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Land Development Code

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…

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…

City plans navigator expansion, financing tools for HOME initiative

City housing leaders have found that efforts to expand and improve access to Austin’s HOME initiative are progressing on multiple fronts, with program refinements, interdepartmental coordination and new support strategies underway. A recent memo from the Housing Department outlines these…

City Council approves phase two of 'site plan lite'

City Council has passed phase two of “site plan lite” – an ordinance amending development regulations for residential re-subdivisions and multifamily residential site developments of five to 16 units. The final version of the ordinance was passed with five amendments…

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Commercial EV station moves forward despite opposition

After the Planning Commission denied the request for a commercial electric-vehicle charging lot in East Austin last April, the project is moving forward based on an ordinance passed by City Council. Last April, the Planning Commission voted 7-3-3 to deny…

A streamlined approach to infill housing is set for Council action

City Council members received a preview Tuesday of a proposed infill ordinance, or “site plan lite,” aimed at streamlining the approval process for small-scale residential projects. The proposed ordinance on Thursday’s agenda would apply to developments of five to 16…

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Planning memo details performance, possible changes for density bonus programs

A new analysis of the city’s density bonus programs finds mixed results in their ability to deliver community benefits such as affordable housing in new real estate projects. A memo released last week by Planning Department Director Lauren Middleton-Pratt details…

Austin Watershed Protection Department proposes code updates to further protect the Colorado River

The Austin Watershed Protection Department held a public meeting on Monday, Oct. 28, at the Montopolis Recreation and Community Center to discuss proposed code updates regarding the Colorado River. In 2022, City Council passed a resolution directing the city manager…

Board of Adjustment approves variances in the interest of health and safety

The Board of Adjustment heard a presentation on Tuesday from David Webber, of the Webber + Studio architectural design firm, who requested two variances for increased impervious coverage and floor area ratio at a property in Old West Austin. The…

Realtors join Broadnax in push to revamp city processes in favor of density

Real estate leaders and the city’s top executive see potential in the city’s recent slates of code changes for land use and building, but agreed that implementing those changes effectively will be what determines their success in addressing Austin’s rising…

City Council resolution requiring bollard installations at medical facilities could prevent future tragedies

Following a tragic accident at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center on Feb. 13, City Council responded in July by unanimously approving a resolution to enhance safety measures at medical facilities by requiring installation of bollards at entrances. This week,…

Council pushes forward with density bonus changes

Though it has been in place only since February, the city’s newest density bonus program – DB90 – was updated by City Council during its Thursday meeting. DB90, which is a new zoning category ushered through the codification process at…

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