Transforming Site Plan Review Enters a New Phase

As we kick off this year, the Transforming Site Plan Review team is shifting its focus from planning to implementing all 45 initiatives. This project, which focuses on changes needed to the site plan review process identified by stakeholders and city staff, has been underway for several months. We are proud to report that three initiatives are complete, and many others are showing significant progress. Our initiative webpages, which launched at the end of December, are being updated weekly with information on completed project milestones. This project is actively improving the site plan process for staff, customers, and the community.

If you have any questions or comments about this project, please contact DSDCommunications@austintexas.gov. You can also find more information on each initiative on our project webpage.

DSD Director José Roig Highlighted in Austin Business Journal's Top 100

Every year, the Austin Business Journal (ABJ) releases a list of 100 Texans that are expected to make headlines in the upcoming year. For 2024, DSD Director José G. Roig made the list along with 24 other leaders in the Austin area. This recognition acknowledges the impact DSD has on our community, as well as the positive leadership Director Roig has shown over the last year. Director Roig was not the only City of Austin official recognized, as the list also included Interim City Manager Jesus Garza.

HOME Amendments Applications Open Next Week

In December, the Austin City Council passed new code amendments as part of the first phase of the “Home Options for Middle-Income Empowerment” (HOME) Initiative to provide more housing types and increase housing supply within single-family zoned areas of Austin.

Over the last month, DSD has worked to operationalize these amendments, and will begin accepting development applications on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. We have updated our HOME webpage with more information about the application process.

Upcoming Public Engagements on Proposed Bedroom Window Requirements

DSD will host two engagements in February about proposed language for Code amendments requiring bedroom windows in new buildings.

• Feb. 15 – Virtual public information and feedback session
• Feb. 29 – In-person public information and feedback session at the Permitting and Development Center



Both sessions will focus on a September 2023 resolution by the Austin City Council, which initiated Code amendments that would require access to natural light for all sleeping rooms in new buildings. More information and registration are available on PublicInput.

Technical Code Amendments Coming in 2024

DSD and two of its partner departments, Austin Fire and Austin Energy, are preparing for the adoption of 2024 Technical Codes this year. Stakeholder engagement is scheduled to begin in March for updates to the International Building, Residential, Property Maintenance, Energy Conservation, Fire, and Swimming Pool and Spa codes, as well as the Uniform Mechanical and Plumbing codes. The City updates its code requirements as needed to align with the International Code Council (ICC) and International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). These codes, along with any needed local amendments, will be reviewed by the Austin City Council prior to adoption later this year.

Site Plan Correction Requests Now Accepted Online

To improve efficiency, DSD recently launched a Site Plan Correction Request web form. This replaces the old procedure of having to submit the completed form by email and will allow staff to process your request faster. Both new corrections and updates to existing corrections are supported with this new web form. Details on the items needed for a Site Plan Correction can be found on the DSD website.

Along with this new form, improvements have been made to the Site Plan Exemption Request form.

Commercial Environmental Inspections Lunch & Learn on Thursday

Join our Environmental Compliance Supervisor, Amanda Wyrick, for a Lunch & Learn on Thursday, Feb. 1, 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. covering the commercial environmental inspections process from start to finish. You will walk away knowing how inspections are scheduled, the details for each type of inspection, erosion controls, tree protection requirements, and the compliance process. Registration closes at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 30, so sign up today on our PublicInput page. 

Provide Feedback on Proposed Watershed Protection Rules

A Message from the Watershed Protection Department

The Watershed Protection Department invites you to attend a virtual Teams meeting on Jan. 31, from 1-2 p.m., to review updates proposed for the first cycle of fiscal year 2024. Updates include:

• Environmental Criteria Manual: Offer additional options for providing alternative stormwater control through rainwater harvesting.
• Drainage Criteria Manual: Extend the timeline for the Stormwater Management Discount on the monthly Drainage Charge.

How to participate:

• Wednesday, Jan. 31, 1-2 p.m. Join Teams meeting here.
• Teams Meeting ID: 281 005 792 705; Passcode: LwkU8R
• Phone-only option: 512-831-7858; Passcode: 379870062#; Conference ID: 379 870 062#

For more information about Wednesday’s meeting, email Elizabeth Funk at Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov.

February Permitting Webinar to Cover New Onsite Water Reuse System Requirements

A Message from Austin Water

Beginning Apr. 1, 2024, new commercial, multifamily and mixed-used site development permits with at least 250,000 square feet of gross floor area must incorporate onsite water reuse systems (OWRS) or reclaimed water systems. To help explain these requirements, Austin Water invites you to a webinar that will go step-by-step through the permitting process for these systems to meet the water reuse ordinance.

Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Register here

Austin City Council adopted the water reuse ordinance to advance water reuse strategies from the 2018 Water Forward Plan. If you are unable to attend the live presentation, the webinar will be recorded and posted to the Austin Water OWRS webpage.

Subscribe to Receive Monthly LDC Updates

A Message from the Planning Department

The Planning Department has launched a newsletter about updates to the Land Development Code (LDC). The monthly newsletter covers recent City Council action, schedules for upcoming amendments, in-depth information on amendments, and how to get involved. Click here to view the first edition, which has information about the HOME amendments approved in December and an updated adoption schedule for future amendments. Sign up to receive it in your inbox at publicinput.com/LDCupdates.

Sign Up to Receive an Invitation for the March Austin Energy Planning Meeting

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 meeting 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. To receive an invitation and stay up to date on meeting plans, please visit the meeting page on PublicInput.

Upcoming Dates

Meeting on Changes to Watershed Protection Rules – Jan. 31

Commercial Environmental Inspections Lunch & Learn – Feb. 1

Meeting on Bedroom Window Requirements (Virtual) – Feb. 15

City Offices Closed for Presidents’ Day – Feb. 19

Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch & Learn – Feb. 22

Webinar on Onsite Water Reuse Rules – Feb. 28

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

If you received this newsletter from a friend, we encourage you to subscribe to our email list. Whether it is severe weather, important department updates, or this newsletter, we will do our part to keep you updated all year long.