10/31/24 Regulatory Update 

---

AUSTIN

CITY OF AUSTIN  
​DSD Prepares to Bring Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools into Residential Building Plan Reviews
Following a successful pilot last year, the Development Services Department (DSD) will soon integrate AI-powered pre-checks into the Residential Building Plan Review process. The City of Austin has entered an agreement with Archistar to offer its eCheck assessment tool, beginning in early 2025 with single-family residential projects. The eCheck platform will read and evaluate applicants’ designs based on a defined set of development requirements at a specific location. It will then generate a pre-check compliance report, noting whether adjustments are needed before applications are submitted for formal review.   
Using AI for this purpose will allow staff to focus on more complex reviews and provide faster, more informed feedback on building plans, potentially trimming days to weeks off review times. Austin is the first city in America with a contract to implement this AI-powered platform and is one of 10 cities in a national pilot with Archistar, in partnership with the International Code Council.  

---

10/11/24 Regulatory Update

Leander

 View Collection System Master Plan 

---

9/20/24 Regulatory Updates 

---

AUSTIN

AUSTIN WATER
Austin Water – Utility Development Services Updates
​
Service Extension Request (SER) Applications
Austin Water has integrated the SER application process and fee payment into the Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) Portal. This new process replaces the current email submittal process. 
Please visit the AB+C Portal to submit new SER applications and to pay SER application fees. Be prepared to attach the signed and notarized SER application form, a location map, and other checklist items (engineering report, calculations, exhibits, etc.).
The new application submittal process is similar to the current email submittal process. Once the SER submittal package has been uploaded, an administrative completeness review will be conducted by Austin Water staff. When the submittal package is deemed administratively complete, payment can then be made through the AB+C Portal. SER staff will be notified of the successful payment, so you will no longer need to send an additional email confirming payment of the application fee.
A “how-to” guidance document can be found on the SER website, under the Forms section. Please send a message to [email protected] if you run into any issues with the new SER application process.

Onsite Sewage Facilities (OSSF) Applications
Austin Water has begun accepting OSSF application and fee payments via the AB+C Portal. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions related to this process.

Austin Water Records GIS Access
Planning layers have been added to Austin Water’s online GIS viewer, the Records Access Application (RAA). The SER tab within the map has been updated to includeAustin Water’s Long Range Plan (LRP) layers and Capital Improvements Program (CIP) projects layers.
The LRP layers provide insight into our big picture vision for expansion of the utility system. In most cases, infrastructure identified in our LRP is not part of a planned CIP project and does not have funding approved for it. Most LRP infrastructure is driven by development and Austin Water may seek opportunities to partner with development projects to construct these mains and/or facilities.  
The CIP layers show projects that are anticipated in Austin Water’s 10-year planning horizon and can be an indicator of known capacity constraints and aging/low performing infrastructure. The CIP layers are a planning tool and are subject to change. Projects flagged in this category are not guaranteed to be administered but reflect where Austin Water’s focus is at the time the annual budget is set. Some projects may move in and out of the 10-year CIP plan, depending on the annual assessment of utility needs and priorities.
To access the Austin Water GIS records information, an account needs to be created. A request to create an account can be submitted using the form on the GIS Access Request (austintexas.gov) webpage. Once the request is processed and approved, account information is emailed to the applicant. Copies of Austin Water record drawings, as-builts and approved Service Extension Requests can be downloaded from Austin Water’s Records Access Application, via the online GIS viewer.
 
 
MORE INFORMATION
The Utility Development Services (UDS) Division consists of several programs that assist developers and landowners in obtaining water and wastewater service for existing and future development.
Programs include:

• Service Extension Request Program (i.e. extension of City water and wastewater infrastructure to provide utility service to a property)
• Land Use Review Program (i.e. preliminary plan and plat reviews)
• On-Site Sewage Facilities Program (e.g. onsite wastewater/septic systems serving single lots)
• Site Plan Private Plumbing Program (i.e. review of private plumbing infrastructure construction plans)
• Pipeline Plan Review (i.e. review of commercial sites, subdivision plans, and City Capital Improvement Projects)
• Tap Plans Engineering Programs (i.e review of plans for the installation of water/wastewater services at residential and commercial sites that qualify for a site plan exemption.)
• Review of Water Meter Upgrade Applications (i.e. reviews of applications to upgrade or modify existing or proposed water meter installations)
• Onsite Reuse Program (i.e. decentralized wastewater applications on commercial developments)

