Does it feel like things in Austin just flood more quickly, more easily these days when it rains? This is true, partly because there is so much building, so much new concrete, so many new structures. There are simply, truly less places for the water to go.
Building, growth, increased density, all part of the reality of Austin, and not all bad. However, the current ordinance for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) before City Council right now is bad. Period.
You can be pro density, pro growth, pro new housing options, pro development and even pro ADUs, but you should NOT be pro THIS version of ADUs. Here’s why and what you can do to help.
The current ADU ordinance before City Council right now increases sq ft to 15% of the lot area, will change zoning in Allandale from single family to multi-family, will be in contravention of deed restrictions, approves up to two stories, allows for short term rental (STR) AND no affordability requirements, will increase impervious cover, requires less set backs which is tighter space for emergency vehicle access (if any), and adds more cars on streets with no parking requirements, among other concerning allowances.
Your ANA (Allandale Neighborhood Association) issued a resolution against this particular ADU proposal a year ago. On your behalf, representing what we believe are the best interests of the 4800 homes that comprise Allandale. We have re-shared this – attached here – with City Council.
Download ANA Resolution Opposing ADUs
However, the current ADU ordinance has been approved in 2 votes already. There is a 3rd and last opportunity to vote it down coming up as quickly as next Thurs, Nov 12.
Please please please speak up and help Council realize this ordinance needs modification at least, and ideally that it should be part of the CodeNext Land Development Code effort already in process. Below are the critical folks to contact. Pass this along to your friends who live in other districts. Our only chance at council reconsideration may be the loud voices of concerned Austinites. Thank you
City Council Member Contact Information:
Mayor Adler: Steve.Adler [Email address: Steve.Adler #AT# austintexas.gov - replace #AT# with @ ]512-978-2100
Mayor Pro Tem Tovo: Kathie.Tovo [Email address: Kathie.Tovo #AT# austintexas.gov - replace #AT# with @ ]512-978-2109
Council Member Houston: Ora.Houston [Email address: Ora.Houston #AT# austintexas.gov - replace #AT# with @ ]512-978-2101
Council Member Garza: Delia.Garza [Email address: Delia.Garza #AT# austintexas.gov - replace #AT# with @ ]512-978-2102
Council Member Renteria: Sabino.Renteria [Email address: Sabino.Renteria #AT# austintexas.gov - replace #AT# with @ ]512-978-2103
Council Member Casar: Gregorio.Casar [Email address: Gregorio.Casar #AT# austintexas.gov - replace #AT# with @ ]512-978-2104
Council Member Kitchen: Ann.Kitchen [Email address: Ann.Kitchen #AT# austintexas.gov - replace #AT# with @ ]512-978-2105
Council Member Zimmerman: Don.Zimmerman [Email address: Don.Zimmerman #AT# austintexas.gov - replace #AT# with @ ]512-978-2106
Council Member Pool: Leslie.Pool [Email address: Leslie.Pool #AT# austintexas.gov - replace #AT# with @ ]512-978-2107
Council Member Troxclair: Ellen.Troxclair [Email address: Ellen.Troxclair #AT# austintexas.gov - replace #AT# with @ ]512-978-2108
Council Member Gallo: Sheri.Gallo [Email address: Sheri.Gallo #AT# austintexas.gov - replace #AT# with @ ]512-978-2110
ANA continues to oppose loosening Austin’s ADU regulations, which would essentially result in the end of single-family zoning in Austin. In response to District 7 constituent concerns, council member Leslie Pool underscored her commitment to postpone current efforts at modifying ADU regulations until there has been more critical analysis and adequate citizen input. We thank council member Pool for her continued efforts to protect Austin neighborhoods.
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Subject: RE: Please vote no to ADU ordinance
When [the ADU] issue was last at Council, October 15, I argued to slow the process down because two of the pending amendments – reducing lot size and removing opt-in/opt-out – had not been aired in a public hearing. I also raised concerns about the potential consequences of additional impervious cover in flood prone parts of town. This is a very real issue: even without raising impervious cover limits on individual properties, the simple building of new structures will change flow patterns and, given the new FEMA flood maps, my colleagues and I must have as much data as possible on potential impacts before reaching any decisions about the wisdom of raising FAR limitations throughout the city. Delaying a decision on further loosening ADU regulations is needed to give City staff sufficient time to provide the data I’ve requested and for the Mayor and Council to review and analyze the data.
Additionally, it appeared that the City’s notification on ADU amendments had fallen short of advising all residents, a fundamental expectation when the City plans to change land use regulations throughout the city.
When the issue comes back later this month, I will be working to convince other Council Members and the Mayor to delay further consideration of ADUs until CodeNEXT is complete.
Leslie Pool
Pool [Email address: Pool #AT# austintexas.gov - replace #AT# with @ ]>
Council Member, District 7
Chair, Committee on Open Space, Environment and Sustainability Austin City Council
512.978.2107