While the  public comment period and survey are now closed, you can still let staff, the Planning Commission, and City Council know what's on your mind by emailing  LDCupdates@AustinTexas.gov.

2016 VISION PLAN

Adopted by City Council in June 2016, the South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan provides a roadmap for new development in the district that can create a place all of Austin can treasure. Developed through substantial community participation, the Vision Framework Plan envisions a district that uses both public and private investments to generate affordable housing, parkland, open space, and other community benefits and public attractions.

DRAFT REGULATIONS

In September 2022, with Resolution No. 20220915-090, the Austin City Council directed City staff to develop a plan to implement the intent of the 2016 South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan.

The proposed Combining District and Density Bonus Program will help make our shared vision a reality. These regulations offer an alternative to the area's current zoning and can help achieve the community benefits identified in the Vision Framework:

• Affordable housing,
• Infrastructure improvements (like streets, parks, bike lanes, access to transit, etc.), and
• Enhanced environmental protections.

They will ensure a consistent approach while also being flexible enough to enable variety in scope and appearance throughout the full 118 acres of the district. These proposed regulations allow us to build bigger buildings than are otherwise allowed in exchange for contributions to the community benefits that are the heart of the Vision Framework.

After a monthlong public comment period, the Planning team has revised the South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program, incorporating some suggestions and revisions offered by City staff, City Boards and Commissions, and members of the public. To review the changes we've made, our staff's report to the Planning Commission, and the comments we received during that period, please see:

• Key Adjustments Made to Program
• Staff Report to Planning Commission
• Public Feedback Matrix

The result will be a new, vibrant neighborhood that's a destination for community members who'll come for its public spaces, access to Lady Bird Lake, and proximity to transportation options including the coming Project Connect light rail service and Austin's beloved Hike & Bike Trail.

BONUS CALCULATOR TOOL 

We've created a tool that lets you to see how the Density Bonus Program might work in the real world. The Microsoft Excel-based tool lets you enter in the details of a hypothetical property, including square footage, type of land use (office, residential, hotel, etc.), and other information, and then it calculates what you'd be required to contribute as community benefits.

Click the link above or the image below to access the tool.