For more information, visit us online https://www.austintexas.gov/department/utility-development-services

---

4/15/24 Regulatory Updates 

---

AUSTIN

CITY OF AUSTIN  Watershed Protection Department Proposed Rules - Cycle 2 2024Watershed Protection Department is inviting you to review the proposed rules for the second cycle of Fiscal Year 2024.
When: Friday, May 3, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Central Time
Where: Teams
Meeting Link: Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 260 081 738 079
Passcode: odeZMu
 
The meeting will be recorded and the recording will be sent to this email list. You may also provide your feedback via email. Please provide any feedback to [email protected] prior to 5:00 PM on May 8th, 2024.
 
Agenda
WPD Departmental Contact:  Elizabeth Funk [email protected] 
 
Drainage Criteria Manual  

• Technical Contact – Paige Bradley [email protected] 

·        1.2.2- General: This change clarifies the conditions of a functional drainage easement. 
·        2.1.0, 2.3.0, 2.4.0, 2.4.2: The changes address various spelling and grammar errors. 
·        2.3.1- Depth-Duration Frequency Values: The table has been updated to include 10- minute duration rainfall amounts and North and South labels for each Zone. 
·        5.6.1- Spacing: This change clarifies the intent of the language. 
·        3.1.1; 5.7.1, Table 5-7; 6.2.2: This updates the term storm sewer to storm drain for continuity across the Code and Criteria manuals and City practices. 
·        Appendix B: These changes have been made to reflect the update to the Depth-Duration Frequency values chart mentioned above.
·        Glossary: These updates clarify the definition of Adverse Flooding Impact consistent with long-term interpretation and enforcement and add a Storm Drainage System definition for clarity and continuity. 
Link to changes:  DCM Corrections May 2024.pdf
 
Environmental Criteria Manual 

• Technical Contact – Paige Bradley [email protected] 

·        1.4.4, 1.6.2 C, 1.6.3 B, 1.6.7.5 E 2, 1.6.9.2 A, 1.6.10 A: This updates the term storm sewer to storm drain for continuity across the Code and Criteria manuals and City practices. 
Link to changes:  ECM Corrections - Drain.pdf
 

• Technical Contact – John Clement [email protected] 

·        Appendix Q2: Adding language on porous impervious cover that would not add to the watershed impervious cover calculations but would help applicants illustrate where they are proposing porous impervious cover. 
Link to changes:  APPENDIX_Q_2 - Porus Impervious Cover.pdf

---

4/15/24 Regulatory Updates 

---

AUSTIN

CITY OF AUSTIN  Watershed Protection Department Proposed Rules - Cycle 2 2024Watershed Protection Department is inviting you to review the proposed rules for the second cycle of Fiscal Year 2024.
When: Friday, May 3, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Central Time
Where: Teams
Meeting Link: Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 260 081 738 079
Passcode: odeZMu
 
The meeting will be recorded and the recording will be sent to this email list. You may also provide your feedback via email. Please provide any feedback to [email protected] prior to 5:00 PM on May 8th, 2024.
 
Agenda
WPD Departmental Contact:  Elizabeth Funk [email protected] 
 
Drainage Criteria Manual  

• Technical Contact – Paige Bradley [email protected] 

·        1.2.2- General: This change clarifies the conditions of a functional drainage easement. 
·        2.1.0, 2.3.0, 2.4.0, 2.4.2: The changes address various spelling and grammar errors. 
·        2.3.1- Depth-Duration Frequency Values: The table has been updated to include 10- minute duration rainfall amounts and North and South labels for each Zone. 
·        5.6.1- Spacing: This change clarifies the intent of the language. 
·        3.1.1; 5.7.1, Table 5-7; 6.2.2: This updates the term storm sewer to storm drain for continuity across the Code and Criteria manuals and City practices. 
·        Appendix B: These changes have been made to reflect the update to the Depth-Duration Frequency values chart mentioned above.
·        Glossary: These updates clarify the definition of Adverse Flooding Impact consistent with long-term interpretation and enforcement and add a Storm Drainage System definition for clarity and continuity. 
Link to changes:  DCM Corrections May 2024.pdf
 
Environmental Criteria Manual 

• Technical Contact – Paige Bradley [email protected] 

