Exciting work continues on the Transforming Site Plan Review initiative. This phase of the initiative, which will continue through the end of April, is focused on jumpstarting improvements to most elements of the site plan review process and establishing the foundation for new ways of working. Currently, three initiatives are fully complete.  

The first two initiatives to be completed included developing communications plans and a website for the Transforming Site Plan Review project to enhance project transparency and facilitate engagement. This includes a homepage and individual webpages for all 45 initiatives that are updated weekly. 

The third initiative to be completed was Initiative #23: Rationalize/refine/consolidate code criteria manual(s) and publicize interpretation(s). The goal of this initiative was to launch a Technical Advisory Review Panel (TARP) to standardize the process for adopting and periodic review of criteria manual rules. The TARP will work to improve the quality and usability of code criteria manuals and build transparency with our stakeholders that will ultimately strengthen the regulatory review process. 

Other significant progress includes: 

• Working to define a unified mission for site plan review. 
• Aligning on new customer service standards. 
• Completing an Affordable Housing case manager pilot to streamline review and coordination. 
• Refining the formal review process for Transportation and Public Works to increase efficiency. 
• Developing system requirements that will pave the way for a new permitting system to replace AMANDA, a project that is crucial to the development process. 

We are seeing that this transformation is already taking effect and improving experiences with the site plan process. From March to December 2023, average response time for reviews reduced by 62% for the first round of review and 71% for follow-up rounds. We also worked together to clear significant backlogs during that same time period, and overall, we are delivering some of the fastest turnaround times in years. These improvements will continue, with the completion of more initiatives in the coming months and a focus on long-term continuous improvement. 

If you have any questions or comments about this project, please contact DSDCommunications@austintexas.gov. 



Rules Change Proposed for Expired Building Plan Applications

The Development Services Department (DSD) is proposing an amendment to the City of Austin’s Building Criteria Manual (BCM) to clarify expiration dates for building plan review applications. Under the proposed rule, a building plan review application would expire one year after it is filed if no permit has been issued. However, the deadline to update the application would be extended 181 days if building plans are approved before the application expires. After that, pending permits would expire on the 181st day unless a building permit is activated. You can learn more about the proposed changes and provide comments until March 11 on the project’s PublicInput page. Upon adoption, this amendment would become Section 1.2.11 of the Building Criteria Manual. 

Update on New AB+C Portal

A Message from Communications and Technology Management

The Communications and Technology Management Department (CTM) is in the final stages of building the new Austin Build + Connect portal. As a reminder, even though the name is the same, this will be a new portal to better support the Austin community. Over the past several months, CTM has worked with all City departments that use the portal, including DSD, to create an improved customer experience when applying for permits, paying fees, and navigating the website. Stay tuned for a separate announcement on the official launch date. 



New Web Forms Now Available for Residential Plan Review

The Residential Plan Review webpage recently went through the first phase of its new look. The page now makes it easier to identify the type of project you are working on and navigate to a web form where you can start your application. Nothing has changed in terms of what you need to provide when submitting an application. We will continue to roll out improvements like this across the DSD website this year in our ongoing efforts to improve the customer experience. 

Subscribe to Affordable Housing Newsletter for Developers

A Message from the Housing Department

The City of Austin Housing Department now offers a newsletter with updates for the affordable housing development community. Subscribe to the monthly Affordable Housing Developer Newsletter to receive helpful resources, solicitation opportunities, and direct updates on developer incentives for affordable housing in Austin. Learn more at austintexas.gov/housing.  

Austin Energy Planning March Meeting for General Contractors, Builders and Developers

A Message from Austin Energy

Austin Energy’s General Contractors, Builders and Developers meeting supports Austin’s development communities by sharing process improvements and updates. The next virtual meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19. It will include a discussion on how Austin Energy can continue to collaborate with its stakeholders in the construction and development community to improve its services. 



For more information and to register for the meeting, please visit PublicInput.com/aecontractormeeting. 

Draft Equity-Based Preservation Plan Available for Community Review

A Message from the Planning Department

The Planning Department is asking for the community’s feedback on the draft Equity-Based Preservation Plan. The plan aims to help us learn from our past to shape a future for everyone, and we want to hear from many Austinites to make sure it reflects community priorities. 

The draft plan was developed by a community working group with 26 members from across Austin. More than 300 people helped create the draft through a survey, focus groups, and more. Add your voice: Visit PublicInput.com/ATXpresplan by May 31 to share what matters to you. 

Property owners and development professionals are invited to a Nuts & Bolts Open House on March 28, 5:30-8 p.m., at the Baker School (3908 Avenue B) to review draft recommendations that could impact historic properties and review processes. 

Upcoming Dates

Meeting on Bedroom Window Requirements (In-Person) – Feb. 29

Lakeside Environmental Inspections Lunch & Learn – March 7 

Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch & Learn – March 13 

PeopleSource - Austin! – March 29

Webinar on Proposed Amendments to Technical Building Codes – April 9 (Details TBA) 

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