Urban Design at the City of Austin

Urban Design examines elements in the public realm and spaces where people may gather: parks and open spaces, streets and sidewalks, bridges and water bodies, historical features, trees, landscaping, lighting, and signage. Urban Design takes a holistic approach towards these physical elements that make up a city and seeks to shape them in ways that create urban environments that are functional, attractive, comfortable, animated, stimulating, and safe for all.

Core Functions

The Urban Design Division provides people-centered design solutions that impact the public and private realm and collaborates with other city departments to advocate for great public spaces while adding value to the development review process. The Division provides the following services: 

Planning

Applying planning principles and practices to advance Imagine Austin and Strategic Direction goals with design-based recommendations to plans, regulations, and guidelines.

The Urban Design team helps shape the city’s growth by using strategic planning to improve infrastructure. Our team works to align with the goals of Imagine Austin, the city's comprehensive plan, to support a vibrant, sustainable future that's equitable, accessible, and resilient for everyone.

Examples:

  • Update to the Urban Design Guidelines
  • Update to the Great Streets Plan and Standards
  • Collaboration with Comprehensive Planning on Downtown Austin Plan (DAP) Update
  • Collaboration with Comprehensive Planning on updates to the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) Standards
  • Processing of Code Amendments for DAP and NBG
Design

Applying design knowledge, best practices, and an understanding of urban form to improve the function of public spaces for people.

Our team applies key design principles to help us reach our goals and make a positive impact on the city. We focus on creating spaces that are not only functional and sustainable but also inviting and inclusive for all. By using thoughtful design, we strive to shape environments that reflect our vision for a more connected and resilient community.

Examples:

  • Formulation of design solutions for IH-35 Cap and Stitch Initiative
  • Collaboration with TPW on design solutions for Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative (CAUDI)
  • Creation of 2D and 3D design elements for Great Streets and UNO to describe standards
Advocacy

Assisting in building stories that elevate the importance of great urban design and shares knowledge about the benefits of excellence in urban design.

The Urban Design team advocates for a better built environment through our plan updates. For example, the Great Steets plan is currently being updated to reflect our city's expanding needs. The Urban Design Division within the City of Austin's Planning Department advocates for high-quality, sustainable urban environments by shaping policies, guidelines, and design standards that prioritize community needs, equity, and livability.

Examples:

  • Presentations at Design Commission, Downtown Commission, and Urban Transportation Commission on updates to the Great Street Plan
  • Collaboration with TPW on ACT Plan to advocate for design solutions
  • Design solution advocacy with Project Connect and IH-35 Cap-and-Stitch
  • Creation of training videos for applicants on Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP)
  • Partnership with Design Commission on “substantial compliance” for projects participating in the DDBP
Activation

Bringing design solutions to life through implementation by partnering with the community, peer departments, and other internal and external stakeholders. 

The Urban Design team encourages activation in the public realm to make cities more walkable, encourage socializing, and help local businesses by bringing more people to the area. One project the team worked on is participating in Park(ing) Day along Congress Avenue, where parking spots were transformed into active third-sapces for Austinties to relax and connect.


Park(ing) Day along Congress Avenue

Examples:

  • Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative (CAUDI)  street activation options
  • Parklet activation along Congress Avenue
Review

Reviewing development plans for adherence to regulations and continually updating standard operating procedures to enhance customer experience.

The review phase of the urban design process focuses on assessing design proposals to ensure they align with essential criteria like functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. During this stage, input is gathered from key groups—including city officials, community members, and design experts—to refine and improve projects. The objective is to address any concerns and make necessary adjustments before finalizing the design for implementation.

Examples:

  • Updates to Urban Design SOPs
  • Updates to the Site 
    Plan review process
  • Enhancements to Downtown Density Bonus Program submittals
  • Changes to License Agreement process
  • Standardization of project submittals at Design Commission

Current Projects


Our team is involved in a diverse range of projects that are essential to shaping the city's future. Each initiative plays a crucial role in weaving together the community and enhancing the vibrancy and livability of the space for everyone.

The Downtown Density Bonus Program

The Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) was established in 2014 to promote a vibrant, dense, and pedestrian friendly downtown area while also encouraging the development of affordable housing and other community benefits. A downtown density bonus can be requested as part of a site plan review process. This program allows developments in the downtown area to achieve greater height and density in exchange for providing a high quality building and streetscape as well as community benefits.

Click on the link to learn more about our Downtown Density Bonus Program. 

The Great Streets Program

Established in 2001, the Great Streets Plan revitalizes Downtown Austin through the creation of pedestrian-friendly sidewalks. This initiative seeks to create a harmonious balance between roadways and sidewalks by prioritizing pedestrians above other modes of transport. By adding amenities such as street trees, light poles, and benches, the plan aims to enhance the livability, safety, and aesthetic appeal of Downtown Austin. The Great Streets Program is a gatekeeper requirement for the Downtown Density Bonus Program.

Visit the Great Streets Program to learn more about the plan and the upcoming Great Streets Plan Update.

University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO)

The purpose of the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) district is to promote high-density redevelopment in the West Campus area adjacent to the University of Texas at Austin. It promotes housing options for students and young professionals, reducing the need for long commutes and supporting a thriving local economy. UNO was created to provide a mechanism for the creation of a densely populated but livable and pedestrian-friendly environment and to protect the character of the predominantly single-family residential neighborhoods adjacent to the district.

To learn more about UNO, visit the City of Austin website. To find out more about the upcoming update, vist the SpeakUp Austin page.

 
Regulating Plans

There are 5 Regulating Plans in the city of Austin that essentially act as mini-codes with their own development standards. The Regulating Plans are the regulatory mechanism for their respective Vision Plans or Station Area Plans for the following five areas:

  • E Riverside Corridor
  • Plaza Saltillo
  • MLK Station
  • Justin/Lamar
  • North Burnet Gateway

Visit the Plans, Regulations, and Special Projects page to learn more about regulating plans.

Urban Design Guidelines

The Urban Design Guidelines provide principles to shape the built environment in order to promote pedestrian-first design, activate the public realm, and create a sense of place. Compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines is a Gatekeeper Requirement for participating in the Downtown Density Bonus Program. The Design Commission uses the Urban Design Guidelines as their guiding document when reviewing project.

Design Commission

Design commission is an important step of the design process. Commissioners meet with Urban Design staff and applicants to discuss if proposed projects meet compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines. Commissioners offer perspectives from a diverse array of backgrounds, each advocating for a safer, more pedestrian-friendly urban environment. 

To learn more about Design Commission and view past meetings, please click on the link. 

Meet Our Team


Pictured Left to Right: Jorge Rousselin (Division Manager), Jill Amezcua (Program Manager II), Sal Saluga (Planner Senior), Sophia Benner (Principal Planner), Maya Alarcon (Planner Senior), Jasper Siltala (Planner Senior)  

From a diverse array of backgrounds, the Urban Design team at the City of Austin effectively collaborates to develop creative design solutions. Each team member works to shape our city based on the core functions above.

 

Photo Gallery

 

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