The proposal would permit larger buildings on single-family lots.
A new city program dubbed “Opportunity Unlocked” will allow Austin developers to build multi-family housing on single-family zoned lots, provided they make some of the units affordable, reports Jonathan Lee in the Austin Monitor.
“Unlike other density bonus programs, Opportunity Unlocked ties requirements to bedrooms instead of units – a move aimed at incentivizing developers to build affordable homes for families.” The units would be available to households making up to 120 percent of Area Median Income (AMI). According to Lee, “Requiring deeper affordability could mean fewer units – a trade-off Alter said Council should discuss further.”
The program is designed to encourage the construction of larger units built for families. “The new homes would be similar in scale to existing homes and could include detached homes, townhomes, tri- or quadplexes, or similar building types.”
A resolution passed by the city council in favor of the program requires city staff to develop a detailed draft ordinance by this fall.
FULL STORY: Council proposes allowing more homes in single-family zoning
Report: Why It Costs so Much to Build Housing in Austin
The study highlights high real estate costs as well as restrictive zoning regulations and building requirements that delay multi-family construction.
Denver Pauses Multifamily Development in Westside Neighborhoods Amidst Gentrification Concerns
City officials say the pause on permits for redevelopment projects aims to stop the displacement of long-term residents.
Opinion: Austin Zoning Reform Won’t Have Major Impact
Despite heated controversy, some experts believe the zoning changes made last year won’t make a significant dent in the local housing crisis.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
BLM To Rescind Public Lands Rule
The change will downgrade conservation, once again putting federal land at risk for mining and other extractive uses.
Indy Neighborhood Group Builds Temporary Multi-Use Path
Community members, aided in part by funding from the city, repurposed a vehicle lane to create a protected bike and pedestrian path for the summer season.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service