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

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.

As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)