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 Council discussed at its work session Tuesday, would direct the city manager to work with […]
Tyler Whitson
Posted inAustin, Energy, Environment, Resources
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 property owners and potential buyers aware of how their buildings stack up with similar ones […]
Posted inAustin, City Hall, Resources, Water
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 David Anders said the amendment would lower the impact of the 2015 rate increases for […]
Posted inWhispers
AE says energy audit compliance up
Staff told the Council Committee on Austin Energy Thursday that they are seeing an overall increase in compliance with the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure Ordinance. The ordinance, which Council passed in 2008 and the city put into effect in 20112009, requires that the owners of certain single-family, multifamily, commercial and municipal buildings participate in […]
Posted inAustin, City Council, Transportation
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, they are putting together a report for Council with suggestions for a pilot program to […]
Posted inCity Council, Public Safety, The Code
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 sound permits for music events on city parkland with a likely daily attendance of 7,500 […]
Posted inCourts, Housing, Local Politics, Uncategorized
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 not directly or indirectly own more than four dwelling units and do not use a […]
Posted inWhispers
Council makes board appointments
City Council approved a few nominations to boards and commissions at Thursday’s meeting. Council Member Chris Riley nominated Craig Wright to the Building and Standards Commission, and Mayor Lee Leffingwell nominated Dr. Tyra Duncan-Hall, Edwina Carrington and Isaac Robinsons to the Housing Authority.
Posted inDevelopment, Parks, Preservation, Resources
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 Advisory Board members expressed concerns about staff’s identification of 64 Rainey St. as a potential […]
Posted inWhispers
Plan: Dogs out at ‘Barking Springs’
The Parks and Recreation Board voted unanimously at Tuesday’s meeting to recommend that City Council approve PARD staff’s proposed code amendments to allow people – but not dogs – to swim in the Barton Springs Spillway. That’s the area of Barton Creek between Barton Springs and Lady Bird Lake. The amendments also advise taking other […]
Posted inDevelopment, Planning
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 considers a decision at its Nov. 6 meeting. In order for staff to continue with […]
Posted inResources, Uncategorized
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 at Tuesday’s work session that he hopes the new procedure will help to streamline the […]