Big decisions made in 2015
Fingerprinting approved for ride-hailing companies
New regulations passed Dec. 18 for ride-hailing companies, such as Uber and Lyft, require fingerprint background checks. City Council will decide what penalties for noncompliance, if any, should be implemented during its Jan. 28 meeting.
Restrictions lessened for accessory dwelling units
New regulations passed Nov. 19 make it easier to build accessory dwelling units, or ADUs. ADUs can now be located closer to the main home and on a smaller lot size than before. Additionally, ADU structures cannot be larger than 1,100 square feet and cannot be used as a short-term rental that is not owner-occupied.
Drainage fee changes approved
Drainage fees applied to customers’ water bills changed in June from a monthly flat rate of $9.80 to an amount determined by the percentage of impervious cover on a given property.
Top issues for 2016
Short-term rental regulations
Laws regulating short-term rentals, or STRs, could change Jan. 28. Proposed new rules could include a new tiered permit fee structure, a phasing out of STRs that are not owner-occupied in residential areas and a limit on the number of occupants per STR. Council will also consider collecting hotel taxes from STR operators.
Funding for bicycle master plan
Advocacy group MobilityATX said Oct. 8 the majority of Austinites want the city to fully fund the $161 million 2014 Bicycle Master Plan. Mayor Steve Adler said a bond could be initiated to help pay for the comprehensive bicycle network.
Finalizing new sobriety center
Efforts to create an Austin/Travis County Sobriety Center advanced in October following a vote that allows city staff to negotiate a partnership with county officials to house the center at the existing Travis County Medical Examiner facility.
Meetings
Austin City Council meets at 10 a.m. most Thursdays at Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St. 512-974-2000,
www.austintexas.gov/department/city-council
Terms and compensation
The mayor serves four-year terms, and council members either serve two- or four-year terms. Total compensation is $97,137 for council members and $110,796 for the mayor.
Video coverage
Meetings are televised live on cable Channel 6 and streamed online at www.atxn.tv.
