Stories by Jessi Devenyns
BoA: We don't 'pre-clear' cases
Obtaining a variance from city code is a multi-step process that can require applicants to visit various boards or commissions that weigh in with their expertise on aspects of a development project. In other cases, an applicant only comes before…
Land Development Code • By Jessi Devenyns • Feb 7, 2020
HLC discusses when historic zoning should be removed from a property
The Reuter House, a National Register historic home, has perched atop a hill overlooking a substantial lot in Travis Heights since 1934. Seven years ago, the back portion of the lot was subdivided and three lots were sold to new…
Development • By Jessi Devenyns • Feb 6, 2020
Community reacts to APD racial profiling study at Public Safety Commission
Last week, a report from the city’s Office of Police Oversight, Office of Innovation, and Equity Office showed that black and Hispanic drivers are more likely to be stopped in their vehicles by Austin police than white and Asian drivers.…
Police • By Jessi Devenyns • Feb 5, 2020
Republic Square Salt & Time sign takes more time
Republic Square is one of the original squares in the city of Austin, but it has long been an underutilized spot in the city center. In an effort to activate the space, the city has worked for the past few…
Planning • By Jessi Devenyns • Feb 4, 2020
Planning Commission recommends rezoning for half of Castle Hill Graffiti Park
Two projects intending to replace the internationally famous “Graffiti Park” came before the Planning Commission on Jan. 28. However, only the 10-condo Colorfield project at 1006 Baylor St. received the commission’s recommendation. When the Historic Landmark Commission approved the demolition of…
Zoning • By Jessi Devenyns • Jan 30, 2020
A heated ZAP tackles displacement
Nearly two years to the day citizens debuted the People’s Plan on Martin Luther King Day 2018, the topic of displacement mitigation came before the Zoning and Platting Commission for an update. On Jan. 21, commissioners listened to a report…
Planning • By Jessi Devenyns • Jan 28, 2020
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East Austin 2K-acre PUD gets unanimous seal of approval from Environmental Commission
The future of a decades-old sand and gravel mine just east of the Austin city limits on Harold Green Road is now clearer with the latest set of plans developers presented to the Environmental Commission on Jan. 15. Known as…
Development • By Jessi Devenyns • Jan 27, 2020
Monetizing the carbon cycle may lead to ecological solutions
In the very near future, there is a possibility that Texas landowners will be able to reduce carbon emissions while earning money on their unused land. Jim Blackburn, a professor at Rice University and the president of the Trinity-Edwards Springs…
Environment • By Jessi Devenyns • Jan 23, 2020
Commission calls city’s approach to South Austin planning “piecemeal”
Cases that come before the Zoning and Platting Commission are reviewed individually. But when a zoning request change at 12001 S. Interstate 35 came up at the Jan. 7 meeting, it caused the commission to lament the overall process for…
Planning • By Jessi Devenyns • Jan 22, 2020
Planning Commission supports request for 400-foot buildings in East Austin
There are not many places in the city where buildings tower 400 feet into the sky. However, there is a chance that the areas of Austin where these skyscrapers are permitted are about to expand. In a 9-0-1 vote, the…
Planning • By Jessi Devenyns • Jan 21, 2020
BOA denies a new build designed for a new decade
When the first Lake Austin Watershed Ordinance went into effect in 1980, some properties had development rights curtailed overnight. The property at 2803 Edgewater Drive is one of those cases where the ordinance limited the buildable area on the property’s…
Land Development Code • By Jessi Devenyns • Jan 17, 2020
Planning Commission recommends Rendon house for historic zoning over owner’s wishes
The Planning Commission took another step Jan. 14 to pave the way for historic zoning for the home of the late Edward Rendon Sr. despite continued opposition from one of Rendon’s 16 heirs. With a vote in favor of historic…
