With the help of a variance from the city’s Board of Adjustment, a new development on a puzzle of a downtown parcel will be moving forward, connecting a neighborhood to the lake in the process. Nikelle Meade, representing Pressler RRI, acknowledged that increasing the height of the project from 60 to 75 feet via a […]
Waterfront Overlay
Development regulations for the Waterfront Overlay District were established in 1989, and extends from Lady Bird Lake into its near tributaries. The purpose of the overlay is to promote a “harmonious” transition between downtown development and the parkland that surrounds the water.
Posted inPlanning
Environmental Commission recommends increased impervious cover in waterfront overlay
Historically, it is rare for the Environmental Commission to recommend a variance to increase impervious cover in a waterfront overlay. Lately, however, the redevelopment of old, heavily covered lots has the commissioners opting for the lesser of two evils and making compromises for improved water quality in exchange for higher levels of impervious cover than […]
Posted inLand Development Code
Board of Adjustment debates request to sacrifice heritage tree or waterfront overlay
The Board of Adjustment exists to help residents achieve variances from the Land Development Code’s building regulations, but only if an applicant is willing to provide information and evidence of a valid hardship. Dan Coops, the owner of 71 Julius St., has appeared before the board several times in an effort to gain a variance […]
Posted inCity Hall
Environmental Board gives green light to project
Last week the Environmental Board recommended a waiver for a new building on Shoal Creek downtown. The waiver will allow encroachment into the 70-degree angle of the city’s waterfront overlay. Though the Environmental Board is required to hear about the waiver, it isn’t technically required to weigh in. It is ultimately up to the Planning […]
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 […]
Posted inDevelopment, Planning
Red Bluff Hotel project will get a second chance
At their most recent meeting, Planning Commissioners took the unusual step of rescinding their previous vote on the planned Red Bluff Hotel. The vote to rescind was unanimous, though commissioners made it clear that they may not support the variance upon reconsideration. Red Bluff Partners LLC was asking for three variances in order to construct […]