Tag Archives: density bonus

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

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

Density bonus programs under review to address affordability needs, market conditions

The city is moving forward with reforms to several of its density bonus programs, following the recommendations from an analysis completed earlier this year. A recent presentation to City Council’s Housing and Planning Committee outlined several modifications underway or in…

Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • May 2, 2025

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…

Land Development Code • By Chad Swiatecki • Jan 9, 2025

The Austin Monitor thanks its sponsors. Become one.

City Council puts South Central Waterfront Plan on ice

Following the lead of Mayor Kirk Watson, City Council unanimously approved an indefinite postponement of the South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program at its most recent meeting. “The South Central Waterfront area is very crucial. We all…

Planning • By Elizabeth Pagano • Sep 18, 2024

East Cesar Chavez zoning granted despite neighbors’ objections

Although former City Council Member Raul Alvarez and other east side advocates argued strenuously during last week’s meeting against granting DB90 zoning to the property at 3020 E. Cesar Chavez St., Council members approved the change on all three readings.…

Zoning • By Jo Clifton • Sep 5, 2024

Subscribe to our newsletter

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…

Land Development Code • By Elizabeth Pagano • Sep 3, 2024

Noisy neighbors: Council to consider changes in decibel limits for some new construction

At Thursday’s meeting, City Council will consider adjustments to the recent DB90 zoning classification that could result in a significant reduction in the noise levels allowed in residential areas. A scheduled public hearing on the possible ordinance change could also…

Land Development Code • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 28, 2024

East Austin church rezoning reveals cracks in DB90

Plans to expand an East Austin church are moving forward, but not before they sparked criticism of the city’s new density bonus program, DB90, at the Planning Commission last week. Christ Church of Central Austin, which is located at San…

Zoning • By Elizabeth Pagano • Aug 21, 2024

Planning Commission checks in on new density bonus program

At their most recent meeting, members of the Planning Commission took the temperature of the city’s newest density bonus program, which is designed to allow developers to build more in exchange for community benefits like affordable housing. The program, dubbed…

Zoning • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jun 28, 2024

Adjusted density bonus program pushes housing, affordability on commercial properties

Following a December court ruling that invalidated three changes to the city’s Land Development Code, City Council has approved an ordinance change that promotes housing density by using many of the components of the now-obsolete Vertical Mixed Use 2 ordinance.…

Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Mar 4, 2024

Council set to revisit zoning ordinance after court ruling

In the wake of last year’s court ruling invalidating the city’s Vertical Mixed Use 2 ordinance, a proposed remedy is now primed for a public hearing and consideration at Thursday’s City Council meeting. Council heard a preview of the revised…

Sections

About Us