A zoning change has increase height limits from 308 feet to 420 feet for new buildings near the city’s MLS stadium.
The Austin City Council recently approved a zoning change that will allow taller buildings in the neighborhood surrounding Q2 Stadium, home to the Austin FC Major League Soccer team.
“City Council approved a zoning change on Oct. 27 to allow buildings up to 420 feet in height – about 40 stories – on some properties around Q2 Stadium and in the Domain,” reports Jonathan Lee for the Austin Monitor. Councilmember Leslie Pool, who represents the area, is quoted in the article saying the zoning change will take advantage of an economic boom taking place in the area around the stadium.
“The Domain and surrounding area has seen as much new development as anywhere in Austin in recent years. Uptown ATX, a massive mixed-use development on IBM’s former campus, began construction last year, and several projects around Q2 Stadium are in various stages of development,” reports Lee.
“The height increase applies to buildings within the Commercial Mixed-Use (CMU) Gateway Zone subdistrict of the North Burnet Gateway Regulating Plan. Height in the zoning district was 308 feet before the change. Floor area ratio, a measure of density, also increased from 8:1 to 12:1.”
Councilmember Pool has also suggested that the entire North Burnet Gateway Regulating Plan is due for a complete update to prepare for incoming development interest and transit investments.
FULL STORY: Buildings over 400 feet tall now allowed around Q2 Stadium
More Evidence Upzoning Alone Won't Boost Housing
Experts caution that to encourage significant new housing production, other zoning reforms that reduce costs and streamline permitting should accompany increased density requirements.
Editorial: Raise Height Limits to San Jose's Proper Stature
The city of San Jose has the "least distinctive" downtown skyline of the nation's major cities, according to editorial board of The Mercury News. The City Council has a chance to change that.
Texas Judge Reverses Three Austin Zoning Reforms
The ruling impacts ordinances passed in 2022 aimed at increasing housing density and supporting mixed-use development.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont