C20-2023-043 Downtown Parking Modifications was approved by City Council on May 30, 2024. Click to view the adopted ordinance. 

Background

On February 1, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 20240201-054, initiating changes to the Land Development Code to modify non-zoning parking regulations so that the regulations meet parking needs more efficiently, achieve the goals of reducing the overall number of new parking spaces built within downtown, and create a more walkable, pedestrian-oriented built environment with fewer large above-ground parking structures.

 

Summary of Proposed Amendment

The proposed code amendments will:

  1. Revise the existing “soft parking cap”:
    • Properties zoned CBD and DMU: Soft parking maximum reduced from 60% to 40% of former Appendix A requirement.
    • Developments under 10,000 sq ft or with 70 or fewer residential units can continue to include up to 60% of parking spaces formerly required by Appendix A.
  2. Only allow more parking than the “soft cap” under certain conditions:
    • The director may allow more parking than the soft cap allows if:
      • There is no risk to public health, safety, or welfare and it aligns with planning policies for the area; and
      • Parking is part of a shared parking facility; or
      • Parking is rented or sold separately from the building space; or
      • Parking is designed and constructed for conversion to usable building space in the future; or
      • Parking is underground; or
      • Mitigation Fees are paid for parking built above the parking maximum and go toward multimodal improvements.
  3. Reduce the absolute maximum amount of car parking allowed:
    • Current parking maximum reduced from 110% to 80% of parking spaces of former Appendix A requirement.
    • All developments allowed up to 100% of parking spaces of former Appendix A requirement, if excess spaces above the 80% limit are included underground.

 

Review and Adoption Timeline

  • April 30, 2024: Recommended for approval by the Planning Commission
  • May 30, 2024: Approved by City Council

 

The “What are Parking Maximums?” and “Proposed Changes” tabs provide more information about parking maximums and a more detailed summary of the proposed changes.

 

Case Manager Contact

Cole Kitten, Transportation and Public Works Department, Cole.Kitten@austintexas.gov

Question title

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Public Hearing Information and Timeline

Public hearings are an opportunity to have your voice heard on proposed changes to the Land Development Code.

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Open House (In-Person)

When: Wednesday, April 17 from 6-8 p.m.

Where: Central Library, 710 Cesar Chavez Street

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Joint Housing and Planning Committee and Mobility Committee Meeting

When: Tuesday, April 23 at 1 p.m. 

Where: Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street

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Planning Commission Meeting

When: Tuesday, April 30 at 4 p.m. 

Where: Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street

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City Council Meeting

When: Thursday, May 30 at 10 a.m.

Where: Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street