·        1.4.4, 1.6.2 C, 1.6.3 B, 1.6.7.5 E 2, 1.6.9.2 A, 1.6.10 A: This updates the term storm sewer to storm drain for continuity across the Code and Criteria manuals and City practices. 
Link to changes:  ECM Corrections - Drain.pdf
 

• Technical Contact – John Clement [email protected] 

·        Appendix Q2: Adding language on porous impervious cover that would not add to the watershed impervious cover calculations but would help applicants illustrate where they are proposing porous impervious cover. 
Link to changes:  APPENDIX_Q_2 - Porus Impervious Cover.pdf

---

3/18/24 Regulatory Updates 

---

AUSTIN

CITY OF AUSTIN
Prepare Active Construction Sites for Severe Weather
The Austin-area forecast is calling for weather tonight and over the weekend that could impact active construction sites. Take necessary actions according to your approved plans for inclement weather. Be sure to secure any loose materials or equipment on active construction sites. 
More information: 

• Showers, thunderstorms, and high wind tomorrow and through the weekend.
• Ensure appropriate erosion- and sediment- control measures are installed properly and working as intended. If your site has inlet protection in the right of way, remove those controls before rainfall begins to allow for proper drainage and help reduce risks associated with possible flooding. 
• Check the National Weather Service website for the latest forecast. 
• See our Getting Ready for Rain and Other Weather Events checklist.
• Questions about erosion and sediment control measures? Email the Environmental Inspections team. 

Thank you in advance for doing your part to help reduce risks related to severe weather.  
City of Austin Development Services Department  

DRIPPING SPRINGS

CITY OF DRIPPING SPRINGS
Dripping Springs enacts new landscaping rules
A city ordinance adopted March 5 will provide new restrictions on landscaping in Dripping Springs with the goal of preserving trees and water.
Dripping Springs city council approved the ordinance that will affect both commercial and residential property by:

• Prohibiting the removal of heritage trees, or trees of specific species that are 18 inches or larger
• Limiting the removal of standard trees, or trees of specific species between eight and 18 inches
• Encouraging drip irrigation—allowing water to drip to plant roots—and lessening live grass turf
• Prohibiting sprinklers that cause water flows over sidewalks, streets and other non-vegetated areas

What’s next
On April 13, all residential requirements will go into effect. All commercial requirements will go into effect July 12.
For more information visit www.cityofdrippingsprings.com/landscapeordinance
  

---

3/1/24 Regulatory Updates 

---

AUSTIN

CITY OF AUSTIN - PLANNING DEPARTMENT

Code amendments approved by City Council in February:

• February 1 Council meeting:
  • Airole Way SOS Amendment: Amended the Save Our Springs (SOS) Ordinance to allow the renovation and expansion of a historic home and the construction of a new residence. 
  • Minimum Bicycle Parking Requirements: Created new minimum bike parking requirements for new buildings.
  • S.M.A.R.T. Housing Update Phase 1: Updated how fees applicable to S.M.A.R.T. Housing developments are mentioned in the Land Development Code. The amendment removes outdated fees listed in the LDC and adds a reference to the annual fee schedule.
• February 29 Council meeting: 
  • Density Bonus (DB90) Zoning District: Created a new density bonus program that allows up to 30 feet of additional height in exchange for affordable housing. Property owners may opt-in to the new program by rezoning their property to DB90. Additional tiers of the program that allow more height are proposed to be created in the future. 

 
Code amendments initiated by City Council in February: 

• On Feb. 1, Council passed a resolution initiating several amendments to the LDC to support Austin's future light rail system:
  • Density Bonus (DB90) Zoning District: Create a new density program that allows up to 30 feet of additional height in exchange for affordable housing.
  • Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) Overlay: Create an ETOD Overlay for properties within 1/2 mile of the Phase 1 Light Rail Line and priority extensions to prohibit car-oriented uses and allow up to 60 feet of additional height in non-single-family zoning districts in exchange for affordable housing. 
  • Downtown Parking Requirements: Adopt policies related to parking, including parking maximums, to foster a more pedestrian- and transit-oriented Downtown.  
  • East Riverside Corridor (ERC) Regulating Plan Update: Update the ERC Regulating Plan to align with ETOD goals. 

