The Downtown Commission is asking City Council to reject new height limits for downtown towers and, instead, replace the city’s Downtown Density Bonus Program with a funding system tied to future property-tax revenue. Their recommendation, which was approved last week, contrasts with the Planning Commission’s call a day earlier to set a 700-foot cap in […]
density bonus
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 inPlanning
Density bonus programs under review to address affordability needs, market conditions
The city is moving forward with reforms to several of its density bonus programs, following the recommendations from an analysis completed earlier this year. A recent presentation to City Council’s Housing and Planning Committee outlined several modifications underway or in the planning stages that will better align with the changing economics of development and construction, […]
Posted inLand Development Code
Planning memo details performance, possible changes for density bonus programs
A new analysis of the city’s density bonus programs finds mixed results in their ability to deliver community benefits such as affordable housing in new real estate projects. A memo released last week by Planning Department Director Lauren Middleton-Pratt details the findings and recommendations of the analysis commissioned by the city and prepared by Clarion […]
Posted inPlanning
City Council puts South Central Waterfront Plan on ice
Following the lead of Mayor Kirk Watson, City Council unanimously approved an indefinite postponement of the South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program at its most recent meeting. “The South Central Waterfront area is very crucial. We all know how crucial it is to our downtown development. And the development regulations in this […]
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 inLand Development Code
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 a more rapid clip than land development changes usually are, was intended to replace VMU2 […]
Posted inLand Development Code
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 result in adoption of one of two ordinances that take opposite positions on the noise […]
Posted inZoning
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 Marcos and Medina streets in the Cesar Chavez neighborhood, went to the Planning Commission in […]
Posted inZoning
Planning Commission checks in on new density bonus program
At their most recent meeting, members of the Planning Commission took the temperature of the city’s newest density bonus program, which is designed to allow developers to build more in exchange for community benefits like affordable housing. The program, dubbed DB90, replaces the short-lived, now-scrapped VMU2 program that had the same purpose. In June 2022, […]
Posted inLand Development Code
Adjusted density bonus program pushes housing, affordability on commercial properties
Following a December court ruling that invalidated three changes to the city’s Land Development Code, City Council has approved an ordinance change that promotes housing density by using many of the components of the now-obsolete Vertical Mixed Use 2 ordinance. The pair of changes were approved, with agenda Item 70 passing unanimously and Item 73 […]