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.
"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.
FULL STORY: Austin officials release first official CodeNEXT draft
Austin Reminded to Be Respectful While Debating CodeNEXT
A call for civility amid the great zoning debate in Austin, Texas.
Catch Up With Austin's CodeNEXT
CodeNEXT is one of the most ambitious, and controversial, zoning reform projects ongoing in the country, with lessons to offer planners all over the country in code writing, public outreach, and planning outcomes.
Breaking: Austin Moving on from CodeNEXT
The city of Austin's ambitious process of rewriting its Land Development Code has lost political support.
How Smaller Supermarkets Could Transform American Communities
Bigger is not always better.
Research Links Urban Design and Human Happiness
An emerging field of ‘neuroarchitectural’ research is revealing how building facades and urban design impact the human brain and body.
Save Lives on Our Roads Using the Safe System Approach
Prioritizing safety and committing to the SSA framework can make a big impact in the effort to reduce traffic fatalities.
Key Climate and Health Issues to Watch in 2025
The escalating health impacts of climate change, from extreme heat to sea level rise, highlight the urgent need for integrated medical education, proactive communication, and sustainable policy solutions to protect public health.
Rising Temperatures and the Escalating Wildfire Crisis
Rising global temperatures driven by climate change are intensifying and prolonging wildfire seasons worldwide, necessitating improved forest management, public awareness, and urgent action to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
Looking Back on 60 Years of Land Development in the Twin Cities
In 1960, about 12 percent of the Twin Cities metro's land was already developed. By 2020, about 34 percent had been developed. Many factors influenced how the region has changed since 1960.
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.
City of Oxford
Caltrans - District 7
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport