The Austin City Council last week approved wide-ranging land-use reforms aimed at increasing housing options, supporting Project Connect light rail investments, and creating new rules for electric vehicle charging stations. However, not all of the changes will go into effect immediately.

Council’s action on Friday, May 17, came after several open houses and public hearings on the proposed updates to the City’s land development code. During their deliberations, Council members approved amendments to the proposed ordinances, some of which altered the dates on which each will take effect.

• HOME Phase 2: Reduces the minimum lot size for single-family homes from 5,750 square feet to 1,800 square feet. Implementation will not begin until Aug. 16 when applications start being accepted for the new small lot single-family use. The delayed implementation date will provide time to train staff and prepare supporting resources. In areas identified as high-risk for wildfires or displacement, applications will be delayed until Nov. 16 to properly address the concerns of those areas.
• Compatibility: Reduces height restrictions of new buildings based on their proximity to existing single-family homes. This will go into effect on July 15.
• Equitable Transit-Oriented Development: Encourages transit-supportive development and income-restricted housing along the Project Connect Phase 1 Light Rail corridors. This will go into effect on July 15.
• Electric Vehicle Charging: Creates a new zoning category that defines where EV charging facilities can be located and prevents them from becoming clustered within active or residential areas. This will go into effect on Monday, May 27.

“These transformational amendments to our land development code will help address the need for different housing options at a range of incomes, and will ensure that more Austinites can take advantage of the generational investment in public transit that will be happening as part of Project Connect. The amendments reflect considerable work by our volunteer boards and commissions, Council members, community members, and staff over the last several months to improve outcomes and to minimize unintended consequences. We look forward to continuing the work to shape a more resilient, livable, and equitable Austin,” said Austin Planning Department Director Lauren Middleton-Pratt.

Leading up to last week’s vote, the Planning Department hosted four open houses in which residents were invited to talk to staff directly and learn more about the proposals. Residents were also afforded an opportunity to weigh in on the changes at a joint public hearing on April 11 featuring both the City Council and the Planning Commission. Before the public hearing on May 16, more than 2,600 Austinites registered to have their voices heard on the proposals. Of those, 1,466 were in favor while 1,138 were against. 36 residents remained neutral.

More information about the approved code amendment, as well as future proposals coming before Council, can be found at speakupaustin.org/ldcupates.