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Code Next work sessions

Posted: Wed May 17, 2017 10:30 am
by Kathie Tovo
Dear Colleagues,

As I mentioned in yesterday’s work session, I believe it would be helpful to organize a series of focused discussions on Code Next – either during the slot identified for that purpose on the existing Tuesday work sessions or perhaps on another day as the Mayor suggested.

The work sessions that Council organized during the 2012 Austin Energy rate review process provides a good example of how we might approach our analysis of CodeNext and the maps. Below are links to the Austin Energy work session resolution and schedule for reference:

http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=164290
http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=164291

There seemed to be agreement yesterday that the June 6 work session could be focused on the following Code Next topics:

Proposed procedure and process changes contained in Draft Code Text (I believe this topic will take some considerable time - at least an hour)
Timeline (during CodeNext consideration process and beyond)
Code corrections process

I have a running list of other topics, but as we discussed, if everyone uses this forum to post suggested topics, I will organize into a proposed draft schedule and bring back to Council for discussion on June 6 or as a formal resolution for the June 8 Council meeting.

Best,

Kathie Tovo

Re: Code Next work sessions

Posted: Tue May 23, 2017 10:03 am
by Steve Adler
Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem, for getting the ball rolling on this conversation regarding CodeNEXT.

As a starting place, my office has floated a handful of dates to your offices for which we might set aside some specific time for CodeNEXT conversations. Those dates are generally every Wednesday from 1-3pm starting next week and going up until our July break. These would be optional meetings, but they’ll serve as a venue to have a focused conversation as a group.

Mayor Pro Tem offers some topics above to kick off our first meeting. In addition, we can work with staff and use some of our time next week to discuss a timeline for subsequent topics of discussion.

Thank you and please respond with any ideas or comments you might have.

Ideas for CodeNext work sessions

Posted: Tue May 23, 2017 5:25 pm
by Alison Alter
Thank you Mayor Pro Tem Tovo for kicking off this discussion.

The City Charter requires that land development regulations be consistent with the comprehensive plan. I think it would be useful for us to discuss how the CodeNext draft map and text may or may not be following the guidelines laid out in Imagine Austin and how they support the Growth Concept Map.

In addition, I hope the consultants will present the promised models of the code. I know I would benefit from some visual representations of how the many pieces fit together.

Regards,
Alison Alter

Re: Code Next work sessions

Posted: Thu May 25, 2017 1:29 pm
by Ann Kitchen
Thank you all for your comments on Code Next Work Sessions. Here are initial thoughts on sessions:

1) I would ask that we have our first CodeNext discussion on either May 30th or 31st and that we set the meeting as a priority at a time certain - inotherwords, if we push to the end of an agenda, we won't get to it and/or won't provide sufficient time.

2) I would ask that we have the 2nd discussion on June 6th, as the first item on the Work Session agenda. I will have to be out of town on Wednesday, June 7th on City business - and really want to participate in these discussions. So - if it works for others, I'd like to suggest June 6th for the Code Next meeting.

3) I would note that we have limited time for discussion before the July break - only 5 weeks if we start next week, and have a discussion each week until July 5th. This likely only allows for time to discuss about 5 to 8 topics or so - given the amount of time some of these issues will take just for these initial discussions.

4) Thoughts on topics (in addition to those already mentioned by MPT Tovo, CM Alter)
(A) Future Small Area Planning Process - what happens after adoption and how are neighborhoods / businesses engaged in future land use planning to implement Imagine Austin (e.g. policies about growth along corridors, throughout the city)

(B) Infrastructure planning and CodeNext - how do we align water, wastewater, corridor planning, transportation and other infrastructure considerations with CodeNext. Inotherwords, do we know the extent to which our existing infrastructure supports proposed new zoning categories and if not, what processes will the city follow to make that assessment / address infrastructre issues

(C) McMansion Ordinance - understanding how this ordinance is carried through in the new Code

There are other topics which I will contribute to the discussion, but wanted to just mention these initial questions.

Best

Ann Kitchen
City Council D5

Re: Code Next work sessions

Posted: Tue May 30, 2017 8:12 pm
by Steve Adler
Thanks to those who have responded. I would respectfully suggest our time together in these work sessions will be best spent daylighting issues that we are hearing out in the community to make sure that they are considered or addressed over the coming months, and allowing our staff to clarify items that may have been misinterpreted or are giving rise to concern or confusion. This is not the time for us as a Council to decide or debate basic policy issues; that time will certainly come. But identification of policy issues that will need to be decided by the Council early next year and on which we want the community and our boards to address and advise is certainly a good use of the work sessions, too.

Ann has asked that we allow for a CodeNext discussion at next Tuesday’s work session and we will be posted to allow for this. We will continue to post and have discussions on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 pm for those that are able to attend. Those missing can watch the video’s and can recall a topic at another meeting if needed.

We have gathered some issues, below, that might be good for us to discuss with our CodeNEXT staff and consultants during our upcoming work sessions. What other ones should be listed?

- How does the CodeNext draft map and text follow the guidelines laid out in Imagine Austin and how do they support the Growth Concept Map.
- Where would the proposed code and map allow commercial uses in neighborhoods on sites where they are not currently allowed?
- What is the rationale staff considered in deciding to propose transect zoning rather than non-transect zoning in certain single family neighborhoods?
- Will rezoning properties currently zoned SF-3 to LMDR or to T3 be an up-zoning? When or when not could this be true? What does that mean?
- What is the relationship (if any) between a change in zoning and property taxes?
- How does the proposed code improve our city’s ability to reduce flooding?
- What’s happened with compatibility standards? Where do we find the McMansion ordinance? Does CodeNext increase or decrease the potential for flooding? How?
- Future Small Area Planning Process - what happens after adoption and how are neighborhoods / businesses engaged in future land use planning to implement Imagine Austin (e.g. policies about growth along corridors, throughout the city)
- Infrastructure planning and CodeNext - how do we align water, wastewater, corridor planning, transportation and other infrastructure considerations with CodeNext. Do we know the extent to which our existing infrastructure supports proposed new zoning categories and if not, what processes will the city follow to make that assessment/address infrastructure issues

Re: Code Next work sessions

Posted: Tue May 30, 2017 8:12 pm
by Steve Adler
Thanks to those who have responded. I would respectfully suggest our time together in these work sessions will be best spent daylighting issues that we are hearing out in the community to make sure that they are considered or addressed over the coming months, and allowing our staff to clarify items that may have been misinterpreted or are giving rise to concern or confusion. This is not the time for us as a Council to decide or debate basic policy issues; that time will certainly come. But identification of policy issues that will need to be decided by the Council early next year and on which we want the community and our boards to address and advise is certainly a good use of the work sessions, too.

Ann has asked that we allow for a CodeNext discussion at next Tuesday’s work session and we will be posted to allow for this. We will continue to post and have discussions on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 pm for those that are able to attend. Those missing can watch the video’s and can recall a topic at another meeting if needed.

We have gathered some issues, below, that might be good for us to discuss with our CodeNEXT staff and consultants during our upcoming work sessions. What other ones should be listed?

- How does the CodeNext draft map and text follow the guidelines laid out in Imagine Austin and how do they support the Growth Concept Map.
- Where would the proposed code and map allow commercial uses in neighborhoods on sites where they are not currently allowed?
- What is the rationale staff considered in deciding to propose transect zoning rather than non-transect zoning in certain single family neighborhoods?
- Will rezoning properties currently zoned SF-3 to LMDR or to T3 be an up-zoning? When or when not could this be true? What does that mean?
- What is the relationship (if any) between a change in zoning and property taxes?
- How does the proposed code improve our city’s ability to reduce flooding?
- What’s happened with compatibility standards? Where do we find the McMansion ordinance? Does CodeNext increase or decrease the potential for flooding? How?
- Future Small Area Planning Process - what happens after adoption and how are neighborhoods / businesses engaged in future land use planning to implement Imagine Austin (e.g. policies about growth along corridors, throughout the city)
- Infrastructure planning and CodeNext - how do we align water, wastewater, corridor planning, transportation and other infrastructure considerations with CodeNext. Do we know the extent to which our existing infrastructure supports proposed new zoning categories and if not, what processes will the city follow to make that assessment/address infrastructure issues

Re: Code Next work sessions

Posted: Tue May 30, 2017 8:13 pm
by Steve Adler
One other:

- What uses are entitled and conditional in a category like t4ms?

Re: Code Next work sessions

Posted: Tue May 30, 2017 10:23 pm
by Louisa Brinsmade
Dear Colleagues:

These are some of the topics that I would like discussed at our upcoming CodeNEXT work sessions, in order of priority.

TOPICS FOR COUNCIL WORK SESSIONS

1. Public Processes & Communications
Discussing the city's processes for presenting information on CodeNEXT and considering CodeNEXT feedback, including questions of:
* Accessibility (whether residents can easily navigate the CodeNEXT website, online comment tools, and other information and resources).
* Transparency (how information is being taken in, tracked, and considered -- including whether the city will offer a public-facing database for Council CodeNEXT questions, how the city has considered past feedback, and how the city plans on tracking and incorporating public input into future CodeNEXT drafts).
* Data-Driven Decisionmaking (what the Envision Tomorrow information means, what assumptions were used, how the city can continue to measure the impact of CodeNEXT implementation post-adoption, etc.).

2. Alignment with Prescription Papers and Imagine Austin
Discussing how the CodeNEXT draft aligns with Imagine Austin (especially with the Growth Concept Map) and how it aligns with the framework laid out in the Prescription Papers (especially the Natural and Built Environment Prescription Paper).

3. Environmental & Flooding
Discussing the new environmental and flooding standards.

4. Neighborhood/Small Area Planning
Discussing staff's process for incorporating Neighborhood/Small-Area Plans and their Future Land Use Maps (FLUMs) into the draft code and map; reviewing how CodeNEXT reflects adopted Neighborhood/Small-Area Plans; discussing what the process for Neighborhood/Small-Area Planning will look like going forward and how those plans will be incorporated into future zoning decisions.

5. Compatibility
Discussing changes in the draft code related to compatibility, including changes to height, distance, and requirements for what triggers compatibility.

6. Parking
Discussing the proposed parking requirements and parking adjustments, especially within the context of the commercial uses allowed by right or by MUP/CUP in open transect zones and in live/work; discussing how proposed parking policies align with the goals of transit planning and context-sensitive policy solutions (as outlined in the Prescription Papers).

I look forward to setting the topic schedule with you all at our first of these CodeNEXT work sessions.

Leslie Pool

Re: Code Next work sessions

Posted: Tue May 30, 2017 11:13 pm
by Kathie Tovo
Colleagues,
As promised, I took a stab at drafting a work session schedule for distribution and consideration at tomorrow's meeting. Although I drafted it last night before this evening's additional posts, I believe it incorporates most of the topics noted by the Mayor and CM Pool.

Please note that I've suggested allocating an hour from each June Council work session and scheduling an additional special called meeting at the end so that we have enough time to hit the range of topics. (These meetings are indicated below with an asterisk.) I've also tried to keep the number of topics for each session low so that we have time for discussion. Tomorrow's session seems to me a little overloaded, so I've suggested we leave open the possibility of wrapping up those issues at next week's meeting.

thanks,
Kathie

Proposed Draft Schedule

May 31, 2017
1-3 p.m.
Envision Tomorrow analysis
Process and procedure changes in Code Next text
Timelines
Corrections process

*June 6, 2017 Council Work Session
9-10 a.m.
Finish discussion from 5/31/17
McMansion, with modeling

June 7, 2017
1-3 p.m.
McMansion, with modeling
Compatibility, with modeling

*June 13, 2017 Council Work Session
9-10 a.m.
Code Next, Imagine Austin, and the Imagine Austin Growth Concept Map

June 14, 2017
1-3 p.m.
Transect 3 (T3), Transect 4 (T4), and Low Medium Density Residential zoning (LMDR), with modeling)
Housing preservation analysis in response to Resolution 20170126-038

*June 20, 2017 Council Work Session
9-10 a.m.
Infrastructure needs and planning in the context of Code Next

June 21, 2017
1-3 p.m.
Neighborhood Plans, Small Area Plans, and Code Next

*June 26, 2017
1-3 p.m.
Parking
Environmental Regulations

*No Code Next discussion meeting currently scheduled for this date/time

Re: Code Next work sessions

Posted: Wed May 31, 2017 1:24 pm
by Steve Adler
Below is the revised DRAFT proposed CodeNEXT Council Worksession Scheduled I distributed on the dais this afternoon:

Proposed Draft Council CodeNEXT Worksession Schedule
May 31, 2017 1-3 p.m.
• Envision Tomorrow analysis
• Process and procedure changes in Code Next text
• Timelines
• Corrections process

*June 6, 2017 Council Work Session 9-10 a.m.
• Finish discussion from 5/31/17
• Public Processes and Communications
• McMansion, with modeling

June 7, 2017 1-3 p.m.
• Compatibility, with modeling
• What uses are entitled and conditional in a category like t4ms?
• Where would the proposed code and map allow commercial uses in neighborhoods on sites where they are not currently allowed?

*June 13, 2017 Council Work Session 9-10 a.m.
• Code Next, Imagine Austin, and the Imagine Austin Growth Concept Map?
• Transect 3 (T3), Transect 4 (T4), and Low Medium Density Residential zoning (LMDR), with modeling)
• What is the rationale staff considered in deciding to propose transect zoning rather than non-transect zoning in certain single family neighborhoods?

June 14, 2017 1-3 p.m.
• Housing preservation analysis in response to Resolution 20170126-038
• What is the relationship (if any) between a change in zoning and property taxes?

*June 20, 2017 Council Work Session 9-10 a.m.
• Infrastructure needs and planning in the context of Code Next
• Flooding issues

June 21, 2017 1-3 p.m.
• Neighborhood Plans, Small Area Plans, and Code Next
• Affordable housing and Density Bonus

*June 26, 2017 1-3 p.m.
• Parking
• Environmental Regulations


*No Code Next discussion meeting currently scheduled for this date/time

Re: Code Next work sessions

Posted: Wed May 31, 2017 3:12 pm
by Ann Kitchen
All

I'm proposing the following changes to the schedule:

1) Switch out the Infrastructure needs and planning / flooding to either June 14 or June 21 or 26. I think we will need 1.5 hours

2) Continue conversation about the timeline post April (eg after adopting) - specifically including small area planning process - continue this conversation on June 6th (not June 7th, I will be out on city business on the 7th).

Thank you

Ann Kitchen
City Council D5

Re: Code Next work sessions

Posted: Wed May 31, 2017 7:26 pm
by Ann Kitchen
All

I would also like to add the RPP (Residential Parking Program) to the parking discussion. I am hearing concerns that this program is being discontinued. The program is an important solution for parking issues in many areas.

THANKS

Ann Kitchen
City Council D5

Code Next work plan revised

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 7:52 pm
by Kathie Tovo
Dear all,
The draft below incorporates nearly all of the suggestions received. Most days include lots of content in a short period of time. After discussing w/the Mayor, I've suggested extending times here and there so that we have a more realistic time frame for the discussion. I've tried to note those changes with asterisks.

