City Council members will be considering code amendments relating to removing site area and parking requirements for micro-unit residences after the process was initiated with a resolution at the March 27 meeting.

Councilman Chris Riley, who sponsored the resolution, said micro-unit housing could be a tool in addressing the city's housing needs and affordability issues.

"The root of the problem is that we have an inadequate housing stock to meet the needs of our community, and that failure to meet those needs is manifesting and creating some real strains in our community," Riley said.

The resolution passed 7-0.

A micro-unit is a housing option that is less than 500 square feet in size. The resolution is intended to be a way to encourage that type of development along core transit corridors, future transit corridors and within transit-oriented developments. The minimum site area requirement restricts the number of dwelling units on a site.

This type of housing unit could appeal to single individuals as well as seniors who do not need as much space and maybe no longer want to drive, Riley said.

Zilker neighborhood resident David King spoke at the meeting and raised several concerns including the immediacy of the ordinance.

"Why rush this ordinance right now?" King asked. "The CodeNext process is taking a comprehensive look at zoning and housing in all the neighborhoods across the city, so why are we cranking up a parallel process right now and rushing this through?"

Speakers in favor spoke to the possible increase in affordable housing.

The city manager will come back to council with the code amendment within 120 days.

What is a micro-unit?

Micro-units are housing options that are less than 500 square feet in size. According to the resolution approved by Austin City Council, micro-units may be one way to efficiently and cost-effectively address limited housing options in the city. Micro-units may also assist in putting affordable residential units closer to the city's core.