Working Group MeetingDesign Commission MeetingWorking Group MeetsWith ApplicantChair Finalizes Working Group MemoBackup Materials DueWorking Group Memo Posted Regularly-Scheduled Design Commission Meeting25-27 Days(4 weeks before)21 Days before(3 weeks)7 Business Days BeforeDesign Commission72 Hours BeforeDesign Commission4th Monday of Month*No SessionNo SessionJanuary 15th No SessionJanuary 27th January 30th February 3rdFebruary 12thFebruary 21stFebruary 24thFebruary 27thMarch 2ndMarch 11th March 20thMarch 23rdApril 2nd April 6thApril 15th April 24th April 27th April 23rd April 26thMay 13thMay 15th*May 18thMay 28th1-JunJune 10thJune 19thJune 22ndJune 25th July 2-5July 30thAugust 3rdAugust 12th August 21stAugust 24th September 3rdSeptember 7thSeptember 16thSeptember 25th September 28th October 1stOctober 5thOctober 14th October 23rd October 26th October 22ndOctober 21stNovember 4th November 13th*November 16th November 19thNovember 23rdDecember 2nd December 11th *December 14th * Except in May, November, and DecemberNO JULY MEETING2020 Design Commission Downtown Density Bonus Working Group Calander and Deadlines
December XX, 2019 Re: Update to the Urban Design Guidelines Honorable Mayor Adler and City Council Members The Design Commission prides itself in assisting in developing public policy and promoting excellence in the design of the urban environment in Austin. Thanks to our collective expertise, ranging from urban and landscape design, public policy, and architecture, the Design Commission helps shape the future of downtown through our shared vision of the Urban Design Guidelines. That being said, since the Urban Design Guidelines were adopted by Council in 2009 Austin has been experiencing tremendous growth and rapid change. During this time, the city has adopted many new policies that have influenced the vision of our urban core and the now ten-year-old Urban Design Guidelines no longer reflect these new values. Therefore, the Design Commission respectfully requests that City Council direct staff to initiate a revision process for the Urban Design Guidelines to better align them with the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, the Downtown Austin Plan, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, the Austin Core Transportation Plan, Vision Zero, and the Austin Community Climate Plan. Further, the Design Commission requests to be an integral part of this revision process. We offer our expertise to work alongside staff crafting these revisions. Our hope is that by updating the Urban Design Guidelines to reflect Austin’s current priorities, and vision, we will have a better tool to influence the future design of our urban core. We appreciate your attention to this matter……… Sincerely………. October 25,2019 Dear Mayor and Councilmembers, The Design commission prides itself in promoting the ideals and principles set forth by Imagine Austin through contributing guidance and recommendations for future development impacting the public realm. The public realm is the most extensive and personal connection to our citizens, it creates a physical manifestation of our values and investment in community, mobility, equity, social justice, and sustainability. Thanks to the collective expertise of the board, ranging from urban and landscape design, public policy, and architecture, the Design Commission’s critical evaluation of future projects protects our community from hasty and opportunistic development by providing an avenue for discourse and collaboration. The Design Commission would like to update you on the current state of the Urban Design Guidelines, the tool by which all projects we review are measured for substantial compliance. The purpose of these guidelines is to hold future development to a higher standard that reflects the …
Page 1 of 3 DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2019 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Commission Members David Carroll, Chair (District 1) Aan Coleman (District 8) Martha Gonzalez, Vice-Chair (District 2) Beau Frail (District 6) Samuel Franco (District 3) Katie Halloran (District 7) Melissa Henao-Robledo (District 5) Ben Luckens (District 10) City of Austin Planning & Zoning Staff Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Bart Whatley (District 9) Art Zamorano, Staff Liaison Josue Meiners (District 4) Aaron Jenkins, Staff Liaison AGENDA CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. The first five speakers, who shall sign up prior to the Call to Order, will each have three minutes to speak regarding items not on the agenda; 2. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Courtesy briefing of the Waller Creek/Palm District Planning Initiative (Stevie Greathouse, COA-PAZ); 3. OLD BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. None; Page 2 of 3 4. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action on the October 28, 2019 meeting minutes; b. Liaison Reports; c. Appointment of Committee/Working Group members by Chair; d. Discussion of a letter to City Council regarding updating the Urban Design Guidelines (Vice-Chair M. Gonzalez); Urban Design Guidelines 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: a. None; 6. ANNOUNCEMENTS: a. Chair Announcements; b. Items from Commission Members; c. Items from City Staff; 7. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please contact Aaron Jenkins in the Planning and Zoning Department Aaron.Jenkins@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2752, for additional information. TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Page 3 of 3 Design Commission: Committees, Working Groups, Representatives and Liaisons Committees 1. Executive Committee: D. Carroll (Chair), M. Gonzalez (Vice Chair) Working Groups 1. Planning & Urban Design Working Group: E. Taniguchi, B. Whatley, A. Coleman, D. Carroll 2. Architecture & Development Working Group: B. Whatley, M. Gonzalez, D. Carroll, B. Frail 3. Landscape & Infrastructure Working Group: S. Franco, M. Henao-Robledo, A. Coleman, K. Halloran 4. Public Engagement Working Group: B. Luckens, S. Franco, M. Henao-Robledo 5. Infrastructure Design Guidelines Working Group: …
Waller Creek/Palm District Planning InitiativePlanning and Zoning Department Briefing to Design CommissionNovember 25, 20191Photo: Waller Creek Conservancy 2Presentation Overview•Background •Study Area•Purpose and Scope•Project Team•Timeline•Next Steps and DiscussionWork Plan:http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/pio/document.cfm?id=329271 3BackgroundResolution 20190523-029•Palm School Negotiations •Rainey Street District Fund•Fifth Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor•Convention Center Expansion•District Planning Process•Improved Connectivity 4BackgroundPlanning History•Waller Creek Master Plan (2010)•Downtown Austin Plan (2011)•Imagine Austin (2012)•Waller Creek Design Plan (2012)•Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life (2013)•Downtown Austin Wayfinding Master Plan (2013)•Convention Center Master Plan (2015)•ESB-MACC Master Plan (2018)•Project Connect Vision (2019)•Brush Square Master Plan (2019)•UT Analysis of Convention Center Expansion (2019)•Austin Core Transportation Plan, including Rainey (Underway)….and more Study Area5Planning process will engage areas beyond the boundary, and additional planning activities could occur outside of the proposed boundary (e.g. the resolution references connectivity to the Rainey district and across IH-35) 6PurposeEngage stakeholders to develop a comprehensive, focused small area plan for an area of downtown Austin that includes Palm School, Palm Park, Waller Creek, the Red River Cultural District, the Convention Center, and the 5thStreet Mexican American Heritage Corridor. 7Scope•Engage stakeholders•Understand existing conditions•Support coordination of related initiatives•Involve design professionals through AIA R/UDAT or other process•Amend Waller Creek District Master Plan•Amend Downtown Austin Plan•Amend Land Development Code Project Team8Project Leadership:•J. Rodney Gonzales, Assistant City ManagerExecutive Lead•Stevie Greathouse, Planning and ZoningProject Lead•Jorge Rousselin, Planning and ZoningUrban Design LeadProject Support:•PAZ Urban Design Division•PAZ Long Range Planning Division•PAZ Historic Preservation Office•Communications and Public Information OfficeCoordinating Departments:•Convention Center•Economic Development•Real Estate•Austin Transportation•Parks and Recreation•Watershed Protection•Office of SustainabilityAgency Partners•Downtown Austin Alliance•Waterloo Greenway•Capital Metro•Travis County•AIA AustinKey Stakeholders•Preservation Austin •Visit Austin •Our Austin Story •The Trail Foundation •Travis County Historical Commission •The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce •Housing Authority of the City of Austin •Movability •East Sixth Street Public Improvement District •Project Connect Advisory Net •Hispanic Austin Leadership •Hispanic Advocates Business Leadership of Austin •The Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association •Mexic-Arte•La Peña •Texas Department of Transportation •The Red River Cultural District •The Raza Roundtable •The Rainey Neighbors Association •The East Cesar Chavez NPCT •The Rainey Business Coalition •The Town Lake Neighborhood Association •The Austin History Center Association •The Greater Hispanic Chamber of Commerce •City of Austin Boards and Commissions ….and more Timeline9 10Next Steps•Inventory existing conditions•Initial outreach and development of public engagement plan•Continue meeting with coordinating departments and agency partners•Launch project website•Initiate AIA R/UDAT (application-based process)•Possible “early out” implementation activities•5thStreet Mexican American Heritage Corridor•Rainey Shared Streets Pilot•Convention Center activities•Palm School 11DiscussionHow can we best involve you and the stakeholders you work …
