Development

Housing staff suggest ADU pilot program aimed at 80% MFI households

City housing staff say a publicly-funded program to help homeowners build accessory dwelling units would likely see limited uptake and may fall short of the city’s affordability goals, particularly for households most at risk of displacement. In a recent memo…

Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 22, 2025

Planning Commission settles on recommendation in controversial doggy daycare zoning case

A rezoning case for an out-of-compliance doggy daycare in South Austin’s Sweetbriar neighborhood earned the recommendation of Austin’s Planning Commission (and the scorn of some of neighbors) last week. Planning commissioners heard the case for the second time during their…

Zoning • By Miles Wall • Jun 17, 2025

Planning Commission OKs removal of east side pecan tree

In a case that may tug at the heartwood of tree-hugging Austinites, the Planning Commission approved an variance allowing the cutting of one individual pecan tree during its May 27 meeting. The variance was granted at the request of nonprofit…

Planning • By Miles Wall • Jun 16, 2025

City eyes fund to preserve affordable housing, capitalize on overbuilt apartment market

In talking about the possibility of establishing a city fund specifically for preserving existing affordable housing stock, Council Member Marc Duchen said part of the motivation is to give the city more tools to step in before property owners decide…

Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 15, 2025

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Despite safety concerns, Council OKs new buildings above Shoal Creek

Austin City Council last week approved adding the Vertical Mixed Use “V” to the property located from 1501 to 1603 Shoal Creek Boulevard, after a hearing that featured considerable discussion about the geologically sensitive area. Council Member Paige Ellis abstained,…

Zoning • By Jo Clifton • Jun 12, 2025

As Acacia Cliffs rezoning is approved, Critics say Council has sold out on its affordability commitments

The zoning reforms that have come to define our City Council are having a moment in the spotlight, earning shout outs from Vice President J.D. Vance and New York Times bestseller Ezra Klein, whose recent book Abundance presents an approach…

Housing • By Kali Bramble • Jun 12, 2025

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A multi-family rezoning at the rugged edge of Northwest Austin

Way out in Austin’s northwest corner, where the city bleeds into undeveloped wildland, two people are trying to build a homestead. To do that, they’re asking the city of Austin for an upzoning to a district type meant for building…

Zoning • By Miles Wall • Jun 11, 2025

Texas lawmakers finalize bill limiting property owners' right to protest new homes nearby

Property owners in Texas hoping to stop or stall new housing next door will soon find it harder to do so. Texas lawmakers finalized a bill last week that loosens a little-known state law guaranteeing homeowners the right to protest…

Development • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Jun 11, 2025

Focused on real affordability, City Council moves to improve density bonus programs

City Council voted Thursday to initiate a review and potential overhaul of the city’s density bonus programs, signaling a shift toward more flexible and customized incentives to promote affordable housing and community benefits across different parts of the city. The…

Land Development Code • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 6, 2025

City to postpone UNO vote to consult with UT

A vote on a long-debated plan to allow taller buildings and expanded development in the University Neighborhood Overlay district has been postponed until the fall, pushing back the move to add student housing capacity near the University of Texas. The…

Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 3, 2025

Council looks to change the 'unhappy experience' of DB90

City Council is preparing to initiate a broad review and recalibration of the city’s density bonus programs, including DB90, which was introduced last year as a tool to encourage the development of affordable housing through additional entitlements. The resolution, which…

Land Development Code • By Chad Swiatecki • May 27, 2025

A proposed apartment demolition has some questioning Austin affordable housing program

A city program meant to ensure affordable housing is built into new developments is facing criticism for its potential to displace more than 200 residents already living in affordable units in a West Austin complex. Now, they’re asking the city…

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Housing staff suggest ADU pilot program aimed at 80% MFI households

Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 22, 2025