City considers fees-in-lieu of housing units for DB90 developments

The Planning Commission voted by consent agenda to “initiate Code amendments to City Code § 25-2-652 – Density Bonus 90 (DB90) Combining District Regulations to add an option for a fee-in-lieu for non-residential space above zoning base district height or zoning base district FAR to be directed to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.” FAR stands for “floor area ratio,” or the ratio of a building’s total floor area to the area of its zoning lot. No further details were provided on the agenda or in the backup for the meeting. The DB90 district type, introduced in 2024, has been at the center of several controversial upzonings, as previously reported on by the Austin Monitor.