Newsletter Signup
The Austin Monitor thanks its sponsors. Become one.
-
-
Most Popular Stories
- Council members celebrate unanimous defeat of bill that proposed putting Austin under state control
- A once-banned type of building is back in favor – and the Planning Commission approves
- Austin churches answer prayers for affordable housing – by building it themselves
- SOS suing state agency over failure to provide information on MoPac expansion
- Audit shows former Austin Water employee directed search of boss’ inbox
-
-
Discover News By District
-
Popular Whispers
-
Land Development Code
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
Council votes to get rid of parking requirements
City Council on Thursday directed city staff to eliminate parking requirements from the city’s land use regulations outside the central business district. The city eliminated downtown parking requirements, except for spaces for those with disabilities, in 2013. Thursday’s resolution would…
Land Development Code • By Jo Clifton • May 5, 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
A one-bedroom apartment comes with 1.5 parking spots. Austin could change that.
City Council members will decide Thursday whether to stop requiring developers to build parking. With some exceptions, city rules require most residential and commercial developers to build a minimum amount of parking spots. The number depends on several factors, including…
Land Development Code • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • May 3, 2023
Mandatory parking spots for Austin bars could soon go away
As the owner of two popular honky-tonk bars – the White Horse in East Austin and Sagebrush in South Austin – Denis O’Donnell knows that safe rides are key to a flourishing nightlife. And he would love to see more efforts…
Land Development Code • By Krissi Micklethwait, KUT • Apr 24, 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
Subscribe to our newsletter
City Council to consider reducing parking spots for bars
At today’s meeting, City Council will consider directing staff to amend the city’s land use regulations to reduce the parking requirements for bars and cocktail lounges. According to the resolution, Texas has seen an increase in arrests for driving while…
Land Development Code • By Jo Clifton • Apr 13, 2023
Austin tried and failed to rewrite its land code. Republican lawmakers might do it for them.
In Austin, 5,750 square feet is a magic number. It’s one-tenth of a football field. Half of an Olympic standard swimming pool. And precisely the size of the American dream. “If you’re driving around urban Austin, through Hyde Park, Clarksville,…
Land Development Code • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Mar 22, 2023
Transit-oriented development plan prompts parking discussions
Parking has been at the center of discussions around the equitable transit-oriented development policy plan, a document City Council plans to vote on this week that will guide future housing and land use policies around Project Connect stations. Elected officials…
Land Development Code • By Jonathan Lee • Mar 7, 2023
BoA approves variance for illuminated sign on the Drag
The Board of Adjustment granted the Church of Scientology a variance request for a change to the church’s logo on its sign facing the street. Mike McHone, who represented the Church of Scientology at the BoA meeting that took place…
Land Development Code • By Ava Garderet • Mar 1, 2023
Architects, builders suggest 'low-hanging fruit' land use code changes
The Planning Commission shared the findings Tuesday of a housing policy working group formed last summer to identify potential Land Development Code changes that could make housing more affordable. The working group gathered recommendations from three industry groups: American Institute…
Land Development Code • By Jonathan Lee • Feb 17, 2023
Notley/Monitor Poll: Austinites divided on parking requirements, compatibility and other housing policies
Austinites remain divided on housing issues, including what the city should do to reach its affordable housing goals and whether to change compatibility and parking requirements, according to a January/February poll of 429 voters commissioned by Notley and conducted by…
