Background

In 2021, amendments to the City’s Vertical Mixed Use (VMU) Overlay, including the creation of a second-tier bonus program known as VMU2, were initiated through City Council Resolution No. 20211118-052. The resolution directed staff to process code amendments to allow for an additional 30’ in height beyond the base zone standards for developments participating in the new tier of the density bonus program and proposed affordability requirements for such developments.

In June of 2022, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 20220609-080, implementing the code amendments initiated through the 2021 Council resolution. However, in December 2023, Ordinance No. 20220609-080, Ordinance No. 20221201-056, and Ordinance No. 20221201-055 were invalidated.

In February 2024, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 20240229-073, which created the Density Bonus 90 (DB90) combining district. This new district is similar to the provisions in VMU2 and is available citywide through the rezoning process.

To Learn More About the DB90 Combining District visit the project page.

Summary of Proposed Amendments

The proposed amendment to §25-2-652 would do the following:

• Amend the commercial ground floor requirement to match VMU standards, requiring 75% of the ground floor frontage along the principal street to be designed for commercial use with an additional clarification regarding civic uses

• Add the allowed commercial uses from VMU to office base zoning districts

• Align compatibility screening requirements with amendments to citywide policy made by Council through Ordinance 20240516-004

• Clarify that provisions of the DB90 program govern over a conflicting provision of the Land Development Code or other ordinance

Review and Adoption Timeline

• June 18 - Recommended by the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee
• July 23 -  Recommended by the Planning Commission 
• August 29 - Approved by City Council

Case Manager Contact

Paul Ray Books, Planning Department, Paul.Books@austintexas.gov