City of Austin to Relax Multifamily Building Restrictions
Austin City Councilmembers recognize that the city is hurting for housing, “It’s just indisputable that we have a major housing shortage in Austin and it’s hurting our people”, says City Councilmember Chito Vega. He added that addressing affordability is a key issue.
Some changes under consideration, 1) the council can expand the affordable housing program by letting mixed-use properties build up an extra 30 feet. In exchange, a greater number of units would go for below the market rate and, 2) allow buildings on busy streets to go higher by relaxing compatibility restrictions, which are currently some of the strictest in the nation. Compatibility standards try to ensure that new commercial development does not dwarf nearby single family housing.
Other items being explored are to slow the rate of rising rent, which went up 25% from a year ago. The Council has agreed to bring the matters up for a vote at an upcoming meeting.
- ◦Policy/Gov't
