Stories by Tyler Whitson
Future LDC amendments may get Opticos review
Though City Council will likely select a CodeNEXT approach Thursday, it will also consider a resolution designed to ensure that any interim Land Development Code changes are consistent with the goals of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan. That resolution, which…
City Council • By Tyler Whitson • Nov 19, 2014
Austin Energy works to increase ECAD compliance
The city’s Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure ordinance went fully into effect this year, and Austin Energy staff say they are happy with the program’s progress and optimistic about its future. City Council adopted the ordinance in 2008 to keep…
Austin • By Tyler Whitson • Nov 17, 2014
Water/Wastewater recommends rate changes, again
The Water and Wastewater Commission has recommended that Council amend Austin Water Utility’s residential rates for 2015 in a way that staff says will cut an average user’s rates while raising them for more intensive users. Austin Water Assistant Director…
Austin • By Tyler Whitson • Nov 14, 2014
Long road ahead for TNC ordinance
Since City Council approved an ordinance in mid-October that would legalize transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft, city staff has been hard at work. Not only are they drafting contracts that authorize these companies to operate under the ordinance,…
Austin • By Tyler Whitson • Nov 12, 2014
Council passes sound permitting ordinance
City Council approved an ordinance Thursday that subjects large-scale outdoor music events on city parkland, such as the Austin City Limits festival, to more comprehensive sound permitting requirements. The ordinance amends city code to require that applicants seeking outdoor amplified…
City Council • By Tyler Whitson • Nov 10, 2014
City Council advances source of income ordinance
City Council members took another step toward prohibiting housing discrimination based on source of income Thursday, passing an ordinance on second reading that amends the city code. The ordinance includes language that offers an exemption to property owners who do…
Courts • By Tyler Whitson • Nov 7, 2014
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Parks Board says 'no thanks' to Rainey house
The Parks and Recreation Board voted Tuesday to recommend that City Council “politely decline” the donation of a small historic house for use as the Rainey Street History Center. The vote came after the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican-American Cultural Center…
Development • By Tyler Whitson • Oct 30, 2014
Council delays vote to choose CodeNEXT process
After listening to opinions from staff, consultants and members of the public about how to move forward with the CodeNEXT process, City Council voted at a public hearing Thursday to keep all options on the table until it reopens the hearing and…
Development • By Tyler Whitson • Oct 27, 2014
Code violators may get administrative hearings
The Code Department may soon have a new tool to enforce city code, if an ordinance passes at today’s City Council meeting that would create an administrative hearing process for certain violations. Code Department Director Carl Smart told Council members…
Resources • By Tyler Whitson • Oct 23, 2014
Concerned over ACL noise, Morrison proposes fix
City Council members discussed a resolution Tuesday that could lead to changes in the outdoor amplified sound permitting process for large-scale music events on city parkland. The move follows complaints from residents about the sound coming from this year’s Austin…
Local Politics • By Tyler Whitson • Oct 22, 2014
Council approves amended TNC ordinance
Following an extensive discussion and several amendments, City Council approved an ordinance Thursday that will temporarily legalize transportation network companies such as Lyft and Uber in Austin on final reading. The ordinance directs the City Manager to enter into an…
Public Safety • By Tyler Whitson • Oct 17, 2014
Mayor candidates' spar on achieving affordability
Affordability topped the list of issues that Austin mayoral candidates Sheryl Cole, Mike Martinez, Steve Adler, Todd Phelps, Randall Stephens and David Orshalick discussed at Wednesday’s Ballot Boxing Mayoral Forum. Moderators Nathan Bernier of KUT, Shannon Wolfson of KXAN and…