Page 1 of 3 DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2019 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Meeting Minutes Call to order by: Chair D. Carroll at 6:03 p.m. Member List X David Carroll – Chair X Melissa Henao-Robledo Martha Gonzalez – Vice-Chair X Ben Luckens X Aan Coleman X Evan Taniguchi X Beau Frail X Bart Whatley X Samuel Franco Josue Meiners X Katie Halloran Support Staff in attendance: Jorge Rousselin (Executive Liaison; PAZ); Aaron Jenkins (Staff Liaison; PAZ); Art Zamorano (Staff Liaison; PAZ); Vice‐Chair M.Gonzalez and Commissioner J. Meiners were absent. 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: No citizens signed up to speak. 2. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. None. 3. OLD BUSINESS (Discussion and possible Action): a. None. 4. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action on the September 23, 2019 draft meeting minutes; The motion to approve the minutes, as drafted, was made by Commissioner A. Coleman and seconded by Commissioner E. Taniguchi. The motion was approved on a vote of [9-0-0]. Page 2 of 3 b. Discussion and possible action on the 2020 Design Commission Schedule request. Commissioner A. Coleman requested that the July 27, 2020 meeting be cancelled. Commissioner B. Frail requested that the November 23rd meeting be moved, staff suggested moving to November 16, 2020. The motion to approve the 2020 Design Commission schedule with changes, as suggested, was made by Commissioner A. Coleman and seconded by Commissioner B. Luckens. The motion was approved on a vote of [9-0-0]. c. Liaison Reports; Commissioner Franco: Nothing new to report from the South Central Waterfront. Commissioner Henao-Robledo: Was not present for the Downtown commission meeting, but was informed that they discussed the following; Waterloo Greenway, Downtown waste collection contract, Congress avenue Urban Design Initiative, Rainey Street Shared streets program, and Palm District Master plan. Chair Carroll: Sustainability committee meeting was cancelled. d. Appointment of Committee/Working Group members by Chair; None. e. Discussion of a letter to City Council regarding updating the Urban Design Guidelines (Vice-Chair M. Gonzalez); This item has been postponed to the next meeting as Vice-Chair M. Gonzalez was not available to present. f. Discussion and possible action on the Memo Recommending Code Amendments related to the Downtown Density Bonus Program (Chair D. Carroll); Commissiner B. Luckens: Suggested increasing the LEED requirements to 3 stars. Staff Jorge Rousselin: Suggested that …
October 25,2019 Dear Mayor and Councilmembers, The Design commission prides itself in promoting the ideals and principles set forth by Imagine Austin through contributing guidance and recommendations for future development impacting the public realm. The public realm is the most extensive and personal connection to our citizens, it creates a physical manifestation of our values and investment in community, mobility, equity, social justice, and sustainability. Thanks to the collective expertise of the board, ranging from urban and landscape design, public policy, and architecture, the Design Commission’s critical evaluation of future projects protects our community from hasty and opportunistic development by providing an avenue for discourse and collaboration. The Design Commission would like to update you on the current state of the Urban Design Guidelines, the tool by which all projects we review are measured for substantial compliance. The purpose of these guidelines is to hold future development to a higher standard that reflects the objectives of Imagine Austin’s smart growth. Through numerous discussions beginning with city staff and within the Commission, we have created what will be a clear process to craft the necessary changes to the Urban Design Guidelines to best serve our community. The Urban Design Guidelines have not been updated since January 29, 2009 through RESOLUTION NO. 20100819-035 when City Council First adopted them • The Urban Design Guidelines recognize the significant impact of the built environment on the historic, iconic, and unique characteristics of Austin and its neighborhoods • Design Commission serves as a tremendous resource to the City Council to offer expert advice on how infrastructure and urban projects can enhance the built environment to be more equitable, vibrant, inclusive, and how to successfully engage community input • The Urban Design Guidelines serve as recommendations for all urban development and redevelopment projects by both the public and private sector We respectfully request assistance rewriting the Urban Design Guidelines to reflect the rapidly evolving built environment of the City of Austin. We will need dedicated city staff members to work with the City of Austin’s Design Commission on recommendations for design guidelines and procedures to incorporate opportunities for public notification and input. The Design Commission will continue to interface with relevant departments to ensure inclusion and understanding of The Urban Design Guidelines’ proper use. it will be very difficult to complete the Guidelines in a timely manner without assistance. Thank you very much for the opportunity …
