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 …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 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 Nicole Corona at 512- 974-3146 or nicole.corona@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 special-called meeting on February 2, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion of the Design Commission’s strategy prioritizing urban design in Density Bonus Program projects in the City of Austin. Sponsors: Commissioners Howard and Wittstruck. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project ABIA Retail Center, located at 2703 Spirit of Texas Drive, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by Mirza Tahir Baig, Professional StruCIVIL Engineers, Inc. COMMITTEE UPDATES 4. Update from representative of the Downtown Commission regarding the meeting on February 18, 2026. 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 …
DESIGN COMMISSION MINUTES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026 The Design Commission convened in a Special Called meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1407, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:13 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Marissa McKinney Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Brendan Wittstruck PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Philip Wiley, Imagine Austin. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on December 15, 2025. The minutes from the Design Commission regular meeting on December 15, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Wittstruck’s motion, Commissioner Carroll’s second on a 7-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the update to the Downtown Density Bonus Program. Presentation by Alan Pani, Austin Planning. Sponsors: Commissioners Howard, Murkes, and Wittstruck. The presentation was made by Alan Pani, Austin Planning. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1 3. Discussion of the Design Commission’s strategy prioritizing urban design in Density Bonus Program projects in the City of Austin. Sponsors: Commissioners Howard and Wittstruck. The motion to postpone this item to February 23, 2026, was approved on Commissioner Wittstruck’s motion, Chair Salinas’ second, on a 7-0 vote. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council two-way conversions downtown. Presented by Adam Greenfield, Safe Streets. Sponsors: Commissioners Carroll and Howard. The motion to approve the recommendation to City Council to support two-way street conversions downtown was approved on Commissioner Aradhyula’s motion, Commissioner Carroll’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard & Nueces Street, located at 601, 607, 611, 619 West Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, 1809 Rio Grande Street, 1806 Nueces Street, 1801 Rio Grande Street, 604 West 18th Street and 1800 Nueces 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 Leah Bojo, Drenner Group, PC, Justin Short, STG Design, and Chris Jackson, Fable Landscape Architecture. The motion to approve the recommendation to City Council that the project W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard & Nueces Street, located at 601, 607, 611, 619 West Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, 1809 Rio Grande Street, 1806 Nueces Street, 1801 Rio Grande …
AV Freight Ln AV AV Spirit Of Texas Dr AV AV AV AV Spirit Of Austin Ln AV AV AV Spirit Of Texas Dr Hotel Dr SITE AV AV Hotel Dr AV AV Employee Ave Freight Ln Hotel Dr Spirit Of Texas Dr Hotel Dr Spirit Of Texas Dr SITE Spirit Of Austin Ln Employee Ave LIST OF DRAWINGS 1. COVER SHEET 2. GENERAL NOTES 3. EXISTING SURVEY 4. DIMENSIONAL & FIRE SITE PLAN 5. GRADING SITE PLAN 6. STORM LAYOUT PLAN 7. EROSION/SEDIMENTATION SITE PLAN 8. FIRE LANE SITE PLAN 9. UTILITY SITE PLAN 10. AUSTIN WATER GENERAL INFORMATION & CONSTRUCTION NOTES 11. AUSTIN WATER GENERAL INFORMATION & CONSTRUCTION NOTES 12. GENERAL UTILITY DETAILS 13. GENERAL UTILITY DETAILS 14. GENERAL DETAILS 15. GENERAL DETAILS 16. GENERAL DETAILS 17. GENERAL DETAILS 18. GENERAL DETAILS 19. GENERAL DETAILS 20. DRAINAGE AREA MAP 21. BIOFILTRATION POND PLAN (BMP) 22. BIOFILTRATION POND SECTIONS 23. BIOFILTRATION POND NOTES 24. HMI CALCULATIONS 25. LANDSCAPE PLAN 26. LANDSCAPE SPECIFICATIONS 27. LANDSCAPE DETAILS 28. PHOTOMETRIC SITE PLAN CURVE C1 (C1) RADIUS 30.50' (30.50') DELTA ANGLE 90°44'08" (90°32'22") ARC LENGTH 48.30' (48.20') CHORD BEARING N 87°32'27" E (N 87°18'07" E) CHORD LENGTH 43.41' (43.34') \ \ \ \ \\\\ \\\\ 5 0 1 ' \\\\ \\\\ \\\\ \\\\ \\\\ 500' G G G \\\\ G G \\\\ 502' 502' 502' \\\\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 5 0 2 ' 5 0 2' \\\\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 5 0 3 ' DRAINAGE \\\\ WASTEWATER MANHOLE TOP OF RIM ELEV: 500.23' NORTH 8" PVC FL= 478.38' SOUTH 8" PVC FL= 478.48' \\\\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\\\ \\\\ \\\\ \\\\ \\\\ 501' \\\\ \\\\ \\\\ \\\\ \\\\ \\\\ 501' \\\\ 501' HOTEL DRIVE (R.O.W. VARIES) 501' \\\\ …
