In the lead-up to a new round of proposed land development code changes, the city of Austin is sending postcards and soliciting feedback.

The proposed code amendments are essentially the next step in overhauling Austin's land-use rules along the lines of the HOME amendments approved late last year. Those amendments allow up to three housing units, including tiny homes, on a single-family zoned property;  revised regulations that apply to a property with two housing units; and removed restrictions on the number of unrelated adults living in a housing unit. 

The new proposed amendments are "aimed at increasing housing options throughout the city and supporting the Project Connect light rail investments," according to a city announcement. If enacted, they would:

  • Reduce the minimum amount of land needed to build one home. 

  • Modify compatibility rules that limit the height of buildings adjacent to single-family homes. 

  • Encourage transit-supportive development and affordable housing along the Project Connect Phase 1 Light Rail corridors and Priority Extensions. 

  • Create a new Electrical Vehicle Charging Use that would define where EV charging facilities could be located and prevent them from becoming concentrated within active or residential areas.  

The city is mailing notices regarding the code changes to Austin residents and will have two open houses to discuss them in April:

  • Wednesday, April 17: In-person event at the Austin Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez St. from 6 to 8 p.m. 

  • Saturday, April 20: Virtual event, 10 a.m.

The city is also sending out a notice for the proposed change involving an Equitable Transit-Oriented Development overlay — a zoning tool that would allow and encourage dens development along transit lines —  to about 40,000 addresses in areas of where the new regulations would apply. 

The City Council is expected to vote on the proposed changes in May.