Page 1 of 3 DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2019 AT 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Commission Members _____ David Carroll, Chair (District 1) _____ Aan Coleman (District 8) _____ Martha Gonzalez, Vice-Chair (District 2) _____ Beau Frail (District 6) _____ Samuel Franco (District 3) _____ Katie Halloran (District 7) _____ Melissa Henao-Robledo (District 5) _____ Ben Luckens (District 10) City of Austin Planning & Zoning Staff _____ Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) _____ Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison _____ Bart Whatley (District 9) _____ Art Zamorano, Staff Liaison _____ Josue Meiners (District 4) ____ Aaron Jenkins, Staff Liaison AGENDA CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. The first five speakers, who shall sign up prior to the Call to Order, will each have three minutes to speak regarding items not on the agenda; 2. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. None; 3. OLD BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. None; Page 2 of 3 4. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action on the September 23, 2019 meeting minutes; b. Discussion and possible action on the 2020 Design Commission Schedule request c. Liaison Reports; d. Appointment of Committee/Working Group members by Chair; e. Discussion of a letter to City Council regarding updating the Urban Design Guidelines (Vice-Chair M. Gonzalez); f. Discussion and possible action on the Memo Recommending Code Amendments related to the Downtown Density Bonus Program (Chair D. Carroll); 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: a. None; 6. ANNOUNCEMENTS: a. Chair Announcements; b. Items from Commission Members; c. Items from City Staff; 7. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please contact Aaron Jenkins in the Planning and Zoning Department Aaron.Jenkins@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2752, for additional information. TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Page 3 of 3 Design Commission: Committees, Working Groups, Representatives and Liaisons Committees 1. Executive Committee: D. Carroll (Chair), M. Gonzalez (Vice Chair) Working Groups 1. Planning & Urban Design Working Group: E. Taniguchi, B. Whatley, A. Coleman, D. Carroll 2. Architecture & Development Working Group: B. Whatley, M. Gonzalez, D. …
1/2 DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Date: November 04, 2019 Re: Land Development Code amendments related to the Downtown Density Bonus Program Honorable Mayor Adler and City Council Members, In Austin, high-rise projects that comply with the current Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) can be awarded more than three-times the floor area than the base zoning allows in exchange for what today are considered modest design improvements. The Design Commission is a strong advocate for downtown density, but we also find that the DDBP is dated and does not create public benefits comparable to the entitlements that these projects receive. We are specifically concerned that the DDBP is not well aligned with more recently adopted policy goals including: mobility1, pedestrian safety2, climate and sustainability3, livability and affordability4. For example, a developer may approach the Design Commission with entitlements for an eight-story commercial building, and if compliant with the DDBP, walk away with the ability to construct 24 stories of hotel space (hundreds of units), and 8 stories of parking (thousands of additional parking spaces), in exchange for modest street level improvements5, and perhaps somewhat more energy efficient building design6. The Downtown Density Bonus Program’s gatekeeper requirements do not account for: • Design for ride share queuing and associated pedestrian safety • Public access to structured parking garages or parking demand management systems • Parking structures designed for future re-use as livable space • Downtown mobility planning, i.e. support for alternative mobility options through funding, and discouragement of parking structures, especially if not designed to support transit system. To this end, the Design Commission respectfully requests that Council consider a resolution directing the City Manager to assign multi-departmental staff7 to assist the Commission in drafting proposed code amendments to better align the DDBP with the city’s adopted goals. Input from public stakeholders will play an important role in this process as well to ensure the DDBP remains functional and attractive to developers. Further, the Design Commission recommends that the process to amend the Downtown Density Bonus Program should include an examination of the following recommendations: 1 Austin Strategic Mobility Plan 2 Vision Zero 3 Austin Community Climate Plan 4 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan 5 City of Austin Great Streets Program. 6 Two-star rating from Austin Energy Green Building Program. 7 Austin Transportation Department, Office of Sustainability, Neighborhood Housing and Community Development with Capital Metro partnership. 2/2 FUNCTIONALITY • If a DDBP applicant receives …
