Imagine Austin + CodeNext

IMAGINE AUSTIN + CODENEXT

In 2009, Austinites began a big-picture conversation about how to best tackle our toughest challenges, and to set a vision that would help guide our future. This multi-year process led to the successful adoption of a new citywide comprehensive plan called the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, which was adopted by Austin City Council in June of 2012.

Our existing Land Development Code was written 30 years ago when Austin’s population was half the size it is now, and it has become overly complex after being amended hundreds of times over the years to accommodate unforeseen issues. The Code is being updated to help us create the kinds of places we want, as identified in Imagine Austin, and to address critical issues such as diminishing natural resources, household affordability, and access to healthy lifestyles.
Imagine Austin is a comprehensive plan, crafted by the people of Austin to create a more affordable, mobile, and sustainable city.

What is CodeNEXT exactly and how will it affect me? CodeNEXT, as you’ve likely heard, is the City of Austin’s revision to its land development code, which determines what can be built, where, and how much. CodeNEXT is Austin’s opportunity to shape the future of our city and provide stronger tools to address housing affordability, transportation, environmental protection, and preserve the things that make this city so unique and special.

Every property owner in Austin will receive a postcard from the City of Austin with basic information about CodeNEXT and a list of scheduled hearings for public comment.
The current version of the proposed code, known as Draft 3, is available for review and comment online. If you are interested in how CodeNEXT could affect a particular property, you can use the City’s Zoning Comparison Tool to see how the zoning could change under Draft 3.

Under the current code draft, entitlement for most properties in core residential neighborhoods do not significantly change. The current Draft 3 proposal reduces the minimum lot size for some residentially-zoned lots and allows some attached housing options, but it doesn’t generally permit more units on a lot than what is allowed under current zoning.

How will this impact properties in Austin? Land use issues are complicated and many of the changes are hard to decipher. If you have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the City of Austin Planning and Zoning staff online or by phone at (512) 535-3030. The City of Austin Planning and Zoning staff is also holding office hours, which can be booked through their website.

You can also send questions to me at hello@christinewren.com as I have been attending countless meetings to understand each draft and what it means for my clients. 
93% of the properties will see no change. The majority of notices will be providing a name change only and not a change to the property entitlements. The City is required by law to notify owners of any change to their property record, even if it’s just a name change.

Austin is Livable | Compact + Connected

Austin is Natural and Sustainable | Sustainable Water

Austin is Creative | Creative Austin

Austin is Prosperous | Household Affordability

Austin Values & Respects its People | Healthy Austin

What happens if CodeNext doesn't get adopted?

The Missing Middle is a type of housing range of multi-unit or clustered housing types compatible in scale with single-family homes that help meet the growing demand for walkable urban living.

The idea behind CodeNext is to provide an opportunity for people who cannot afford to live and work in Austin today. An essential tool to make our whole community more livable by allowing the market to participate by what gets built where, when and at what cost.

The only path to affordable neighborhoods is to allow, by right, the construction of smaller denser housing throughout the neighborhoods.  
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