City leaders in Austin, Texas are backing an innovative policy to increase the amount of affordable housing.
The plan relaxes zoning restrictions and provides incentives for higher density construction in affordable and mixed-income developments. To qualify, 50% of the housing in a development must be affordable—priced for families earning 60% or less of median family income (MFI) for the area.
For-sale properties must be affordable at 80% of MFI or below. If projects meet baseline criteria, developers could increase density and total rentable or sellable space. That includes the go-ahead to build higher than a zoning district’s limits.
Other loosened restrictions include a reduction of setbacks and minimum lot sizes, waiving height/setback compatibility standards, and bringing accessible-parking requirements up to code. The program is applicable in commercial and residential zoning districts, except in industrial zones or near sites that present certain health hazards, and in most special-use zoning and overlay districts.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2021
New York, New Jersey legislatures may revamp bidding rules to promote low-carbon concrete
Contractors would have to certify that their concrete is in compliance.
Codes and Standards | Jul 19, 2021
Lack of information on carbon emissions challenges construction industry
Reports recommends whole-life carbon assessments on building projects.
Codes and Standards | Jul 19, 2021
Florida condo collapse spurs increased scrutiny on inspections, regulations
Insurers demand proof of current inspections.
Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2021
Three drywall code-referenced publications have been updated
Include guidance on fire resistance, sound control, application, and finishing.
Codes and Standards | Jul 14, 2021
Biden’s infrastructure proposal includes massive investment in school buildings
‘Once in a lifetime opportunity’ to upgrade HVAC and other key systems.
Codes and Standards | Jul 13, 2021
Reluctance to fund maintenance on older condos is a serious problem
Owner associations defer needed work, putting properties at risk.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2021
Regulations on hydrofluorocarbons reduce roof insulation options
Canada, some U.S. states ban HFC blowing agents used in closed-cell foam.
Codes and Standards | Jul 8, 2021
New York City shuts down 322 construction sites for unsafe conditions
Action comes as inspectors visit more than 2,100 sites.
Codes and Standards | Jul 7, 2021
Bechtel, Nautilus partner on sustainable, high-performance data centers
Facilities would use 70% less power for cooling, eliminate consumption of drinking water.
Codes and Standards | Jul 7, 2021
Surfside condo collapse could spur new legislation
Natl. Institute of Standards and Technology is investigating.