Advocacy
MISSION:
AIA Austin will direct ongoing advocacy efforts with the general community on the value of design and the work of architects.
AIA Austin will actively promote and leverage the expertise of its members to influence and shape the designed environment, as well as policies and legislation affecting that environment.
AIA Austin Executive Committee established the subcommittee of the Board in 2009 to focus specifically on efforts to best address both internal and external advocacy efforts. The Advocacy subcommittee meets monthly to assist Chapter leadership, AIA committees and our membership in coordinating consistent and systematic efforts to promote the expertise of our membership and identify audiences, venues and mediums to voice the values of our organization.
President Richard Weiss, AIA
Chair Jana McCann, AIA
Co-Chair Philip Southwick, AIA
Past President Taylor Dueker, AIA
Liaison - Residential Stuart Sampley, AIA
Liaison - Commercial Michael Hsu, AIA
Liaison - Planning Bart Whatley, AIA
At Large Matt Ryan
At Large Jacqui Dodson, AIA
AIA Austin Executive Director Sally Fly
RESIDENTIAL
CITY OF AUSTIN RESIDENTIAL REVIEW & INSPECTION UPDATES
AIA Austin through its advocacy sub-committee is actively engaged with City of Austin staff to keep updated as to zoning and building code changes, specifically the Residential Review and Inspections Departments. The purpose is to inform AIA members of various code changes and city staff interpretations impacting architects and their practice.
RESIDENTIAL PERMIT APPLICATION
City of Austin Planning and Development Review Department (PDRD) has revised the application and process for residential building permits. Application and check list below.
- COA 2012 Residential BP Application (pdf)
- COA Owners Letter (pdf)
- AIA Intake Checklist (pdf)
TECHNICAL CODE REVIEW
City of Austin Planning and Development Review Department (PDRD) has begun to incorporate a limited technical review to the current zoning review process. This evolving pilot program is intended to minimize frequently overlooked building code requirements.
Architects are exempt from this process provided that all the submitted documents are signed and sealed. The technical review is not intended to be exhaustive of all possible requirements - see checklist below for items that will be be reviewed.
- Technical Code Checklist & Commentary (PDF)
REMODEL ORDINANCE
On June 24, 2010 City Council unanimously approved a resolution that amended Section 25-2-963 of the Land Development Code adding the following requirements for remodeling of residential non-complying structures:
1. No more than fifty percent of exterior walls and supporting structural elements of the existing structure may be demolished or removed. Exterior walls and supporting structural elements are measured in linear feet and do not include the roof of the structure or interior or exterior finishes.
2. Replacement or alteration of the original foundation may not change the finished floor elevation more than one foot vertically, in either direction.
3. For any residential use other than a single-family use in a SF-3 or more restrictive zoning district, the following requirements must be met in order to add square footage or convert accessory space into conditioned or habitable space: a. If the lot is noncomplying with current lot size or lot width requirements, the cost of improvements may not exceed 20% of the value of the structure before the improvements. b. Compliance with current parking and occupancy regulations is required.
4. If a non-complying portion of a structure is demolished, it loses its non-complying status and may only be rebuilt in compliance with current code.
Also, the review times for remodeling and additions was modified in Section 25-11-63 (Review Periods) to reflect a 7-day review period for non-complying structures.
- Modification & Maintenance to non-complying structures (PDF)
- COA Staff Adopted Remodel Process (PDF)
SUBCHAPTER F: RESIDENTIAL DESIGN & COMPATIBILITY STANDARDS (aka McMansion)
Regulations are in effect that limit the size of residential structures built or remodeled in the City of Austin. The current language, including the revisions, can be found in the Land Development Code, 25-2, Subchapter F (Residential Design and Compatibility Standards).
In addition to the code language, below are the necessary documents that we have gathered from the City's to gain a better understanding of the complex regulations:
.Original Ordinance creating Subchapter F, June 2006 (pdf)
.Graphic Version of Subchapter F, September 2006
(pdf)
.Revisions to the Original Regulations, June 2008
(pdf)
THE McMANSION ORDINANCE, GENERALLY
- Limits the size of new and remodeled structures using Floor-to-Area-Ratio (FAR)
- Adds a building envelope requirement, created by side and rear setback planes
- Adds a side wall articulation requirement
- Changes how height is measured and changes the maximum height to 32 feet.
- Changes front and rear setbacks
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
. Sidewalk Requirement Ordinance, February 2008 (pdf)
. Visibility Ordinance, June 2008 (pdf)
. Energy Code Revisions, 2008
(pdf)
. IRC Amendment, Rated side-setback encroachments, 2008
(pdf)
. Heritage Tree Ordinance
(pdf)
. Energy Code Revisions 2010 (pdf)
. Dwelling Unit Interpretation Memo, Jan 2011 (pdf)
. Habitable Attic Memo, July 2008 (pdf)
. PDRD Org Chart, Oct 2010 (pdf)
. Summer Conference Update Presentation, Aug. 2011 (pdf)
. COA Attic Interpretation, Jan 2012 (pdf)
COMMERCIAL
CITY OF AUSTIN COMMERCIAL BUILDING UPDATES
AIA Austin through its advocacy sub-committee is actively engaged with City of Austin staff to keep updated as to changes in the processes and codes concerning commercial buildings and site development. The purpose is to inform AIA members of various code changes and city staff interpretations impacting architects and their practice.
DEVELOPMENT / SITE PLANNING AND BUILDING PERMIT
A good place to start the development process is at the City of Austin Development Assistance Center (DAC). This office can be found on the first floor of One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road.
Building permit questions are best taken to the Permit Center and Commercial Building Plan Review on the second floor of One Texas Center.
A list of the currently applicable codes and City of Austin Amendments (Ordinances) to those codes can be found at the City of Austin. Also at this link you will find information relating to commercial building permit application, floodplain, required third party testing, permit reactivation, Energy Code COM check, sign permits, quick turn around permit process, demolition permit, outdoor music ordinance, tree protection, tap requirements and other important documents and topics.
You can also send an email to Commercial Building.
SUBCHAPTER E: Commercial Design standards and Mixed-Use
Officially known as Subchapter E of Chapter 25-2 of The Code of The City of Austin, this ordinance was adopted on August 31, 2006 and became effective on January 13, 2007. Phase I amendments were implemented on March 12, 2009.
Subchapter E sets minimum site and building standards relating to design, regardless of project size. Subchapter E can be a challenging ordinance to navigate, it has a broad scope and it’s requirements at times are both specific and open-ended.
Subchapter E does allow for Alternative Equivalent Compliance to meet the intent of the code and to “To encourage creative and original design...that meets the intent of this Subchapter…”. However, “The procedure is not a general waiver of regulations.” The Director may also approve minor modifications from the terms of the Subchapter.
A short overview of Subchapter E’s purview would include:
1. Applicability (Article 1.2): the applicability of the Subchapter is based on adjacent roadways and type of development.
2. Relationship of Buildings to Streets (Article 2.2): sidewalks, building placement, street tree/furniture zone, internal circulation routes, building entrance locations
3. Connectivity (Article 2.3): large sites requiring Internal Circulation Systems
4. Parking (2.4): reductions and minimum off-street parking requirements
5. Exterior lighting (Article 2.5)
6. Screening of Equipment and Utilities (Article 2.6)
7. Building Design (Article 3): minimum “glazing” requirements, shade and shelter requirements
8. Options to Improve Building Design (3.3): if applicable, concerns building articulation, exterior finish materials, exterior enhancements, roof designs
9. Mixed-Use (Article 4): concerning Mixed-Use Zoning Districts (MU), Vertical Mixed-Use Zoning Districts (VMU) and buildings
The City of Austin is drafting Phase II amendments to Subchapter E, tentatively, the City’s goal is to have a draft document issues to stakeholders in the Spring/Summer of 2011.
AIA Austin is working to gather information thru various committees and a member forum to present a list of recommended changes to the current ordinance to the City of Austin in June or July 2011.
Attachments: Subchapter E: Phase I amended, March 12, 2009
PLANNING
CITY OF AUSTIN PLANNING UPDATES
AIA Austin through its advocacy sub-committee is actively engaged with City of Austin staff to keep updated as to zoning and site plan ordinance changes, specifically the Planning & Development Review Department (Urban Design, Zoning, Annexation Code Amendments, Historic Preservation, Land Use Review, Comprehensive Planning, Neighborhood Planning, Development Assistance Center) and Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office. The purpose is to inform AIA members of various code changes and city staff interpretations impacting architects and their practice.
PLANNING LINKS
Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office
Planning and Development Review
One Stop Shop for Development Services
Watershed Protection
Urban Design Office
Comprehensive Plan (Imagine Austin)
Neighborhood Planning
Neighborhood Housing and Community Development
Public Works Department
Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Downtown Austin Plan
Mueller Neighborhood
DESIGN STANDARDS
Downtown Austin Plan
Waller Creek District Master Plan
East Riverside Corridor Draft Master Plan
Commercial Design Standards – (Discussed above, under “Commercial”)
Great Streets Master Plan
North Burnet Gateway Master Plan
University Neighborhood Overlay District
Transit Oriented Development
Airport Corridor Initiative
NEWS
IMAGINE AUSTIN COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
AIA Austin has produced the contents of this website not to provide any representations, guidance, or advice, but rather in an effort to furnish sources of additional possible resources for the user’s own research and investigation. Those sources of information are to be taken and/or used at the user’s sole and exclusive risk, and AIA Austin encourages independent, professional analysis and verification of accuracy. Information, documents, codes, rules, laws, standards, and procedures associated with the design and construction industries are subject to frequent change and conflicting interpretation. AIA Austin is not responsible for any errors or inaccuracies in the information or documents referenced or provided, and the Chapter disclaims any representations whatsoever as to the accuracy and applicability of this information and any documents. There is no warranty, express or implied, as to the fitness, accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any information contained in this website. The user’s sole and exclusive remedy for any complaints, concerns, problems, or issues of any kind whatsoever shall be discontinuing the use of this website. The use of this website constitutes the user’s acceptance of these terms.
Today's enthusiastic start to our monthly Old Bakery lunch series generated some great comments, a new event on the calendar, and some specific next steps.
Next planning seession:
old bakery park, 1000 Congress Ave, 24 Jan at 11:30 AM
We will have an Old Bakery Lunch this Tuesday to confirm the goals and participants for our next major...
On January 9, the Board of Adjustment voted to change the way the Attic Exemption will be reviewed -effective immediately.
In short, they changed the way the contributing area is measured by the zoning reviewers. It says that 50% of the floor area must be below 7 FT if height; however, the 2009 IRC says that to consider the space habitable it must have 50% of the floor area above 7ft in...
Professional Practice-
IBC 2012, IRC 2012, TAS 2012, IECC2012:. As we await details of the City code adoption process, we are putting out a request to committee chairs to gather interested people. Let us know if you want to...
City of Austin SDAT application, backed by this committee, approved for federal grant funding! This will seek opportunities for the shoreline near the Statesman and the South 1st Bridge/
City of Austin Solar Decathalon 2013 application was backed by this committee a few days ago. Thanks...
National:
Sept 20th at Green Pastures Paul Mendelsohn from AIA National will journey to Texas and present updates on Rebuild & Renew, Regulatory Burdens, and other National Advocacy efforts. This will be a coming-out party for our local Advocacy...
Through surveys, forums, and committees, your professional input has poured in about the issues affecting you and your practice; we leverage this input to effect change in local ordinances and in the built environment.
Stuart Sampley provided a summary chart of input related to the Subchapter F (Residential Design Standards) Forum that just concluded. He will dig deeper on a...
Our Forum series continues as we gather your input and leverage your expertise on these hot topics:
Michael Hsu- June Commercial Design Standards Forum went well. Meetings continue in smaller groups to assess the input that was submitted at the Forum and by email, looking toward creation of a...
Please join us for a presentation and discussion of the current issues surrounding the City of Austin's Subchapter F: Residential Design & Compatibility Standards (aka McMansion). AIA Advocacy is seeking member input on suggested amendments to the current code to be included in an advocacy document to City Staff.
This is an AIA...
A website, a survey, a forum or two. We have a number of new tools this month to help our AIA Membership alert us to areas where we need to come together as a community, and new tools to educate each other about the work we are already doing.
The new Advocacy Website is up and running. Thanks to Jana McCann (...