Mayor Kirk Watson has expressed serious concerns about a proposed affordable housing project within the flight path of Austin’s airport and has suggested changes that will prevent such development in the future. In a post on the City Council Message Board, Watson wrote, “Placing an affordable housing project in an area that would have a […]
Airport Overlay
This area near the Austin Bergstrom International airport has special zoning restrictions that include limitations and prohibitions on residential uses. When the airport moved to its current location, the city used federal money to purchase nearby houses. As a condition of using those federal dollars, the city also created an overlay which prohibits certain uses in the overlay.
Posted inPlanning
Planning Commission votes in favor of protecting future ears from airport expansion
Generally speaking, residential use is prohibited within the airport overlay zones. The exception is the third zone (AO3) of the airport overlay, which under certain circumstances permits residential development. “We don’t just meet one of the three thresholds, we meet two,” Drenner Group’s Amanda Swor told the Planning Commission at its Sept. 24 meeting. She […]
Posted inDevelopment, Transportation
Committee takes on dog hotels, airport planning
Last week, the City Council Planning Committee took a look at pet motels and whether they belong in the Airport Overlay. As a body, the committee has opted to avoid specific zoning recommendations, so it took a big-picture look at two proposals for pet hotels that will soon be before the full Council. The Planning […]
Posted inLocal Politics
Council to look at new rule: Brew beer here, drink beer here
If the Austin City Council approves changes to city code today, thirsty Austinites will be able to drink their beer straight from the source. Last week, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve code changes that will allow beer sales and consumption at breweries. Commissioner Stephen Oliver recused himself. Last June, the Texas […]