Background

On June 20, 2025, House Bill 24 (HB 24) was approved in the 89th Texas State Legislative Session. HB 24 made changes to the requirements related to certain zoning and rezoning applications. Staff is proposing a code amendment to bring the Land Development Code into alignment with State Law. The most significant proposed changes are an increase to the minimum sign dimensions and a requirement that the applicant post signs.

Summary of Amendment

1. Create a new section of the Land Development Code: § 25-1-136 (Requirements for Applicant-Posted Signs) which describes procedures and requirements related to the posting of zoning signs, including:

• The applicant shall post zoning signs required by Title 25
• A sign must:
  • specify the type of action pending, the file number, and the name and telephone number of the person to contact for additional information;
  • be posted on the property affected by the proposed change;
  • be visible from the street;
  • be at least 24 inches long by 48 inches wide; and
  • be spaced not more than 200 feet apart from another sign for the same application.
• If the street frontage of the subject property is less than 200 feet in length, only one sign is required. Not more than three signs are required per street frontage regardless of the length of the street frontage. Not more than ten signs are required per proposed change regardless of the site area.
• The sign must be posted not later than the 10th day before the date that:
  • the historic landmark commission holds a hearing on the proposed change, if required; or
  • the land use commission holds a hearing on the proposed change.
• The applicant must maintain the sign until the date of a final determination on the proposed change by the City Council.
• The applicant must provide verification of the placement of the sign in the manner prescribed by the responsible director and respond to a complaint not later than five working days after receiving the complaint.
• The applicant must remove the sign not later than ten working days after the date of a final determination on the proposed change by the City Council.

2. Amend Section § 25-2-261 (Notice of Application Filing) to reference Section § 25-1-136. Section § 25-1-135 (Posting of Signs) will remain to describe procedures and requirements related to the posting of non-zoning signs.

Review and Adoption Timeline

March 10, 2026 – To be considered by Planning Commission 

March 26, 2026 – To be considered by City Council 

Case Manager Contact

Eric Thomas, Division Manager, Austin Planning, Eric.Thomas@austintexas.gov, (512) 974-7940.