Government
BY BEN THOMPSON
Austin moves to allow 3 homes on single-family properties
Officials moved to: • Adjust the allowed size of some housing units under HOME, and their distances from neigh- bors and property lines; • Encourage the preservation and planting of trees on residential lots; • Include preservation and sustainability bonuses to encourage retaining older structures; • Require regular, detailed reporting on HOME’s impacts in Austin What’s next While HOME will be in effect by late December, new development under the policy won’t be allowed until February to give city staff time to prepare for the updates. HOME’s second phase—cutting minimum lot sizes for residential construction, potentially by more than half—is set to be considered in the spring.
The first phase of a plan Austin officials hope will help tackle the city’s housing affordability crisis was approved by council on Dec. 7. Their 9-2 approval of Phase 1 of the “HOME” policy capped months of often-contentious debate over a plan allowing up to three homes on single-family properties. Additionally, City Council voted for an increase in the number of people who can live together. Supporters said they hope the update will allow smaller and more affordable homes to address the need for middle-income housing. Along with concerns about fueling gentrification and displacement, opponents said the plan was rushed, ill-conceived and may strain the city’s infrastructure and resources. The details Council passed HOME Phase 1 with several of their and the Planning Commission’s amendments.
Tracking the proposal Council members supporting HOME say the two-part plan will promote more middle- income housing by reducing development barriers and potentially allowing less expensive homes to be built.
Phase 1: Allow up to three housing units on single-family properties Status: Passed
Phase 2: Reduce minimum lot sizes for residential construction by more than half Status: Under consideration in the spring
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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