The Planning Commission voted Tuesday to recommend an update to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s Master Development Plan Ordinance. The airport’s Master Development Plan Ordinance must be updated every 10 years. It allows the city to look at the site comprehensively, and for a streamlined construction process on future projects. This version will replace the last […]
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 inPlanning
Upgrades coming to a trail near East Riverside neighborhood
One of the last segments to make a continuous trail from Lady Bird Lake to Mabel Davis Park is another step closer to becoming a reality. The Planning Commission last week approved an environmental variance for construction work expected to start in 2024, a portion of which involves a trail underpass at East Riverside Drive […]
Posted inDevelopment
Tenant protections could get stronger after Planning Commission takes up ordinance
An ordinance that established protections for tenants years ago could get an update that’s expected to extend those safeguards, as well as enhance housing affordability. In 2016, City Council adopted the Tenant Notification and Relocation Ordinance, intended to mitigate the effects of tenant displacement resulting from multifamily redevelopment. In particular, it sought to support low-income […]
Posted inPlanning
Planning Commission approves amendment to allow more music venues, creative spaces
The Planning Commission has approved an amendment to the city’s building code that could clear the way for more music venues and creative spaces throughout the city. At its July 25 meeting, the commission unanimously approved the amendment, which was initiated by a pair of City Council votes last year that sought to add specific […]
Posted inDevelopment
Bouldin Creek residents discourage development plans for hotels peering over their homes
Hotels could be coming to the Bouldin Creek neighborhood after the Planning Commission approved an extension for a site plan at Mattie’s at Green Pastures restaurant. The proposed development would bring two hotels with about 100 rooms and renovations to the historically significant home previously owned by Henry and Martha “Mattie” Faulk, whose daughter Mary […]
Posted inLand Development Code
Staff releases expedited timeline for housing code amendments
An updated timeline for implementation of a bundle of city code amendments aimed at increasing housing supply is in the hands of City Council. In a memo dated July 13, Planning Department Director Lauren Middleton-Pratt revealed the updated Schedule of Active Code Amendments chart, which addresses concerns from community groups, the Planning Commission and Council […]
Posted inZoning
Planning Commission says no to more mini storage units near future light rail station
The Planning Commission on Tuesday denied a request to expand a mini storage facility near a future light rail station, holding out for the possibility of mixed-use, transit-oriented development over what they deemed a suburban, car-oriented use. The owner of Life Storage at 8227 N. Lamar Blvd. requests a rezoning to Commercial Services – Mixed-Use […]
Posted inPreservation
Council to vote on allowing taller buildings along Sixth Street
City Council is set to vote next week on allowing taller buildings along part of Sixth Street, in hopes of bringing more daytime uses to Austin’s most famous stretch of bars and clubs. The plan is to allow buildings up to 140 feet high on properties along “Dirty Sixth”’ between Sabine and Neches streets, as […]
Posted inLand Development Code
Planning Commission urges quicker processing of Land Development Code amendments
With dozens of amendments to the city’s outdated Land Development Code currently in the works – many aimed at increasing supply and lowering costs for housing – City Council members and city staffers in recent weeks have discussed how to prioritize the changes, given limited staff resources. The Planning Commission on June 13 weighed in, […]
Posted inZoning
Brentwood multifamily project secures Planning Commission support for rezoning
The Planning Commission on June 13 voted unanimously to rezone a collection of properties in Brentwood to allow mixed-use housing. Developer Narrow Road Group plans to build approximately 350 housing units on the 2.44-acre site bounded by Clay Avenue, Houston Street and William Holland Avenue. The developer requests General Commercial Services and Vertical Mixed-Use (CS-MU-V-CO-NP) […]
Posted inZoning
Commissioners OK one more mixed-use site on tiny South Austin street
Members of the Planning Commission on June 13 voted unanimously to recommend changing the zoning on two small properties at 1705 and 1707 Evergreen Avenue, just off South Lamar Boulevard, to accommodate business uses and workforce housing. If approved by City Council, the two lots, which currently have single-family residences, would be rezoned from Family […]
Posted inZoning
Changes proposed for huge tower project on West Avenue
City Council last week postponed hearing a controversial zoning case for a property on the shores of Shoal Creek, at the request of neighbors. Developer Manifold Real Estate is requesting a zoning change for 506 and 508 West Avenue, from Downtown Mixed Use (DMU) to Central Business District (CBD). The change would allow construction of […]