Mar. 7, 2024, City Council meeting:  

• Onsite Water Reuse: Council will consider exempting certain affordable housing projects from alternative water use requirements that will go into effect on April 1, 2024. The proposed code amendment also clarifies applicability, definitions, measurement distances, and director authorized variances.
• Butler Trail Amendments: Council will consider relaxing rules that make it difficult to enhance and reconstruct the Ann and Roy Butler Trail in its current alignment. The code amendment would allow trail construction within 50' of Lady Bird Lake and allow the trail to exceed 12 feet in width. 

Dive Deeper
The following documents provide a more detailed update on Land Development Code amendments:
1. Schedule of Active Code Amendments Chart: Outline of the key milestones for each amendment.
2. Amendment Details Table: Additional detail on each of the amendments.

Help Shape the Future of the South Central Waterfront District
Now is the time to provide feedback on proposed regulations that will shape the future of the South Central Waterfront District! Visit the project page to review the proposed regulations, participate in a survey, and learn about additional opportunities to get involved. The first of three open houses was held on Feb. 28. Two additional open houses are planned in March: 

• In-Person Open House: March 18 at 6 p.m. Austin Central Library 710 W Cesar Chavez St., 78701
• Virtual Open House: March 20 at 10 a.m.

City Now Accepting Applications for Projects Built Using HOME
On Feb. 5, the City began accepting applications for projects built using regulations adopted in the first phase of the HOME initiative. The new regulations allow up to three homes on properties zoned single-family. Visit the Development Services Department's HOME Amendments webpage for information about the adopted changes and how to submit a project application.


Date Set for City Council and Planning Commission Joint Meeting
On Apr. 11, the City Council and the Planning Commission will hold a joint meeting to hear public testimony on four proposed amendments to the Land Development Code: 

• Citywide Compatibility
  • Revise height, building placement, and other related regulations that apply based on proximity to single-family homes (known as Compatibility Standards)
• HOME Phase 2
  • Revise regulations that apply to lots with one housing unit, including minimum lot size
• Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) Overlay
  • Create regulations that apply to properties that are located within a half mile of the planned Phase 1 Light Rail and Priority Extensions
• Electric Vehicle Charging
  • Create regulations that allow properties to be used for charging electric vehicles

After the joint meeting, the Planning Commission and City Council will meet separately to vote on the proposed changes. Stay tuned for more information about the review and adoption process for these amendments, including additional opportunities to provide feedback.


CITY OF AUSTIN - RIGHT OF WAY DIVISION 
​The Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP) was adopted by the Austin City Council in April 2019. The ASMP included a new categorization of streets from level 0 (alley) to level 5 (freeway).  Shortly thereafter, the City launched a public process to update the Transportation Criteria Manual.

Chapter 8 of the manual introduced the ASMP street levels for Right of Way (ROW) permitting and reviews. Since then, we have gradually shifted to the use of the new ASMP street levels in place of the old classification system (i.e. residential, collector, arterial). That gradual shift is now coming to finality as March 1, 2024 will be the full, effective date for use of the new ASMP street levels.
 
Current city standard details and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) standard details will be impacted by this change. We’ve developed a guide to reference the existing standard details (which still reference the residential, collector, arterial classifications) to the new ASMP street levels so that they can continue to be used appropriately. That guide is attached.
 
Per the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the Texas Engineering Practices Act, the design, selection, and placement of temporary traffic control should be performed by persons knowledgeable about the fundamental principles of temporary traffic control and based on engineering judgment. This includes the selection of a standard detail, with consideration given to type of roadway, road user conditions, duration of operation, physical constraints, and nearness of the work area to road users. City, state, and federal rules and regulations, including the general notes included in permit conditions, continue to apply.
 
Should you have any questions or would like to discuss the issue further, please contact Darren Ujano, ROW Supervising Engineer, at 512-974-6042 or via email at [email protected].

---

---

2/2/24 Regulatory Updates 

---

AUSTIN

CITY OF AUSTIN - TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Pilot program begins to eliminate requirement for proof of conflict resolution

CITY OF AUSTIN - DEVELOPMENT SERVICES UPDATE
Changes to Site Plan Review Completeness Check
 
The following changes to the site plan review process will take effect for site plan review on Feb.
9, 2024:  
 
1. Separating the Completeness Check and Formal Review processes. We are separating the
Completeness Check Review process and Formal Review process for site plan, similar to
subdivision. As a result, Completeness Check Review and Formal Review will now have
separate expiration dates. The Completeness Check Review will officially begin one business
day after payment, at which time the Intake team will process the application. After passing
Completeness Check, applicants will have 45 days to submit and pay for their Formal Review
application and, from that date, one year to complete the Formal Review.
 
