Design Standards and Vertical Mixed Use

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Overview

On August 31, 2006, the Austin City Council approved a major amendment to the City of Austin’s Land Development Code referred to as the Design Standards and Mixed Use Subchapter, or "Commercial Design Standards". The ordinance became effective January 13, 2007. The Design Standards were amended March 12, 2009 to specifically address applicability of the Design Standards with respect to the North Burnet/Gateway zoning district.

A copy of the ordinance can be found at Design Standards and Mixed Use Subchapter (last amended 3/12/09)

General Information and Answers

Questions About the Design Standards and Mixed Use Ordinance: the history and intent of the ordinance

Questions About the General Provisions (Article 1) of the Design Standards and Mixed Use Ordinance: applicability, exemptions, review processes, minor modifications, and alternative equivalent compliance

Questions Regarding Site Development Standards (Article 2) of the Design Standards and Mixed Use Ordinance: relationship of buildings to streets and walkways, parking, connectivity, exterior lighting, screening or equipment and utilities, and private common open space

Questions Regarding Building Design Standards (Article 3) of the Design Standards and Mixed Use Ordinance: addresses the look and function of buildings and seeks to enhance the unique urban character of Austin

Shallow Lots and VMU and Opportunities for Improving Parking Garage Design

The Vertical Mixed Use (VMU) Opt-In/Opt-Out Process

The Vertical Mixed Use Opt-In/Opt-Out process was a one-time procedure whereby individual neighborhoods considered certain development characteristics of VMU buildings within their boundaries and communicated their preferences to the City Council. The process began when notice was sent to individual neighborhoods. Neighborhoods originally had 90 days from the date of the notice to submit VMU Opt-In/Opt-Out Applications. Additional time was give beyond this deadline to give neighborhoods ample time to make recommendations.

Three VMU public meetings were held on March 19, 21, and April 1, 2007, at One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road Room 325

Past VMU Affordability Meetings

Council Member Brewster McCracken and City Staff invited neighborhoods to two public conversations on how VMU fits into the larger context of affordable housing in Austin, and to take ideas and feedback on next steps. Participants included Kelly Weiss from the City’s Neighborhood Housing department; Travis County appraiser Art Cory; and affordable housing advocate Cathy Echols, who was on the task force that helped write the VMU ordinance, and Council Member Brewster McCracken. These meetings were held June 11 at the Austin Energy Town Lake Center, 721 Barton Springs Road, and June 18 at the Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center, 808 Nile Street

North Burnet/Gateway Zoning District

On March 12, 2009 the City Council approved rezoning most properties in the North Burnet/Gateway neighborhood planning area (located in north central Austin) to North Burnet/Gateway (NBG) base district zoning and approved the NBG Regulating Plan which contains the zoning and design standards applicable to the NBG zoning district. Development built pursuant to the NBG Regulating Plan is exempt from Subchapter E: Design Standards and Mixed-Use regulations. More information about the North Burnet/Gateway zoning district can be found at: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/planning/neighborhood/north_burnet.htm

Questions and Comments

If you have general questions or comments about the Design Standards or Vertical Mixed Use, please call (512) 974-7668 or email us by clicking here.

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