In 2022, the Austin City Council requested updates to various environmental provisions in Austin’s Land Development Code. The first round of updates have been adopted while planning continues on a second round.
Protecting Austin’s Environment through Code
Austin’s Land Development Code includes regulations to protect Austin’s environment, including our creeks, lakes, trees, floodplains, and other critical environmental features such as wetlands, canyon rimrocks, and point recharge features like caves, springs, and sinkholes. These regulations try to strike a balance between allowing property owners to make use of their land and preserving our more sensitive natural areas
In the Works
We are actively planning code amendments that relate to:
- Expanded protections for the Colorado River downstream of the Longhorn Dam
- Requirements to improve stormwater management for redevelopment projects
Already Adopted
The Austin City Council approved an ordinance on Oct. 27, 2022. The updates in the ordinance are related to stormwater management, natural resource protection and other minor code amendments as explained below.
Stormwater Management
- Green Stormwater Infrastructure is now required as the primary method to protect water quality for most development permitted using site plans and subdivisions. Examples of green stormwater controls include rain gardens, biofiltration, and rainwater harvesting.
- Require stormwater in parking lots to enter parking lot islands and medians where feasible.
Natural Resource Protection
- In-channel detention and wet ponds are prohibited unless part of a public infrastructure project or public/private partnership.
- Wetlands are protected everywhere on Lady Bird Lake as they are in most other areas of the City of Austin.
Minor Code Amendments
- Additional changes to simplify and improve the organization of the Land Development Code related to water quality resource protection.
- Minor code amendments to further policy goals.
Documents