1/2 DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Date: October 21, 2019 Re: Land Development Code amendments related to the Downtown Density Bonus Program Honorable Mayor Adler and City Council Members, In Austin, high-rise projects that comply with the current Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) can be awarded over three-times the floor area than the base zoning allows in exchange for what today are considered modest design improvements. The Design Commission is a strong advocate for downtown density, but we are also finding that the DDBP has become dated and does not create public benefits comparable to the entitlements that these projects receive. We are specifically concerned that the DDBP is not well aligned with the more recently adopted policy goals including: mobility1, pedestrian safety2, climate and sustainability3, livability and affordability4. For example, a developer may approach the Design Commission with entitlements for an eight-story commercial building, and if compliant with the DDBP, walk away with the ability to construct 24 stories of hotel space (hundreds of units), and 8 stories of parking (thousands of additional parking spaces), in exchange for modest street level improvements5, and perhaps somewhat more energy efficient building design6. The Downtown Density Bonus Program’s gatekeeper requirements do not account for: • Design for ride share queuing and associated pedestrian safety • Public access to structured parking garages or parking demand management systems • Parking structures designed for future re-use as livable space • Downtown mobility planning, i.e. support for alternative mobility options through funding, and discouragement of parking structures, especially if not designed to support transit system. To this end, the Design Commission respectfully requests that Council consider a resolution directing the City Manager to assign multi-departmental staff7 to assist the Commission in drafting proposed code amendments to better align the DDBP with the city’s adopted goals. Input from public stakeholders will play an important role in this process as well to ensure the DDBP remains functional and attractive to developers. Further, the Design Commission recommends that the process to amend the Downtown Density Bonus Program should include examining the following recommendations: 1 Austin Strategic Mobility Plan 2 Vision Zero 3 Austin Community Climate Plan 4 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan 5 City of Austin Great Streets Program. 6 Two-star rating from Austin Energy Green Building Program. 7 Austin Transportation Department, Office of Sustainability, Neighborhood Housing and Community Development with Capital Metro partnership. 2/2 FUNCTIONALITY • If a DDBP applicant receives …
1/2 DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Date: November 04, 2019 Re: Land Development Code amendments related to the Downtown Density Bonus Program Honorable Mayor Adler and City Council Members, In Austin, high-rise projects that comply with the current Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) can be awarded more than three-times the floor area than the base zoning allows in exchange for what today are considered modest design improvements. The Design Commission is a strong advocate for downtown density, but we also find that the DDBP is dated and does not create public benefits comparable to the entitlements that these projects receive. We are specifically concerned that the DDBP is not well aligned with more recently adopted policy goals including: mobility1, pedestrian safety2, climate and sustainability3, livability and affordability4. For example, a developer may approach the Design Commission with entitlements for an eight-story commercial building, and if compliant with the DDBP, walk away with the ability to construct 24 stories of hotel space (hundreds of units), and 8 stories of parking (thousands of additional parking spaces), in exchange for modest street level improvements5, and perhaps somewhat more energy efficient building design6. The Downtown Density Bonus Program’s gatekeeper requirements do not account for: • Design for ride share queuing and associated pedestrian safety • Public access to structured parking garages or parking demand management systems • Parking structures designed for future re-use as livable space • Downtown mobility planning, i.e. support for alternative mobility options through funding, and discouragement of parking structures, especially if not designed to support transit system. To this end, the Design Commission respectfully requests that Council consider a resolution directing the City Manager to assign multi-departmental staff7 to assist the Commission in drafting proposed code amendments to better align the DDBP with the city’s adopted goals. Input from public stakeholders will play an important role in this process as well to ensure the DDBP remains functional and attractive to developers. Further, the Design Commission recommends that the process to amend the Downtown Density Bonus Program should include an examination of the following recommendations: 1 Austin Strategic Mobility Plan 2 Vision Zero 3 Austin Community Climate Plan 4 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan 5 City of Austin Great Streets Program. 