Zoning commission approves MF-2 for proposed 24-unit Cooper Lane apartments

The Austin Zoning and Planning Commission on June 17 approved staff-recommended MF-2 zoning for a proposed 24-unit multifamily development at 7804 Cooper Lane, rejecting the applicant's requested MF-3 designation.

The property, about 1.38 acres at the northwest corner of West Dittmar Road and Cooper Lane, is currently undeveloped and sits within a hazardous pipeline overlay. Planning staff recommended the lower-density MF-2 district and said that designation would still allow the 24 family-sized units the applicant proposed.

In presenting the case, an unnamed planning staff member told commissioners the site is outside the pipeline easement and that no structure would be placed within the area within 25 feet of a hazardous pipeline. The staff presentation said additional construction design standards and site plan review would be required to address pipeline and drainage constraints.

Applicant Josh Hammond told the commission he and his partner want to build a "small apartment complex" and are aware of the pipeline and drainage requirements. "We know about the drainage, and the city basically has to make...we have to follow all city recommendations, codes, and guidelines, and we're willing to do that," Hammond said.

Neighbors opposed. Jeff Dickerson, vice president of the Matthew Lane Neighborhood Association, told commissioners the neighborhood had met with the applicant and remained concerned about flooding, erosion and safety at the corner. "We are opposed to this MF2 designation because it's too close to floodplain," Dickerson said, adding that the change in impervious cover limits "reduces impervious cover from 60 to 55%" and that, in his view, that reduction exacerbates localized flooding risk in the South First/Dittmar basin. He also told commissioners the applicant's petition includes "0" affordable units.

Commissioners questioned the applicant about impervious cover limits; Hammond said his partner (who handles detailed design) was not present and he did not know the exact percentage for the proposed layout. Commissioners and staff said impervious-cover, drainage and fire-department concerns would be addressed during site plan review.

Commissioner Betsy Greenberg moved to approve the staff recommendation for MF-2 zoning; Commissioner Ryan Pazicky (spelled Kozicki earlier in the meeting transcript) seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The commission recorded the outcome as approved; the roll call at the meeting showed nine commissioners present.

The site will proceed to the required site plan and permitting phases, where staff said floodplain, drainage, fire-department access and hazardous-pipeline construction standards will be reviewed and enforced. The commission record notes staff verified MF-2 can accommodate the 24 family-sized units the applicant described.

Votes at a glance: Rezoning case C14-2025-0002 (Cooper Apartments, 7804 Cooper Lane) ' Approved (motion to approve staff recommendation of MF-2). Mover: Commissioner Betsy Greenberg. Second: Commissioner Ryan Pazicky. Vote: unanimous (9-0-0).