The Planning Commission has approved yet another rezoning request involving the city’s controversial Density Bonus 90, or DB90, zoning during their July 22 meeting. Commissioners heard from both neighbors in support of a redevelopment that would offer relatively dense housing in a fast-growing neighborhood and neighbors who fear another tall building. This time around the […]
DB90
Posted inLand Development Code
Focused on real affordability, City Council moves to improve density bonus programs
City Council voted Thursday to initiate a review and potential overhaul of the city’s density bonus programs, signaling a shift toward more flexible and customized incentives to promote affordable housing and community benefits across different parts of the city. The resolution was supported by all of City Council but Council Member Krista Laine, who abstained. […]
Posted inLand Development Code
Council looks to change the ‘unhappy experience’ of DB90
City Council is preparing to initiate a broad review and recalibration of the city’s density bonus programs, including DB90, which was introduced last year as a tool to encourage the development of affordable housing through additional entitlements. The resolution, which is scheduled to be taken up at the June 5 Council meeting, is sponsored by […]
Posted inHousing
A proposed apartment demolition has some questioning Austin affordable housing program
A city program meant to ensure affordable housing is built into new developments is facing criticism for its potential to displace more than 200 residents already living in affordable units in a West Austin complex. Now, they’re asking the city council to reconsider the proposal from the property owner. Density Build 90, also known as […]
Posted inZoning
Planning Commission OKs Manor Road rezoning following delays, neighborhood ire
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the removal of a lot at 2967 Manor Road from the Martin Luther King Jr. Transit-Oriented Development, or TOD, district during a meeting on March 11. Austin Growth Ventures, the real estate developer that requested the removal, acquired the lot in 2022. Currently the site is occupied by […]
Posted inZoning
DB90 designation signals redevelopment on Hart Lane
A proposal to rezone several tracts of land on Hart Lane to allow for more intensive redevelopment under the DB90, or Density Bonus 90, zoning district was recommended by the Zoning and Platting Commission by an 8-1 vote during a public meeting on Feb. 18. The locations at 7201, 7201 and 1/2, 7205, 7121 Hart […]
Posted inZoning
Planning Commission bucks opposition to recommend DB90 for Red River plots
The Planning Commission voted 9-0-1, with Commissioner Grayson Cox abstaining, to recommend a proposal from a landowner to rezone three addresses on Red River Street in the Hancock neighborhood that was widely panned by neighbors at a public meeting on Feb. 11. The recommended rezoning would change the three properties at 4305, 4307 and 4309 […]
Posted inZoning
Neighbors turn out for Manor Road proposal
A proposal to amend a city plan surrounding Capital Metro’s Martin Luther King Jr. Station was met with anger from neighbors during a Planning Commission meeting on Jan. 28 and a successful request from developers for commissioners to postpone any decision on the case. The amendment would remove a plot of land at 2967 Manor […]
Posted inZoning
Major upzoning in Zilker neighborhood draws opposition
On Sept. 12, City Council approved a zoning change for a 0.42-acre property in the Zilker neighborhood that will allow the developer to build to 90 feet, falling under the Density Bonus 90 category. The property at 2130 Goodrich Ave., currently the site of a one-story office building, is about 100 feet from South Lamar […]
Posted inZoning
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. The old zoning allowed for a relatively modest mixed-use building. Developers are now expected to […]
Posted inZoning
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 expected to bring around 189 units to the 2 acres that currently stand empty. Victoria […]
Posted inZoning
Following court ruling, Oak Springs project scrambles to get back on track
Planning Commission members unanimously recommended an Oak Springs Road zoning change that was temporarily thwarted by a court ruling – despite concerns at their most recent meeting about an abbreviated timeline from a neighborhood representative. In May 2023, developers submitted a site plan that was approved through the now-obsolete Vertical Mixed Use 2 ordinance process, […]