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- Site Plan Improvements Initiative Launches
- Public Hearings Begin for Land Development Code Amendments
- Inspections Limited on Nov. 14-15
- Council to Consider Revised Parking Requirements on Nov. 2
- Tree Smart Lunch & Learn Returns
- Amended Electrical Requirements Now in Effect
- Fast Track Certification Requires Renewal
- Property Profile Provides Info at a Glance
- New Green Building Ratings in Effect
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Citywide Site Plan Improvements Initiative Launches
Our citywide site plan improvement initiative has now launched with a new website specifically designed to track the progress we are making on improvements to the site plan review process. These improvements were identified in a recent report by McKinsey & Company. Their analysis examined the site plan review process from the perspective of community stakeholders. This webpage will be a hub for information about the project, so stay tuned as we add more information. We will also be updating you every month here in Building Connections on the highlights of our work over the previous month. We are excited about the changes coming to the development process and thank you for making the journey with us!
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Public Hearings Begin for Land Development Code Amendments | |
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The Austin City Council and Planning Commission have begun hosting public hearings to discuss proposed changes to the City’s Land Development Code (LDC). The LDC governs land use regulations, defining what, where, and how much building can occur within Austin and its extraterritorial jurisdictions. Proposed amendments seek to encourage the addition of more housing, especially affordable housing, by simplifying code requirements that limit development options.
Specifically, they would:
- Allow up to three housing units, including Tiny Homes on a Single-Family (SF) zoned property;
- Revise regulations that apply to a property with 2 housing units; and
- Remove restrictions on the number of unrelated adults living in a housing unit.
The first hearing occurred on Oct. 26 in a joint meeting of the two entities. Two additional public hearings are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 14, at a meeting of the Planning Commission and on Thursday, Dec. 7, at the City Council meeting. In preparation for the next two hearings, the City will host an educational open house on Monday, Nov. 6, at the Austin Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez St., from 6 to 8 p.m. Interested Austinites also can learn more and provide input on a new webpage dedicated to the LDC amendments.
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Some Inspections Appointments Limited by Training on Nov. 14-15 | |
Some inspections will be limited or unavailable on Nov. 14-15 while inspectors attend Building Professional Institute training. Residential inspections will be unavailable on both days. Although Commercial Plumbing inspections will remain available, other Commercial inspections will be unavailable on Nov. 14, returning on Nov. 15. If scheduling inspections in November, please limit appointments to days when your inspector is available. Please contact your inspector with questions. Thank you for your patience as our City inspectors continue to build their knowledge and skills. | Council to Consider Revised Parking Requirements on Nov. 2 | The Austin City Council is scheduled to consider an ordinance at the Nov. 2 meeting that would eliminate parking requirements for new developments, except for accessible parking spaces. The proposal follows a resolution that City Council passed in May. The meeting will include an opportunity for public comments. To learn more, review the draft ordinance and the staff report. For information on more upcoming Land Development Code amendments, visit publicinput.com/LDCupdates. | |
Tree Smart Lunch & Learn Returns Nov. 2 | |
Bring your lunch to the Permitting and Development Center and join our next Tree Smart Lunch & Learn on Thursday, Nov. 2, from 11:45 a.m. until 1 p.m. Experts from DSD’s Community Tree Preservation Division will give a presentation on issues that affect permit holders and professionals who work in development and landscaping. Come with questions and leave with answers! Space is limited, so visit the registration page to sign up today. | |
Enforcement of Amended Electrical Requirements Begins in November | The City of Austin will begin enforcing new electrical requirements from the 2023 National Electrical Code and local Austin amendments on Nov. 1. At that time, new electrical projects in Austin must follow the recently amended code. These include changes related to ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and surge protection, physical access concerns, and guidance for medium voltage installations. For more information, review the ordinance. If you have a specific question regarding how the new regulations affect your project, check our PDC appointments page for the best option. | |
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Fast Track Certification Requires Annual Renewal
If you are using our Fast Track Process for your Consolidated Site Plan submissions, remember that this certification continues one year from the date it was received. You must keep your certification active to continue using the benefits of this program, which enables developers to begin some construction work while a project is still in review. For more information, review the Fast Track Site Plans guide, visit the Fast Track Process webpage, or check the Code requirements. If you still have questions or need to renew your certification, contact Kate Castles.
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Property Profile Provides Development Information at a Glance
| If you have ever wondered about development activity around Austin, either at a specific location or a general area, the Property Profile tool could be just the resource you need. This online tool, created by the Development Services team, allows you to search for addresses, property parcels, and specific permit numbers. You can change visible map layers to learn more about zoning activities, review cases, permits, and more. When you find your location, one click can take you to more details within the Austin Build + Connect portal. This is one of many online tools that DSD provides to help you stay informed about development in Austin. If you are stuck or need help navigating the site, contact the Neighborhood Assistance Center. | |
New Green Building Ratings Now in Effect
A Message from Austin Energy
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Austin Energy Green Building regularly updates its ratings to encourage excellence and innovation in design. Changes in green building technologies and techniques, as well as revisions to codes and the City of Austin goals, influence the rating updates. New ratings became effective Oct. 1, following public engagement that ran from Feb. 20 to June 6. To check out the new ratings, please visit the Online Rating System (ORS) 'Help' page.
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