In plain language — from the agenda backup

This ordinance updates Austin's density bonus and incentive programs—the deals where developers get to build more in exchange for affordable units—by tweaking the rules in City Code Chapter 4-18. It clarifies that tenants have the right to organize, lets the director add tenant protections to land use restriction agreements, allows development applications to move forward before those agreements are signed, permits fee waivers, and requires an on-site relocation specialist while creating a new offense and penalty. The item has no fiscal impact.

The official agenda language

Approve an ordinance amending density bonus and incentive program requirements in City Code Chapter 4-18 (General Permitting Standards) to clarify that the right to organize applies to density bonus and incentive programs; to authorize the director to add provisions as necessary to the land use restriction agreement to achieve the purposes of the density bonus and incentive programs and protects tenants; to allow development applications to be processed before the land use restriction agreement is signed; to allow for fee waivers; and to require an on-site professional relocation specialist, to create an offense, and to establish a penalty. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact.

housingzoning

"Without objection, the consent agenda is adopted" — meeting transcript (unofficial)

What got said

• Emily Blair and Felicity Maxwell asked council to limit changes to sections C and G pending a stakeholder process
• Council member Siegel praised clarifying tenant organizing rights in density bonus housing

The roll call

Agenda PDF Legistar Official votes