Best,
Kathie

May 31, 2017
1-3 p.m.
• Envision Tomorrow analysis

June 6, 2017 Council Work Session
*9-10:30 a.m.
• Timelines
• Corrections process
• Formatting of next Code Next draft
• Public processes and communications

June 7, 2017
1-3 p.m.
• McMansion, with modeling
• Compatibility, with modeling

June 13, 2017 Council Work Session
*9-10:30 a.m.
• Commercial zones such as Transect 4 Main Street (T4MS) and Transect 4 Open (T4O) (including discussion of uses permitted/conditional and mapping)

June 14, 2017
1-3 p.m.
• Transect 3 (T3), Transect 4 (T4), and Low Medium Density Residential zoning (LMDR), with modeling and staff rationale for related mapping proposals
• Housing preservation analysis in response to Resolution 20170126-038
• Envision Tomorrow analysis, reprised

June 20, 2017 Council Work Session
9-10 a.m.
• Property valuations

June 21, 2017
*12-3 p.m.
• Process and procedure changes in Code Next text
• Neighborhood Plans, Small Area Plans, and Code Next
• Code Next, Imagine Austin, and the Imagine Austin Growth Concept Map

*June 26, 2017
*12-3 p.m.
• Parking (including Residential Permit Parking program)
• Infrastructure needs, flooding, and planning in the context of Code Next
• Environmental Regulations

To be scheduled once completed: Affordable housing and density bonuses

*Indicates a new meeting or new time

Re: Code Next work sessions

Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2017 4:49 pm
by Steve Adler
Many thanks again to MPT Tovo for leading on and pulling together the programming for our CodeNEXT worksessions.

We’re going to have a lot of work and topics to cover in very limited time.

In order to help us manage that time, to provide real notice to the community as to the kinds of issues that will be raised under the broad topics listed on the MPT’s schedule, and to help our staff and consultants better prepare for these discussions, I ask that Council Members bulletin-post in advance of each work session specific questions they anticipate they might ask or would like to see addressed under the general topics. Important Note: this request for posting is not intended to be prescriptive and there will be no limitation as to the issues that can be raised at our sessions, even if they have not been posted.

We’ll open our work session conversations by addressing the specific questions posted in advance and then more generally open that topic, and then we’ll move on to the next topic.

I’ll start it off for next week’s meeting below:

June 6, 2017 Council Work Session
*9-10:30 a.m.

• Timelines
- What is the timeline for implementing the new land development code and zoning map after council adoption?
- How will the new land development code be used in future planning activities?
- What is the timeline for mapping activity centers, nodes, and activity corridors that are not mapped as part of this initial stage of the process?

• Corrections process

• Formatting of next Code Next draft
- Will staff/consultants be reformatting the zoning section to better integrate transect and non-transect districts, so the final product is formatted as a single code?
- Will future formatting still retain the current transect and non-transect names/titles?

• Public processes and communications

I understand the affordable housing and density bonus items will be published by mid-June. I believe it will be important for those issues to be publicly discussed quickly after their release, and I hope we can reserve time in our work session schedule to do so. June 20 or June 21 seem to make sense for reserving time for that issue.

Re: Code Next work sessions

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 11:08 am
by Greg Casar
Colleagues –

As previously mentioned at our CodeNEXT work sessions, there are two CodeNEXT related resolutions from Council that we have yet to hear back from staff on. I have asked that both be heard on the same day (tomorrow).

As a refresher, the two Council IFCs are:

A resolution that had directed staff and the CodeNEXT consultants to review the draft code’s impact on fair housing, affordable housing in high opportunity areas, and other priorities of Council in the new code. This resolution was passed in December of 2015.

Here is a link to the original Fair Housing in CodeNEXT resolution as passed by Council: http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=245765

The other is the resolution MPT Tovo initially requested. It directed staff to review the projected net gain/loss of existing affordable units due to the new code’s impact on the market (Resolution 20170126-038). This resolution was passed in January of this year.

I believe it would be helpful to hear from staff their responses to both resolutions on the same day (tomorrow), since I believe they are related.

Thank you!

Greg