Stories by Jessi Devenyns
BoA discusses how many postponements are too many
Postponement requests are available to applicants, neighbors and city staff who require extra time to organize their cases for the Board of Adjustment. However, there are certain cases that come before the board where a postponement request is a red…
City Hall • By Jessi Devenyns • Jan 16, 2020
Campground case returns 18 months after initial rezoning denial
A rezoning case to transform a 12-acre plot next to the Colorado River into a community-centric campground returned to the Zoning and Platting Commission on Jan. 7. The case failed to receive Council’s approval in 2018. Following the 18-month waiting period…
Zoning • By Jessi Devenyns • Jan 14, 2020
Despite public opposition, plan for directing school traffic gains ZAP approval
Many factors go into the planning of schools, and chief among them is safety. Concern over whether a children’s educational facility belonged in an industrial park spurred a discussion about the appropriate zoning choice for the site at the Jan.…
Zoning • By Jessi Devenyns • Jan 14, 2020
APD survey shows police officers are proud but frustrated
As the Public Safety Commission came back to a new year on Jan. 6, members began with a lengthy discussion about the state of the Austin police force. After receiving a presentation from the department highlighting the personal, professional and…
Police • By Jessi Devenyns • Jan 10, 2020
Public Safety Commission dives into building material safety
Fire unquestionably presents a risk to public safety. However, a less visible risk associated with a burning building are the toxic chemicals used in building materials that can damage the health of first responders and homeowners who inhale the fumes…
Development • By Jessi Devenyns • Jan 9, 2020
Without paperwork, commissioners hear testimony on rezoning, but hold off on decision
It’s unusual for the Zoning and Platting Commission to postpone a final plat but hear a preliminary plan for a zoning case. Yet that is exactly what commissioners did at their Dec. 17 meeting, before discovering that they could not…
Planning • By Jessi Devenyns • Jan 7, 2020
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Parks department staff occupy and transform a historic home in South Austin
A rare and intact example of a mid-1860s rural Travis County residence sits at 10140 Old San Antonio Road. After years of neglect, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department has taken over stewardship of the property and installed an administrative…
Preservation • By Jessi Devenyns • Jan 6, 2020
Planning Commission recommends a commercial zoning change in the heart of Brentwood
Commercial enterprises are sprinkled throughout Brentwood, a residential neighborhood in North-Central Austin. However, the request for a zoning change to turn a residential home into a real estate office brought concerned residents to the Dec. 10 meeting of the Planning…
Planning • By Jessi Devenyns • Jan 6, 2020
HLC says Pemberton Heights home no longer deserves historic status
Remodeling the exterior of a historic home requires care, attention to detail – and a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Landmark Commission to sign off on the proposed design. Failing to involve the commission can have financial consequences on…
Preservation • By Jessi Devenyns • Dec 19, 2019
A divided landmark commission recommends Green Pastures Hotel
In the decades since Green Pastures opened in 1946, the restaurant has become a beloved venue known for its elegant, porch-wrapped home and verdant grounds. It was noteworthy when the proposed addition of a hotel to the property swept through…
Preservation • By Jessi Devenyns • Dec 18, 2019
West Campus home fails to receive required votes for historic designation
The Historic Landmark Commission recently recommended historic zoning for a 19th-century West Campus home at 704 W. 22nd St. against the owner’s wishes. Planning commissioners have now voted to deny the recommendation for historic zoning, preventing the case from moving…
Preservation • By Jessi Devenyns • Dec 17, 2019
Environmental Commission pushes for additional tree protections on Apple campus
Apple Inc. is well on its way to bringing a billion-dollar campus to Austin on a 133-acre parcel of land at 6900 Parmer Lane called Robinson Ranch. In an effort to offer increased protections for the trees on the property,…
