There is talk of continuing the McMansion ordinance into our area. Right now it doesn’t go any further south than Ben White. As developers start to look further south our area is starting to have issue with developers maxing out lots to their highest potential to increase their return. The McMansion ordinance is an attempt to minimize problems caused by this.

Following are some links to city sites where you can find out more information on the ordinance.

City information (kind of like a FAQ) about the ordinance: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/zoning/sf_regs.htm

Actual text of the ordinance (PDF file): http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/zoning/downloads/austin_residential_ordinance_approved.pdf

Information about the commission that can offer variances for projects (includes who the members are and contact info, city staff contacts, meeting times/dates): http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/boards/results.cfm (go to “Residential Design and Compatibility Commission”)

In addition here is a timeline on the ordinance

The current schedule is as follows:
April 20, 2010 – Take the code amendment to Planning Commission Codes & Ordinances.
April 26, 2010 – Hold stakeholder meeting with the Southwood Neighborhood Association and the Bird Streets area.
April 30, 2010 – Notice will be mailed for the Planning Commission hearing.
May 11, 2010 – Planning Commission will here the code amendment
May 27, 2010 – City Council will here the code amendment.