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Austin staff update Land Development Code timeline and recommend applicant-posted zoning signs
Summary
Austin Planning presented an updated Land Development Code amendments timeline, reported a Jan. 20 adoption related to parkland drainage easements, and previewed a March proposal to shift responsibility for on-site zoning notification signs from the city to applicants.
Stevie Greathouse, division manager with Austin Planning, told the Housing and Planning Committee on Feb. 10 that staff updated the Land Development Code (LDC) amendment timeline and is preparing specific proposals for the spring.
The presentation noted two actions adopted since December: City Council approved a Jan. 20 amendment related to parkland drainage easements, and staff distributed a study of potential new zoning districts that could support mixed-use and "missing middle" residential development. Greathouse said several other amendments anticipated for a possible joint meeting this month were deferred pending additional coordination with city leadership and that staff will update the Gantt chart as timelines are determined.
Greathouse described a staff recommendation to change how zoning notification signs are posted for zoning cases. Currently the code places the onus on the city to post and maintain on-site signage; state law changes now give cities discretion to set posting rules. Staff told the committee it plans to propose in March that applicants, rather than the city, post and maintain the signs so neighbors receive continuous on-site notice throughout the entitlement process.
Greathouse also previewed concurrent work: outreach on potential new mixed-use zoning districts and a proposed package of housing incentive recommendations, including amendments to the citywide density bonus and an initial phase of downtown density-bonus updates for the core subdistricts by May. She said some items remain on "timeline to be determined" while staff coordinates review pathways with city leadership.
"As you review the timeline, you will also notice a number of amendments for which timelines are yet to be determined," Greathouse said, adding that staff will continue to adjust the schedule as processes move forward.
Why it matters: The proposed change to sign-posting would shift the operational burden and maintenance of on-site notifications to applicants and could affect how neighbors learn and respond to zoning cases. The timing for downtown density-bonus changes and the mixed-use zoning outreach could affect draft code language coming to Council later this spring.
What's next: Greathouse said staff anticipates bringing a posting-notice proposal in March and additional code amendment packages (including housing incentives and downtown density-bonus updates) to Council in the spring and by May for some downtown items.
