First Draft of Austin's New CodeNext Zoning Code Released

It was a big day for planners and planning in Austin earlier this week, when the city released the 1,100-page first draft of the city's new zoning code—the first major revision of the city's zoning doe since the mid-1980s.

1 minute read

February 3, 2017, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Austin Pedestrians

GSPhotography / Shutterstock

"After nearly three years of work as part of a process dubbed CodeNEXT, city officials on Monday morning released the first draft of Austin’s new land development code," reports Christopher Neely.

"The code aims to balance what Adler referred to as the 'Austin bargain,'" explains Neely, "an attempt at protecting the character of the city’s existing neighborhoods while allowing density along the city’s main corridors."

At this point in the CodeNext approval process, consultant Opticos is handing off the drafting process to the city's Code Advisoy Group, which will manage public outreach.

In a separate article focusing more on substance, rather than process, Neely interviews "four of the code’s architects Monday afternoon to discuss some of the biggest takeaways from the city’s first official draft of the land development code." A transcript of an interview with officials from the city of Austin's Planning and Zoning Department, as well the leader of the project from the Opticos team, makes up the bulk of this follow-up article.

Monday, January 30, 2017 in Community Impact Newspaper

portrait of professional woman

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 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 Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

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.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business

Large spinning swing ride at Chicago's Navy Pier.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip

Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

July 3 - Streetsblog Chicago

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas at night with rotating Tower of the Americas in foreground.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion

The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

July 3 - Governing