Evolve gives CodeNEXT draft mixed review

Evolve Austin has mixed feelings about the third draft of CodeNEXT. The group, which is backed by a coalition of environmental groups, nonprofits focused on affordable housing, and real estate interests, is pushing for a code that facilitates New Urbanist principles of dense and transit-oriented development. In a statement released Wednesday, the group noted some improvements in the third draft, including an increase in properties allowed to add accessory dwelling units, a reduction in minimum lot size, reduced regulations for small residential developments and a reduction in parking requirements. However, the proposed code still does not allow enough housing, the group said. Evolve would like to see more areas of the city that allow “missing middle” housing, such as townhouses and small multifamily complexes. It also calls for fewer rules around transit corridors that would inhibit density, such as height limits, and “more robust incentives” to entice developers to participate in the city’s SMART Housing program.