Planning Team Update:
large duplexes. Many residents of central city neighborhoods wrote to Council asking for the moratorium during the neighborhood planning process. North Hyde Park (north of 45th ST.) , North University and Hancock are all involved in Neighborhood Planning that will result in re-zoning similar to Hyde Park's NCCD (Neighborhood Conservation Combining District). These neighborhoods as well as Five Rivers, Judges Hill, University Area Partners and the Austin Neigbhorhoods Council requested the moratorium and help from the City Council. On February 13, the Council, on a motion by Jackie Goodman, directed the City Manager to initiate the moratorium process and directed the Planning Commission to consider the moratorium and revisions to the code to address large duplexes. The moratorium would be very helpful while new zoning is being written, but legislation passed last session requires the moratorium issue to go back to the Planning Commission for hearings. These issues are to come back to Council on or before March 27.
If the appeal of 3207 Hampton is successful at the Board of Adjustment, instead of allowing up to 6 unrelated adults in each SIDE of a duplex, the City would only allow up to 6 unrelated adults per SITE. There are several other references in the code that limit groups like this in SF3 districts to 6. This would definitely be the most beneficial outcome, because it might discourage someone from building 12 bedrooms if they can only rent 6! The moratorium would allow time to re-zone and possibly prevent front yard parking, front garages, wide curb cuts and buildings on stilts, much like the Hyde Park NCCD, south of 45th St.
If you would like to receive updates on hearings and activities on this issue send me an email and I will include you in new developments and announcements.
Survey work for the NCCD north of 45th has started and continues amidst immediate issues. Help is still needed. If you can help survey a block or two, email me and I will get you in touch with an area captain.
| -- | Karen McGraw mcgrawka@earthlink.net Chairman, Hyde Park Planning Team |
