Compatibility standards refer to height limits based on a building’s proximity to single family households or single family zoning. Compared to other cities in Texas, namely San Antonio and Dallas, Austin’s height restrictions are significantly more complex. These restrictions have presented obstacles to new housing construction, posing a substantial threat to the future of affordable housing in the city. In December of 2022, City Council made some adjustments of compatibility standards, primarily for buildings located near specific roadways. The resolution discussed here seeks to expand on these reforms city-wide.

On June 8, 2023, City Council discussed and approved a resolution with the aim of simplifying compatibility standards to align more closely with those of other cities, where standards for restriction ranges 50-100 feet, in contrast to Austin’s 540 feet.

The initial step in making housing affordable and attainable in Austin involves aligning standards with other Texas cities. In conclusion, the resolution aims to address the city’s housing challenges as a result of compatibility regulations and ensure that housing remains accessible to a broader range of residents.

Austinites today need to make nearly $65,000 a year to afford the average rent and around $180,000 a year to afford a median-priced home in Austin. The dream of homeownership for hardworking Austinites gets more and more out of reach every year despite our massive successes as a city, and is challenging our ability to attract, recruit, and retain the best and brightest employees.

The HOME Initiative Phase I is a balanced way to get attainable homeownership and rental options through the extension of three units per lot without altering any other development restrictions, all while preserving the character of the Austin neighborhoods we love.

This ordinance will allow for more housing, lower costs, and quicker review times, all of which incrementally help Austin work its way out of our affordability crisis. Parking spaces can cost more than $40,000 per space and take up valuable area within a project footprint. Right-sizing parking for each project can save hundreds of thousands of dollars as well as allow for additional housing or commercial space within the same project footprint. Additionally, reducing the review burden on City staff will speed up the overall review timeline and project timeline, resulting in other cost savings and quicker delivery of much-needed housing and retail space.