This updated procedure increases the amount of time applicants have to complete the Formal
Review process by starting the one-year window for Formal Review when the application is
ready for review. These updates also include a series of operational enhancements that
collectively result in a more efficient, timely, and streamlined Formal Review process.  
 
2. Improved web forms for Completeness Check and Formal Reviews. To support these
separate review processes, there will be different web forms for the Completeness Check Review
process and Formal Review process. Both web forms will require you to submit a different
application. You will only submit the Formal Review web form with the new Site Plan Formal
Application (fillable PDF) once you have passed Completeness Check Review. 
 
3. New Completeness Check Certification Letter. This new letter will be provided to you after
your project passes the Completeness Check Review process. You will need this letter to submit
for Formal Review. It also serves as your reminder that you have 45 days from receiving it to
submit your Formal Review application and pay the applicable fees.
 
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to improve the development process.

We are planning additional changes that will impact the Site Plan Completeness Check Process
in the coming months.  
 
City of Austin Development Services Department

CITY OF AUSTIN - SITE PLAN CORRECTION REQUESTS NOW ACCEPTED ONLINE
 
To improve efficiency, DSD recently launched a Site Plan Correction Request web form. This
replaces the old procedure of having to submit the completed form by email and will allow staff
to process your request faster. Both new corrections and updates to existing corrections are
supported with this new web form. Details on the items needed for a Site Plan Correction can be
found on the DSD website.
 
Along with this new form, improvements have been made to the Site Plan Exemption Request
form.

CITY OF AUSTIN - LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENTS - MONTHLY BRIEFING
The following documents provide a more detailed update on Land Development Code
amendments:
1. Schedule of Active Code Amendments Chart and Memo: Outline of the key milestones and
deadlines for each amendment and summary of changes to the schedule.
2. Amendment Details Table: Additional detail on each of the amendments.

CITY OF AUSTIN - WATERSHED PROTECTION DEPARTMENT
Administrative Rule Changes
1st Cycle Rules Changes – Meeting Recording

• D - Q1_FY_2024 Agenda.pdf
• ECM 1.6.2 and 1.6.7 RWH WQ Credit revisions 20230830.pdf
• DCM 9.5.0___CALCULATION_OF_THE_DRAINAGE_CHARGE Change.pdf

CITY OF AUSTIN
Notice of Hearing: Updates to Austin Strategic Mobility Plan

---

TRAVIS COUNTY

TRAVIS COUNTY
Lifts moratorium on PID agreements

---

HUTTO

CITY OF HUTTO
Refreshing Codes and Manuals – the Hutto City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission
hosted a joint meeting to discuss current development and update the Unified Development Code
and Engineering Manual.

---

City of Austin Stay Home Work Safe  Order No. 20200529-012

ACEA and others advocated to have this language added to the new City of Austin Order.  Page 12 includes the following:
SECTION 8.   Except for payment of taxes and assessments as provided below, any deadline or expiration date imposed by City code, ordinance, rule, or regulation is SUSPENDED through the term of this Order. All deadlines and expiration dates for site plans, subdivisions, zoning, building permits, and similar development applications or permits are extended until August 15, 2020, or the date they would have normally expired, whichever is later. Notwithstanding the date this Order terminates, this section shall remain in effect until August 15, 2020.

New Order and Permit Extensions

---

Street Impact Fee Study Report

​The City of Austin has completed the Street Impact Fee Study, a two-year analysis and calculation of the costs to fund roadway infrastructure required to meet the needs of new development. The Street Impact Fee Study Report provides the City Council with the maximum allowable roadway impact fee that could be assessed by the City of Austin, complying with Chapter 395 of the Texas Local Government Code.

Street Impact Fee Study Report

Appendices

ACEA Fee Calculation & Final Report

---

NOAA Atlas 14 Standards in Round Rock

Update in response to suggestions made by ACEA member Michael Fisher, P.E. in separate conversations, The City of Round Rock Planning and Development Services Department has placed the development scenario’s in the form of a memo on letterhead and posted it to the PDS website in a couple of locations (Land Development page under SDP and SIP sections; see below).

• ATLAS 14 OUTREACH - DEVELOPMENT SCENARIOS

VIEW Development Scenarios