Negotiations between neighbors and developers over the proposed Austin Oaks Planned Unit Development are going swimmingly, according to what representatives involved in the process told the Zoning and Platting Commission on Tuesday. After agreeing in September to engage with neighbors through a charrette, an intensive planning process in which area stakeholders seek to find consensus […]
Zoning
Posted inZoning
Mt. Zion rezoning finally moves on to Council
It may have taken the most circuitous route imaginable to get there, but the the Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church rezoning case is moving on to City Council after bouncing around the Planning Commission since June. This time, the church had the support of the neighborhood in seeking a zoning change from General Office (GO) […]
Posted inZoning
How much can a city zone?
You don’t need a badge and a gun to have police powers. Just ask the members of the Zoning and Platting Commission, who on Tuesday listened as Assistant City Attorney David Sorola gave a presentation outlining the extent of the volunteers’ authority. “The courts have said that zoning is a valid use of the police […]
Posted inZoning
Strip club shot down by Planning Commission
Plans to build a strip club at Ben White and I-35 hit a bump at the Planning Commission, where a “morals clause” in a private restrictive covenant gave some commissioners pause. Commissioners denied the zoning change in a vote of 9-1-1, with Commissioner Jose Vela voting in opposition and Commissioner James Schissler abstaining. For 31 […]
Posted inZoning
ZAP recommends County Line rezoning
Last week, the city’s Zoning and Platting Commission unanimously approved a compromise that will allow County Line on the Lake to operate its patio legally, though it will prohibit outdoor amplified sound. Commissioners voted to recommend requesting a zoning change for County Line Barbeque at 5204 FM 2222. The change, which would impact a 1,812-square-f00t […]
Posted inDevelopment, Zoning
Legal questions abound at Zoning Commission meeting
While some city commissioners have been complaining about a lack of support from the city law department during commission meetings, a recent session of the Zoning and Platting Commission showed that the volunteer officials can have a hard time figuring out what they’re allowed to do even when there is a city attorney providing advice. The body […]
Posted inDevelopment, Planning, Zoning
ZAP also suffers from lack of legal input, says commissioner
Planning Commissioners aren’t the only people at City Hall grumbling about the city law department. Jackie Goodman, a former mayoral candidate and former longtime Austin City Council member who is now vice chair of the Zoning and Platting Commission, said she is also frustrated by her panel’s lack of access to city attorneys, who she […]
Posted inDevelopment, Zoning
Commission postpones South Austin rezoning case
A handful of lots at the corner of I-35 and Chaparral Road may become a set of multifamily developments with retail and office space in the near future. But not just yet. After much deliberation, the Zoning and Platting Commission voted 8-1 on July 7 to postpone making recommendations to City Council on two requests […]
Posted inDevelopment, Planning, Zoning
Neighborhood concerns too late to block Montopolis development at Planning Commission
Despite vociferous objections from a neighborhood association leader, the city of Austin’s Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve a preliminary plan to construct a 12-home subdivision at 737 Montopolis Road. City staff had recommended approval of the plan – which was brought forward by developer Joe Stafford, owner of Stafford Development LLC – […]
Posted inZoning
Commissioners OK commercial zoning in East Austin
Acknowledging neighborhood support and ties to the community, Planning Commissioners last week recommended a compromised rezoning designation for an East Austin home. The switch will allow commercial use of the property. The commissioners agreed only after expressing concern that allowing one resident the zoning to have office space on the street would embolden developers and those […]
Posted inDevelopment, Zoning
Korean church rezoning fails without a motion
By declining to take action, City Council quickly scuttled a developer’s plans Thursday to build 70,000 square feet of office space and approximately 10 apartments in the Crestview neighborhood. Developer David Kahn purchased the site at Justin Lane and Cullen Avenue that was currently occupied by the Korean United Presbyterian Church for redevelopment. But with […]
Posted inDevelopment, Zoning
Council to delay Red Bluff Hotel variance hearing
Although City Council members are scheduled to hear an appeal today on a variance granted by the Planning Commission to allow construction of a new hotel on Red Bluff Road in East Austin, staff will likely seek a postponement to do some research. The variance allows construction within the primary setback described in the Waterfront […]