Big Box Battles

In Austin, new ordinances seek growth limits, and aggressive design standards for commercial development.

1 minute read

July 1, 2005, 11:00 AM PDT

Austin has focused on altering the big-box landscape as a key to curbing sprawl. The city has adopted design standards and environmental guidelines for commercial development aimed at maintaining the city's unique historic and architectural character.

"Austin's Commercial Design Standards apply to all new construction and redevelopment along major thoroughfares and scenic Hill Country roadways. They address landscaping; materials on exterior facades; building orientation; transit and pedestrian amenities; neighborhood access; lighting; parking; convertibility; signage; design modularity; and screening of loading facilities, mechanical equipment, storage and trash. Boxes, as well as other commercial buildings, must also comply with the citys sustainable building code, which requires integrated solar panels."

Thanks to Peter Slatin

Read the full story: Big Box Battles

Wednesday, June 29, 2005 in The Slatin Report

Architecture Texas

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

Start Learning

Advertise with us

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.