The city last rewrote its rules directing growth in 1984.
Times have changed.
Our rules should change, too.
Get the facts.
No one who lives in Austin wants more displacement. Part of what makes Austin an amazing city is the characters in our neighborhoods, from people to peacocks.
That's why the effects of the new transition areas only come into play when the property owner chooses. Transition areas will allow us to add housing inventory over time, in sizes and shapes that work best with the existing neighborhood.
Austin isn't immune to climate change, and we can't afford to cling to an old code that costs lives, heartache, and billions of dollars in losses and write-offs.
The new code will allow Austin to better direct its growth in a changing world by reducing sprawl, shrinking our climate footprint, cleaning up our water and air, and reducing the risk of flooding to our homes, businesses, and communities.
You know that adorable bungalow court you drive by on your way to work - the one with the vegetable garden, and the kids' bikes out front? It's illegal to build that in Austin today.
A McMansion, though? That's fair game.
There's only one thing that explains that disconnect between what we have and what we need: the existing code. It's time for change.
An updated code will allow the city to direct growth where it is most needed, adding to our housing inventory so that everyone has a place to live that they can afford.
An updated code will address many of the issues Austinites are struggling with from the old code: congestion, long commutes, unsafe or missing sidewalks, and more.
An updated code will allow for appropriate density - building up, not out - and establish strict guidelines for new construction, preventing flooding and keeping our city green.
An updated code will begin to address some of the social inequities caused by the old code, including food deserts, lack of transit, and school closures.
An updated code will help make sure older Austinites can age in place..and younger Austinites can afford to still call our city home when they're grown.
An updated code will cut red tape, simplify processes, and remove barriers for simple projects. Seventeen permits to fix up an old garden shed? New code, please.
A land development code rewrite is an enormous undertaking, and making sense of all the jargon, history, and interdependencies can be challenging for anyone. And that means it's easy for rumors and misinformation to spread unchecked.
FACT: Despite claims that there is “only one” public hearing, there will be multiple opportunities to provide public input. Please consider attending an upcoming public event and helping make sure discussions focus on facts, not just fears.
Austin City Hall 301 W. 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701
City Council discussion on the land development code rewrite. Open to the public.
Austin City Hall 301 W. 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701
Austin City Hall 301 W. 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701
City Council discussion on the land development code rewrite.Open to the public.
Austin City Hall 301 W. 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701
Austin City Hall 301 W. 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701
A public hearing on the Land Development Code Revision and related amendments to the comprehensive plan will be conducted before the Austin City Council.
Austin City Hall 301 W. 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701
Austin City Hall 301 W. 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701
Open to the public. Once the agenda is posted it will be available on the City Council Meeting Information Center.
Austin City Hall 301 W. 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701