6 Two-star rating from Austin Energy Green Building Program. 7 Austin Transportation Department, Office of Sustainability, Neighborhood Housing and Community Development with Capital Metro partnership. 2/2 FUNCTIONALITY • If a DDBP applicant receives …
2020 DESIGN COMMISSION MEETING CALENDAR Austin City Hall 301 W. Second Street, Austin, Texas, 78701 Boards and Commissions Room 1101 6:00 PM Meeting Date Mondays at 6:00 p.m. (Unless otherwise noted) Application Deadline 10 Business Days Prior to Meeting by 2:00 PM (No Exceptions) Materials Deadline 7 Business Days Prior to Meeting by 2:00 PM (No Exceptions) January 27th January 10th January 15th February 24th February 7th February 12th March 23rd March 6th March 11th April 27th April 10th April 15th 1May 18th May 1st May 13th June 22nd June 5th June 10th July – No Meeting August 24th August 7th August 12th September 28th September 11th September 16th October 26th October 9th October 14th 2November 16th November 2nd November 4th 3December 14th 4December 1st December 2nd 1 Meeting moved from 4th Monday to 3rd Monday due to Memorial Day 2 Meeting moved from 4th Monday to 3rd Monday due to Thanksgiving Holiday occurring this week 3 Meeting moved from 4th Monday to 2nd Monday due to Christmas Holiday 4 Deadlines moved due to the Christmas Holiday
Page 1 of 3 DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Meeting Minutes Call to order by: Chair D. Carroll at 6:01 p.m. Member List X David Carroll – Chair X Melissa Henao-Robledo X Martha Gonzalez – Vice-Chair X Ben Luckens X Aan Coleman X Evan Taniguchi X Beau Frail X Bart Whatley X Samuel Franco X Josue Meiners X Katie Halloran Support Staff in attendance: Jorge Rousselin (Executive Liaison; PAZ); Nichole Koerth (Staff Liaison; PAZ); Aaron Jenkins (Staff Liaison; PAZ) Commissioner B. Frail arrived at 6:02 p.m. Vice-Chair M. Gonzalez arrived at 6:04 p.m. 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: None. 2. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether The Travis project, addressed at 80 Red River Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, a gatekeeper requirement for the Downtown Density Bonus Program (LDC §25‐2‐586(C)(1)(a)(ii)) (Leah Bojo, Drenner Group; Gordon Ip, Genesis Living; Mike Fraze, Studio Outside; Stephen Drenner, Drenner Group); Stephen Drenner presented, with assistance from Michael Schooler (GDA Architects) and Mike Fraze (Studio Outside) The motion to support the project, as it complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, was made by Commissioner A. Coleman and seconded by Commissioner E. Taniguchi. A friendly amendment regarding communication with Capital Metro in consideration to transit location was made by Commissioner K. Halloran. The friendly amendment was accepted by Commissioners A. Coleman and E. Taniguchi. Page 2 of 3 A friendly amendment to consider more public restrooms be included in the plan was made by Commissioner B. Frail. The friendly amendment was accepted by Commissioners A. Coleman and E. Taniguchi. A friendly amendment to consider opening the proposed dog park to the public was made by Commissioner S. Franco. The friendly amendment was accepted by Commissioners A. Coleman and E. Taniguchi. The motion, including the friendly amendments, was approved by a unanimous vote of [11-0-0]. b. Courtesy briefing and discussion on the Walter E. Long Master Plan project (Ricardo Soliz, COA-PARD; Gregory Montes, COA- PARD; Kim McKnight, COA-PARD); Gregory Montes presented. No action taken. Commissioner B. Whatley left the dais at 8:09 pm. c. Courtesy briefing and discussion of the Street Impact Fee proposal (Cole Kitten, COA-ATD; Liane Miller, COA- ATD); Liane Miller presented. No action taken. 3. OLD BUSINESS (Discussion and possible Action): a. None 4. …
2020 DESIGN COMMISSION MEETING CALENDAR Austin City Hall 301 W. Second Street, Austin, Texas, 78701 Boards and Commissions Room 1101 6:00 PM Meeting Date Mondays at 6:00 p.m. (Unless otherwise noted) Application Deadline 10 Business Days Prior to Meeting by 2:00 PM (No Exceptions) Materials Deadline 7 Business Days Prior to Meeting by 2:00 PM (No Exceptions) January 27th January 10th January 15th February 24th February 7th February 12th March 23rd March 6th March 11th April 27th April 10th April 15th 1May 18th May 1st May 13th June 22nd June 5th June 10th July 27th July 10th July 15th August 24th August 7th August 12th September 28th September 11th September 16th October 26th October 9th October 14th November 23rd November 6th 2November 12th 3December 14th 4December 1st December 2nd 1 Meeting moved from 4th Monday to 3rd Monday due to Memorial Day 2 Deadline moved due to Veterans Day 3 Meeting moved from 4th Monday to 2nd Monday due to Christmas Holiday 4 Deadlines moved due to the Christmas Holiday
1/2 DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Date: October 21, 2019 Re: Land Development Code amendments related to the Downtown Density Bonus Program Honorable Mayor Adler and City Council Members, In Austin, high-rise projects that comply with the current Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) can be awarded over three-times the floor area than the base zoning allows in exchange for what today are considered modest design improvements. The Design Commission is a strong advocate for downtown density, but we are also finding that the DDBP has become dated and does not create public benefits comparable to the entitlements that these projects receive. We are specifically concerned that the DDBP is not well aligned with the more recently adopted policy goals including: mobility1, pedestrian safety2, climate and sustainability3, livability and affordability4. For example, a developer may approach the Design Commission with entitlements for an eight-story commercial building, and if compliant with the DDBP, walk away with the ability to construct 24 stories of hotel space (hundreds of units), and 8 stories of parking (thousands of additional parking spaces), in exchange for modest street level improvements5, and perhaps somewhat more energy efficient building design6. The Downtown Density Bonus Program’s gatekeeper requirements do not account for: • Design for ride share queuing and associated pedestrian safety • Public access to structured parking garages or parking demand management systems • Parking structures designed for future re-use as livable space • Downtown mobility planning, i.e. support for alternative mobility options through funding, and discouragement of parking structures, especially if not designed to support transit system. To this end, the Design Commission respectfully requests that Council consider a resolution directing the City Manager to assign multi-departmental staff7 to assist the Commission in drafting proposed code amendments to better align the DDBP with the city’s adopted goals. Input from public stakeholders will play an important role in this process as well to ensure the DDBP remains functional and attractive to developers. Further, the Design Commission recommends that the process to amend the Downtown Density Bonus Program should include examining the following recommendations: 1 Austin Strategic Mobility Plan 2 Vision Zero 3 Austin Community Climate Plan 4 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan 5 City of Austin Great Streets Program. 6 Two-star rating from Austin Energy Green Building Program. 7 Austin Transportation Department, Office of Sustainability, Neighborhood Housing and Community Development with Capital Metro partnership. 2/2 FUNCTIONALITY • If a DDBP applicant receives …
Page 1 of 3 DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 AT 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Commission Members _____ David Carroll, Chair (District 1) _____ Aan Coleman (District 8) _____ Martha Gonzalez, Vice-Chair (District 2) _____ Beau Frail (District 6) _____ Samuel Franco (District 3) _____ Katie Halloran (District 7) _____ Melissa Henao-Robledo (District 5) _____ Ben Luckens (District 10) City of Austin Planning & Zoning Staff _____ Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) _____ Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison _____ Bart Whatley (District 9) _____ Nichole Koerth, Staff Liaison _____ Josue Meiners (District 4) ____ Aaron Jenkins, Staff Liaison AGENDA CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. The first five speakers, who shall sign up prior to the Call to Order, will each have three minutes to speak regarding items not on the agenda; 2. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether The Travis project, addressed at 80 Red River Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, a gatekeeper requirement for the Downtown Density Bonus Program (LDC §25‐2‐586(C)(1)(a)(ii)) (Leah Bojo, Drenner Group; Gordon Ip, Genesis Living; Mike Fraze, Studio Outside; Steve Drenner, Drenner Group); b. Courtesy briefing and discussion on the Walter E. Long Master Plan project (Ricardo Soliz, COA-PARD; Gregory Montes, COA- PARD; Kim McKnight, COA-PARD); c. Courtesy briefing and discussion of the Street Impact Fee proposal (Cole Kitten, COA-ATD; Liane Miller, COA- ATD); 3. OLD BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. None; Page 2 of 3 4. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action on the August 26, 2019 meeting minutes; b. Liaison Reports; c. Appointment of Committee/Working Group members by Chair; d. Discussion of a letter to City Council regarding updating the Urban Design Guidelines (Vice-Chair M. Gonzalez); e. Discussion and possible action on the Memo Recommending Code Amendments related to the Downtown Density Bonus Program (Chair D. Carroll); 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: a. None; 6. ANNOUNCEMENTS: a. Chair Announcements; b. Items from Commission Members; c. Items from City Staff; 7. 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 …
