UPDATED 11:14 a.m. CST Nov. 19, 2015

Austin City Council is slated to vote Nov. 19 on ordinance amendments that would lessen restrictions on accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, after months of committee meetings and stakeholder input. If passed, the ADU could be located 10 feet from the main home instead of 15 feet as currently required by city law, and the minimum lot size required in order to build an ADU would be reduced to 5,740 square feet instead of 7,000 square feet. The ADU could not be used as a Type 2 short-term rental, or STR such as those found on AirBnB or HomeAway, and could not be used as an STR for more than 30 days in one year. Also, only one off street parking space would be required, and parking in the front yard would no longer be banned. The ordinance would apply citywide. Council members Greg Casar of District 4 and Pio Renteria of District 3 voiced support of the changes during a Nov. 17 rally in support of ADUs before the council's work session. "[Supporters say an ADU] promotes intergenerational housing, helps homeowners stay in place and pay for taxes and other expenses that are rising, or it creates opportunities for renters to live in high-opportunity neighborhoods when we are having a housing crisis," Casar said. "Those are all really important reasons for supporting more accessory dwelling units in the city." Casar said lessing restrictions on ADUs would not only provide more affordable housing throughout the city but would help desegregate the city. He said a recent city study showed restrictions on ADUs were an impediment to providing more affordable housing. "We are sick of being on the list of segregated cities in this country," Casar said. "Not only is it a moral imperative, but it's a legal one. The Supreme Court of the United States recently ruled that it is our legal duty under The Fair Housing Act to affirmatively further fair housing and dismantle barriers that separate our communities." AURA, Austin Music People, Friends of Austin Neighborhoods, Austin Board of Realtors, Austin Up, U.S. Green Building Council Central Texas and Bike Austin all voiced support of the changes during the Nov. 17 rally. However, some council members voiced concern during the work session that the changes proposed go further than what was agreed upon by all stakeholders earlier in the process. Many council members said such changes should instead wait until the CodeNEXT citywide code rewrite occurs.

Other council highlights:

  • Consider a partnership with Rocky Mountain Institute to conduct a multiyear Mobility Transformation program. Council approved the partnership with Council Member Don Zimmerman as the only "no" vote.
  • Consider approving free entry to Austin pools for those 80 years and older.
  • Consider approval of clearing 3,620 square feet between East Fourth Street and East Fifth Street at Brushy Street for the CapMetro Plaza Saltillo Transit-Oriented Development Station. Council approved the item on the consent agenda without discussion.
  • Consider more public safety funding for 10 days in March for South by Southwest Media and Music Conference and related events. Council approved the item on the consent agenda without discussion.
  • Consider changes to the planned-unit density, or PUD, bonus program.
  • Consider approval of Bouldin Creek Cafe's plans to expand its property at 1900 S. First St. Council approved the item on the consent agenda without discussion.
  • Consider allowing Austin Convention Center to lease 2,040 square feet at 407 Red River St. to Texas Reds & Whites. Council approved the item on the consent agenda without discussion.