The Planning Commission is looking into adding a new member to the dais to advise its members about how zoning changes might affect Austin schools. At a meeting Tuesday, Commissioner James Nortey said Austin Independent School District President Gina Hinojosa can serve as an ex officio member of the commission. He said the commission had […]
Kara Nuzback
Posted inEnvironment, Hays County, Local Government, Resources, Travis County, Water
Aquifer board backs annexation of unregulated area
At its Thursday meeting, the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District board of directors voted unanimously to support proposed legislation that would expand the district’s territory and give the board authority over part of an unregulated area where water supply company Electro Purification has set up shop. Electro Purification acquired three contracts for water supply in […]
Posted inDevelopment, Housing, Zoning
Developer seeks creative class on Cameron Road
A developer is one step closer to building a median-priced apartment complex aimed at young artists on Cameron Road in Northeast Austin. At the Zoning and Platting Commission meeting Tuesday, commissioners unanimously approved a zoning change for the property at 9201 Cameron Road from limited industrial (LI) to commercial services, mixed-use (CS-MU). Nickelle Meade of […]
Posted inDevelopment, Housing, Zoning
Planners deny East Riverside change
At its most recent meeting, the Planning Commission voted 5-3 to deny zoning changes to several undeveloped lots from 5600 to 7522 Penick Drive, off East Riverside Drive. Ron Thrower of Thrower Design spoke for landowner Bill Greif and asked the commission to rezone the area from Single Family (SF-1) to Neighborhood Mixed-Use (NMU), which […]
Posted inDevelopment, Environment, Planning, Preservation
Planning Commission OKs Red Bluff Hotel variance
The Planning Commission approved a variance Tuesday that allows the developer of a proposed hotel on Red Bluff Road to build within the primary setbacks of the property, much to the dismay of neighboring residents. Commissioners had previously approved two of the three variances requested by the property owner, Red Bluff Partners LLC, at a […]
Posted inAustin, City Hall, Development, Environment, Water, Zoning
ZAP shoots down variances for Far West parcel
The Zoning and Platting Commission took a hard stance against several requested environmental variances that would allow an Austin resident to build a 3,500-square-foot home on a steep slope at 4316 Far West Blvd. Property owner Ali Tabrizi sought to build a single-family home on the parcel located within the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone and […]
Posted inAustin, City Council, Development, Planning, Preservation, Zoning
Council limits Spicewood Springs project footprint
City Council voted Thursday to approve a zoning change that would allow a new professional office building on Spicewood Springs Road. Council limited the size of the structure to 12,000 square feet, despite protests from the applicants. The vote was 10-0, as Mayor Steve Adler recused himself, saying his law firm had dealings with one […]
Posted inAustin, City Council, City Hall
Council members challenge mayor on privately-funded staff positions
Austin’s new mayor is proposing to hire additional staffers to at no cost to taxpayers. But the idea doesn’t sit well with some council members, who voiced concern over paying for city employees using private funds, as well as the implication that more staffers for the major would shift the balance of power in his […]
Posted inAustin, Development, Land Development Code, Planning, Zoning
Subcommittee seeks help for ADU changes
The Planning Commission Codes and Ordinances Subcommittee met Thursday to discuss amendments to a city ordinance regarding accessory dwelling units — apartments located on the same property as a house. But city staffer Ming-ru Chu could barely read through the proposed changes before members of the public and committee members were up in arms over […]
Posted inDevelopment, Environment
ZAP discusses Lake Austin accessibility
An uncontested request to allow a new residential boat dock on Lake Austin prompted the Zoning and Platting Commission to discuss the difficulty property owners face when making lake access ways more accessible. City staffer Liz Johnston said at the commission meeting Tuesday that the city enforces the same standard for all applicants seeking to […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local Government, Public Safety, Resources
BSEACD debates annexing unregulated wells
Water supply company Electro Purification is planning to pump 5 million gallons of water per day from an unregulated area just outside the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, causing neighbors to question whether EP could deplete water in the area. At a meeting Thursday, nearby residents asked the district’s board of directors to annex the […]
Posted inWhispers
BSEACD to vote on SH 45SW agreement
Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District’s board of directors discussed an agreement concerning environmental standards related to the construction of State Highway 45 Southwest at its Thursday meeting. BSEACD and the Texas Department of Transportation have been operating under the provisions of a 15-year-old consent decree. The new agreement, proposed by TxDOT, is intended to strengthen […]