David Carroll, ChairMartha Gonzales, Vice ChairAan ColemanBeau FrailSamuel FrancoKatie HalloranMelissa Henao-RobledoBen LuckensJosue MeinersEvan TaniguchiBart WhatleyJorge Rousselin,Executive LiaisonNichole Koerth,Staff LiaisonAaron D. JenkinsStaff LiaisonDesign Commission - Recommendation for The Travis ProjectPage 1 City of Austin Design Commission 1 of 1 DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20190923-02A Date: September 24, 2019 Subject: Design Commission recommendation for The Travis project, located at 80 Red River Street, to determine substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines. Motioned By: Aan Coleman Seconded By: Evan Taniguchi Amendment 01: Katie Halloran Amendment 02: Beau Frail Amendment 03: Samuel Franco Recommendation: The Austin Design Commission recommends that the 80 Red River Street project, as presented on September 23, 2019, is in substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines, with amendments. Rationale: Dear Director of Planning and Zoning, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the 80 Red River Street project, as presented to the body on September 23, 2019 substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines as one of the gatekeeper requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program. The recommendation included three friendly amendments: 1. Recommend that the applicant coordinates with Cap Metro on future transit connecting to Red River Street adjacent to the property. 2. Recommend that the applicant evaluate adding more public restrooms to serve the Café, the Art Space, the Dog Park, and the Food Truck dining area. Currently only one restroom is provided. 3. Recommend that the applicant evaluate the possibility of making the dog park open to the public. It could compliment the food truck dining area. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: 11 - 0 - 0 For: David Carroll, Aan Coleman, Katie Halloran, Evan Taniguchi, Ben Lukens, Beau Frail, Martha Gonzales, Samuel Franco, Melissa Henao-Robledo, Bart Whatley, Josue Meiners Against: n/a Abstain: n/a Absent: n/a Recused: n/a Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission
1/2 MEMORANDUM Date: June 11, 2019 To: City of Austin Design Commission From: Planning & Urban Design Working Group Subject: Downtown Density Bonus Program review of 80 Red River Street project for substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines. Meeting Date: May 30, 2019; 12:00 pm, One Texas Center, Room 500 Applicant: Leah Bojo – Drenner Group Architect: GDA Architects The following is a summary of the comments from the City of Austin Design Commission Working Group in response to the follow-up presentation of the 80 Red River Street Project. The initial presentation to the Working Group was held on April 25. In general, the Working Group concluded that the project remains deficient in substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines. The items below are the individual guidelines which the Working Group finds as non-compliant that contribute the most to the summary of overall non-compliance. (The items from the first meeting that do comply or are not applicable or were not discussed as high-concern have not been restated) AREA WIDE GUIDELINES • Create mixed-use development- The Working Group does not consider the project mixed use due to the primary use being residential/hotel with a very small retail use that is not placed or sized to emphasize accessibility to the public. With the location of the coffee shop on the opposite end of the primary public pedestrian path, the shop is “tucked-in” and away from the public eye and appears to be associated with the hotel and residences and not the public realm. GUIDELINES FOR THE PUBLIC STREETSCAPE • Reinforce pedestrian activity- Great Streets is not provided and as per COA staff is not required. However, the Working Group as stated in the prior memorandum still finds that the project could incorporate “Great Streets-like” features to meet the intent of this gate-keeper requirement for Density Bonus. A generous shaded sidewalk articulated with shade trees, pavers, benches (and/or seating nooks), pedestrian scale lighting, bicycle racks, trash and pet-waste receptacles, drinking fountains, and similar are encouraged to meet this urban infrastructure goal. • Enhance the streetscape- Great Streets is not provided, furniture and kiosks are not provided. Project does not comply and does not provide solutions that satisfy the intent of this section. (see comments above) • No street trees provided- Project does not comply with this section. (see above) • Provide pedestrian-scaled lighting- Project does not comply with this section (see above) …
