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Development
As rents across the country go up, Austin prices continue to fall
During the pandemic, Austin came to exemplify the story of housing across the country: Prices went through the roof. In 2021, the average monthly rent in the region rose 25 percent. Similar increases happened in cities in California and Arizona.…
Housing • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Sep 11, 2024
Historic Landmark Commission votes to preserve east side building over developer's wishes
After a lively series of debates, Historic Landmark Commission members are making moves to halt the bulldozing of a century-old building at East 12th and Comal streets. 1500 E. 12th St. caused a stir this past July when owner Eureka…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Sep 9, 2024
City provides updates on financial, anti-displacement efforts related to HOME initiatives
The city has started to make a series of moves intended to make it easier for middle- and low-income residents to build accessory dwelling units and generate new income from properties that are now able to host more housing. Last…
Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Sep 9, 2024
East Cesar Chavez zoning granted despite neighbors’ objections
Although former City Council Member Raul Alvarez and other east side advocates argued strenuously during last week’s meeting against granting DB90 zoning to the property at 3020 E. Cesar Chavez St., Council members approved the change on all three readings.…
Zoning • By Jo Clifton • Sep 5, 2024
Appeal reveals 'urgent need' to review historic standards
A final attempt to stop the construction of a large second home in the Robertson/Stuart & Mair Historic District failed at City Council last week, despite concerns that its approval could set a worrying precedent for local historic districts citywide.…
Preservation • By Elizabeth Pagano • Sep 4, 2024
Council declines site plan appeal despite claims of ordinance violations
City Council last week declined to even discuss an appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision to approve a site plan, despite area homeowners’ arguments that the plan violates not only the Save Our Springs Ordinance but also the Hill Country…
Housing • By Jo Clifton • Sep 4, 2024
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Council pushes forward with density bonus changes
Though it has been in place only since February, the city’s newest density bonus program – DB90 – was updated by City Council during its Thursday meeting. DB90, which is a new zoning category ushered through the codification process at…
Land Development Code • By Elizabeth Pagano • Sep 3, 2024
Noisy neighbors: Council to consider changes in decibel limits for some new construction
At Thursday’s meeting, City Council will consider adjustments to the recent DB90 zoning classification that could result in a significant reduction in the noise levels allowed in residential areas. A scheduled public hearing on the possible ordinance change could also…
Land Development Code • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 28, 2024
Left waiting: Rally Austin pushes for city action on four sites ID'd for redevelopment
Representatives of the economic entity created by City Council to speed up development of city real estate assets in support of affordable housing said they’re being stymied by inaction that’s holding back work on at least four high-profile sites. In…
Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 26, 2024
Downtown Commission gets preview of next chapter for John Henry Faulk Building and Austin History Center
With the Austin History Center “busting at the seams” with, well, history, city library officials have been preparing the John Henry Faulk Building next door to house the History Center’s vast collection of archives. Both the History Center and the…
Planning • By Amy Smith • Aug 23, 2024
Planning Commission endorses multifamily project in Montopolis
Despite some consternation about the impact to the neighborhood in terms of scale and potential for displacement, Planning Commission members have voted in support of a new multifamily development on Montopolis Drive between Caddie and Fairway streets. The project is…
Zoning • By Elizabeth Pagano • Aug 22, 2024
East Austin church rezoning reveals cracks in DB90
Plans to expand an East Austin church are moving forward, but not before they sparked criticism of the city’s new density bonus program, DB90, at the Planning Commission last week. Christ Church of Central Austin, which is located at San…
