Stories by Jonathan Lee
Planning Commission OKs housing in industrial area
The Planning Commission on Tuesday supported a rezoning that could bring apartments to an industrial area at the corner of Burleson Road and Montopolis Drive in Southeast Austin. The case concerns properties at 6300 and 6410 Burleson Road. One of…
Zoning • By Jonathan Lee • May 19, 2023
Planning Commission reverses interpretation of environmental rules, allowing housing project to advance
The Planning Commission on Tuesday overruled an interpretation of environmental rules by city staffers, allowing a multifamily project to move forward at the intersection of Ben White and South Lamar boulevards. At issue was a disagreement over how a combination…
Development • By Jonathan Lee • May 15, 2023
Planning Commission rethinks ‘stealth dorm’ occupancy limits
In 2014, City Council passed the so-called “stealth dorm” ordinance, which lowered occupancy limits to prevent large groups of students from living together in single-family homes. On Tuesday, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to reconsider occupancy limits in hopes of…
Housing • By Jonathan Lee • May 11, 2023
Council aims to make subdividing property easier
In a move aimed at increasing housing supply, City Council on Thursday passed a resolution to make it easier and cheaper to subdivide properties. Council Member Ryan Alter, the sponsor of the resolution, said that splitting land into multiple lots…
Land Development Code • By Jonathan Lee • May 8, 2023
City staffers provide ADU, "site plan lite" updates
City staffers updated the Planning Commission last week on efforts to make accessory dwelling units easier to build and to create a “site plan lite” to streamline permitting for small multifamily developments. City Council initiated the efforts through multiple resolutions…
Land Development Code • By Jonathan Lee • May 5, 2023
Proposed 48-story tower to replace Irene's, Taquero Mucho
A new 48-story residential tower may soon rise at 506 and 508 West Ave. in downtown, replacing restaurants Irene’s and Taquero Mucho. The Planning Commission last Tuesday voted unanimously to support a rezoning that would enable the developers to build…
Zoning • By Jonathan Lee • May 1, 2023
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Planning Commission recommends historic zoning for Broken Spoke
The iconic Broken Spoke dance hall is headed for official historic status, ensuring the venue is preserved as the South Lamar corridor continues to develop. The Planning Commission on Tuesday voted 8-0 to recommend approval of historic zoning for the…
Preservation • By Jonathan Lee • Apr 28, 2023
Why aren’t there more tree-lined streets? Development professionals blame complicated city rules
Following the historic February ice storm that damaged over 10 million trees in Austin and knocked power out for 265,000 Austin Energy customers, city leaders are pushing to bury more power lines – a move aimed not only at protecting…
Planning • By Jonathan Lee • Apr 27, 2023
Planning Commission OKs height boost for Rainey tower amid resident pushback
The Planning Commission on April 11 recommended approval of a density bonus that would allow a new tower to rise in the Rainey Street neighborhood. The proposed 215-unit condominium tower at 62 East Ave. will rise 57 floors and 684…
Planning • By Jonathan Lee • Apr 21, 2023
Planning Commission proposes changes to compatibility
The Planning Commission Tuesday launched a proposal that would let single-family homeowners decide to allow taller buildings near them. The change to city code would let individual owners waive compatibility, a rule that limits the height of buildings near single-family homes…
Land Development Code • By Jonathan Lee • Apr 17, 2023
Planning Commission moves to create new zoning category to allow more housing
The Planning Commission took a step on Tuesday to create a new zoning category that commissioners say would allow more housing to be built across the city. “We’re not building enough housing, and whatever we can do to change that…
Zoning • By Jonathan Lee • Apr 14, 2023
ZAP supports another rezoning in fast-changing Matthews Lane Neighborhood
The Zoning and Platting Commission on Tuesday recommended rezoning a property in South Austin to allow more single-family homes despite opposition from neighbors who say they have been inundated with new development without the infrastructure to support it. The site…