ABIA RETAIL CENTER 2801 Spirit of Texas Drive, Austin, Texas 78719 Prepared by Professional StruCivil Engineers, Inc. Design Commission Meeting | February 23rd, 2026 Project Location Project Overview Jurisdiction Austin Bergstrom International Airport and the City of Austin Lot Area: 4.069 Acres Proposed usages: General Retail and Sales Coffee Shop Gas Station Building 7,026 sqft. Single Story Structure with associated parking Driveway access: Hotel Drive and Spirit of Texas Property Zoning: AV Project Status Compliance: The development complies with the current City of Austin Land Development code. No variances are required. Approvals: ABIA confirmed the usage and development on November 6th, 2025. Current Status: The site plan is currently under review with the City of Austin. Existing Survey Site Plan Landscape Plan THANK YOU
C i t y o f A u s t i n Design Commission Project Submittal Page 1 Design Commission - Project SubmittalPhoto courtesy of Jorge E. Rousselin WELCOME! T0 DESIGN COMMISSION When is Design Commission? Fourth Monday of the month unless otherwise noted. Please refer to the meeting schedule on the Design Commission web page. Backup for applicants is due at least 10 days in advance. Where is Design Commission? The meetings are hybrid, occuring in-person at the Permitting and Development Center and on-line via a Web Ex link. Presenters are encouraged to attend in-person. Permitting and Development Center Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco, Austin, TX, 78752 140 5 What is Design Commission? The Design Commission is an advisory body that provides recommendations to the City Council. The Design Commission reviews a variety of projects and policies and uses the Urban Design Guidelines document as their guiding document. Why do you have to present your project? Your project most likely fits under the Downtown Density Bonus Program typology or the City of Austin project typology. These projects are compelled to be reviewed by the Design Commission per City Code or Resolution. Please see the Guiding Policy page to find all the guiding code or policy for projects that must be reviewed by Design Commission. Design Commission - Project Submittal Page 2 Photo courtesy of Jorge E. Rousselin GUIDING POLICY Please reference the resolution, ordinance or other directive that brings you to the Design Commission. Per Cit y C ouncil di recti on, the D esign Comm ission reviews five types of projects. The Urb a n Design Gui del i nes, whic h is available o n th e D es ign C ommis si on web page, is t he Commi ss ion's gu id i ng d ocument for reviewin g projects and plan s. City of Austi n projects or p lan s: Resolution No. 20071129 -046: Municipal buildings & as sociated site development Resol ution No. 20 100923-0 86: Municipal buildings & site d ev elopment with AEC components Ordi nance No. 201 00805-02 8: Alley vacation requests with in downtown Coun cil request / Privat e p roject: §2- 1-130: Items requested by City Council or a project s ponsor Downtown Density Bonu s Pro gra m: §25- 2-586: Code section requring all par t icipants o f the Downtown Density Bonus Program to …
DESIGN COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on February 23, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Commented [NC1]: Please correct to February 23, 2026, Chair Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair Ramachandra Aradhyula David Carroll Kevin Howard Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Nkiru Gelles Conners Lander Marissa McKinney PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commented [NC2]: Should be bold 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission special-called meeting on February 2, 2026. The minutes from the Design Commission special called meeting on February 2, 2026, were approved on Commissioner Aradhyula’s motion, Chair Salinas’s second on a 7-0-1. Commissioner Howard abstained. Commissioners Khan and Wittstruck were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Discussion of the Design Commission’s strategy prioritizing urban design in Density Bonus Program projects in the City of Austin. Sponsors: Commissioners Howard and Wittstruck. Discussed. Commented [NC3]: Comma instead of period Commented [NC4]: All motions need to list absent commissioner and commissioners who abstained or recused from the vote. The commissioners first name are not used here. It should read, Commissioner Aradhyula’s motion, Chair Salinas’ second, on a 7-0- 1 vote. Commissioner Howard abstained. Commissioners x, y, and z were absent. Commented [NC5]: No space between item and action Commented [NC6]: No space between item and action 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project ABIA Retail Center, located at 2703 Spirit of Texas Drive, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by Mirza Tahir Baig, Professional StruCIVIL Engineers, Inc. This item was withdrawn without objection. COMMITTEE UPDATES Commented [NC7]: No space between item and action Commented [NC8]: Perfect! 3. Update from representative of the Downtown Commission regarding the meeting on February 18, 2026. Update was given by Commissioner Gelles. Commented [NC9]: No space between item and action FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Staff briefing on Downtown Density Bonus Program Gatekeeper Requirements. Presented by Alan Pani, Austin Planning. Sponsors: Commissioners Howard and Vice Chair Meiners.. 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. Discussion on the implications of expanding the boundaries of Downtown to match …
