Transforming Site Plan Review Moves Forward

In October, we kicked off the Transforming Site Plan Review Initiative. This project is the result of a recent McKinsey and Company assessment presented to the City Council, which highlighted more than 40 initiatives that will improve the site plan review process from start to finish.

Cross-departmental teams have been established for all 44 initiatives and they are currently working to put together project charters, which will provide a roadmap for each initiative. When these charters are completed, detailed information about each initiative will be added to our project webpage. If you have any questions about this portfolio of projects, please contact DSDCommunications@austintexas.gov.

Now is the Time to Prepare for Winter Weather

As we have seen in the past few years, the Austin area is susceptible to damage from severe winter weather. Now is a great time to assess any projects you are working on to ensure that damage does not occur to a job site you are working on or to any equipment or materials you are using. If Austin does experience a winter weather storm that results in the need for work on a property, you may begin repairs immediately to prevent further damage. Learn more about safely permitting emergency repairs on our Permits for Emergency Repairs webpage. 

Common winter weather-related issues associated with property damage may include no hot water, burst pipes, and cracks in the ceiling or walls. One way to prevent damage is to proactively follow these property maintenance tips: 

• Test gas service lines for possible leaks. 
• Check that furnaces are operating correctly. 
• Check that boilers are working as intended. 
• Ensure you have functioning smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. 

Visit our Safe and Sound webpage for more information about addressing these and other common code violations.

Change is Coming to the Service Center

Beginning in January 2024, the Service Center will transition to a new name: Building and Trade Contractor Services. This name better aligns with the team’s purpose and routes customers to services clearly and quickly. All services will remain the same, but we will be updating URLs on webpages and web forms, so stay tuned. We are committed to providing you with the best possible service, and we believe that this name change will help us do just that.

New Parking Requirements in Effect for Austin Site Plans

A Message from Transportation and Public Works

On Nov. 2, 2023, the Austin City Council approved an ordinance removing motor vehicle parking space requirements, with the exception of accessible parking. This ordinance went into effect on Nov. 12. Requirements in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and bicycle parking rules continue to apply.

Site plans currently in review are not subject to this new ordinance, but applicants can work with their case manager to take advantage of the new regulations if they would like. Read the full ordinance for more information.

Austin Water Seeks Community Input for 2024 Drought Contingency Plan

A Message from Austin Water

Central Texas continues to experience a severe drought that has significantly impacted the City of Austin’s water sources. With Lakes Buchanan and Travis at about 40% full, the City has declared Stage 2 Water Restrictions to help stretch our water supply. If rain does not refill these reservoirs before next summer, we might require Stage 3 Water Restrictions for the first time ever. 



With these conditions in mind, Austin Water is preparing an update to the City’s Drought Contingency Plan. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) guidelines require the updated plan by May 2024, and Austin Water is seeking input on how our community could conserve water during times of extreme drought. Visit SpeakUpAustin to learn about the update process, provide feedback on proposed changes, and sign up for updates about public meetings and more.

Information Session on Driveway and Sidewalk Permits on Dec. 5

A Message from Transportation and Public Works

The Right of Way (ROW) Management Division will be hosting an in-person information session at the Permitting and Development Center, on Dec. 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. This session will cover questions regarding driveway, sidewalk, walkway, and curb and gutter processes. Visit the Eventbrite page to register and contact the ROW team at rightofway@austintexas.gov if you have questions about the event.

Register for an Environmental Inspections Lunch and Learn on Dec. 7

The Environmental Inspections team will host its next Environmental Inspections Brown Bag Lunch and Learn on Dec. 7, from 11:45 a.m.to 1:15 p.m., at the Permitting and Development Center. Amanda Wyrick, Environmental Compliance Supervisor, will lead an interactive session about the processes we use to review erosion and sediment control tools, construction site stabilization, water quality resources, tree protection, and environmental enforcement. Space is limited, so register today on Public Input.

Upcoming Dates

Tree Smart Lunch and Learn – Dec. 6 

Environmental Inspections Lunch and Learn – Dec. 7 

Austin City Council Public Hearing on LDC Amendments – Dec. 7 

City offices closed – Dec. 25-26



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