C20-2023-020 Zoning Application Processes and Deadlines
C20-2023-020 Zoning Application Processes and Deadlines
Amendments to City Code Title 25-1 and 25-2 (Land Development Code) to create a six-month pilot program modifying certain deadlines related to zoning and rezoning applications and neighborhood plan amendment applications.
Background
On June 8, 2023, City Council approved Resolution No. 20230608-078 directing staff to create a six-month pilot program that extends certain deadlines related to zoning and rezoning applications.
Summary of Proposed Amendment
The following are proposed amendments to City Code Title 25-2 to create a six-month pilot program modifying certain deadlines related to zoning and rezoning applications. The six-month pilot program is proposed to extend deadlines, as follows:
- The deadline for a Land Use Commission to hold a public hearing after an application is filed will extend from 60 days to 120 days.
The deadline for City Council to hold a public hearing after the Land Use Commission makes a recommendation will extend from 40 days to 80 days.
An application expiration will extend from 181 days to 362 days after it is filed if a public hearing before a Land Use Commission has not been scheduled.
An application expiration will extend from 181 days to 362 days after it is filed if the Land Use Commission or City Council grants an indefinite postponement.
Neighborhood plan amendment and rezoning and zoning applications are often submitted and approved concurrently. To align neighborhood plan amendment application deadlines with zoning and rezoning application deadlines amendments to City Code Title 25-1 to create a six-month pilot program modifying certain deadlines related to neighborhood plan amendments are proposed as follows:
- The deadline for a Land Use Commission to hold a public hearing after an application is filed will extend from 90 days to 120 days.
- The deadline for City Council to hold a public hearing after the Land Use Commission makes a recommendation will extend from 40 to 80 days.
- An application expiration will extend from 181 days to 362 days after it is filed if a public hearing before a Land Use Commission has not been scheduled.
- An application expiration will extend from 181 days to 362 days after it is filed if the Land Use Commission or City Council grants an indefinite postponement.
The pilot program will expire six months after the commencement date as specified in the adopted ordinance unless the City Council or City Manager deems it necessary to terminate the program before that date. Before deciding on an extension or termination, the Planning Commission and City Council will conduct a required review of the pilot program. Additionally, a status update must be provided to the Planning Commission three months following the adoption of the pilot program. If an extension is deemed necessary, an item will be placed on the City Council agenda prior to the expiration date in the Ordinance to consider extending the pilot program for an additional six months.
To ensure the success of the pilot program, process improvements will be implemented, and staff efficiency will be enhanced to reduce staff workload. Operations will also be streamlined, and policies revised to integrate neighborhood plan amendments and zoning case information into meeting backup materials and agenda postings.
To maximize the efficiency of the pilot program, priority for meeting room reservations will be given to the Land Use Commission meetings, including make-up dates that may occur on nontraditional meeting days. This prioritization will help ensure that public hearings are conducted in a timely manner, with the exception of City Council meetings.
Review and Adoption Timeline
Sept. 26, 2023: Unanimously recommended for approval by the Planning Commission (with amendments)
Click here to view the Staff Report, Draft Redline, and Presentation.
Oct. 19, 2023: Approved by City Council on a 10-0-1 vote
Case Manager Contact
Jordan Feldman, Planning Department, Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov