Tomlinson’s Feed and Pet store near Airport Boulevard won support from the Planning Commission for construction of a new office space last week after finding a work-around to a slow-moving regulating plan. Ron Thrower of Thrower Design said that his client was seeking a change from single-family to Community Commercial (GR) zoning in order […]
City of Austin Planning Commission
This commission addresses issues of land use as assigned to it by Austin’s City Code. These include the abilities “[t]o make and amend a master plan, recommend approval or disapproval of proposed zoning changes and control land subdivision within neighborhood planning areas and submit, annually, a list of recommended capital improvements.” It has sovereign authority, or the right to make final decisions on certain cases.
Posted inDevelopment
Planning Commission backs zoning change for Hancock area hotel
Plans for a boutique hotel at the 1928 Commodore Perry Estate sailed through the Planning Commission Tuesday night, despite opposition from the Hancock Neighborhood Association. Commissioners unanimously approved the zoning request in an 8-0, vote, with Commissioner Dannette Chimenti absent. “It’s obviously a very contentious case. It’s a difficult site for a lot […]
Posted inDevelopment
Planning Commission OKs daycare with restrictions, reservations
The Planning Commission threw its unanimous support behind a proposed Central Austin daycare last week despite some reservations about the viability of the business plan. The commission voted in favor of a change at 4505 IH-35 from SF-3 to Limited Office zoning, adding a conditional overlay that requires an 8-foot fence and limited vehicle […]
Posted inEnvironment
Downtown tree canopy only 14 percent according to city survey
The long-awaited results of a downtown tree survey prompted by the city’s Heritage Tree Ordinance are in. Last week, Environmental Board members got their first view of the completed survey, which will be used to help the city’s boards and commissions get a more complete picture of the urban canopy to aid them in […]
Posted inDevelopment, Local Politics
City Council to take up battle over Urban Farms Ordinance
A fight over revisions to the city’s Urban Farm Ordinance has made its way to City Council, but with a postponement looming, that fight may not be over quite yet. Opponents to ordinance changes are calling for a postponement, which they are likely to get, unless City Council breaks from the long-standing understanding that […]
Posted inDevelopment, Uncategorized
Planning Commission delays vote on Cascades MUD to November
The Planning Commission isn’t weighing in just yet on a proposed municipal utility district in the Onion Creek area, despite pressure from some city departments to move the project along. The Cascades MUD is much closer to Austin’s city limits than is typical, and includes about 223 acres along the south side of Onion […]
Posted inDevelopment
Controversial vested rights ordinance wins commission approval
After a slight delay, the city’s new Vested Rights Ordinance, formerly known as the Project Duration Ordinance, is headed to City Council with the unanimous blessing from the Planning Commission. However, it remains controversial. Council members have already discussed the ordinance in executive session, and are expected to vote on it at their Oct. […]
Posted inDevelopment, Local Politics
Council members approve changes to Short-Term Rental Ordinance
City Council approved tweaked regulations to the Short-Term Rental Ordinance that they hope will help smooth out the process, with debate over the issue Thursday turning out to be less contentious that many had expected. They voted 6-1 to approve the changes to the ordinance, with Council Member Kathie Tovo in opposition. The […]