Annexation & Special Districts
Annexation is the process by which cities extend their municipal services, regulations, voting privileges & taxing authority to new territory. Resources regarding changes to city boundaries and special districts located within the City’s jurisdiction are found on our Annexation & Special Districts page.
Historic Preservation
The Historic Preservation Office encourages the preservation of Austin’s historic buildings, structures, sites, and districts; promotes awareness of our cultural and architectural heritage; and helps shape a more sustainable, equitable, and livable city in collaboration with other City departments and community partners.
Transit Oriented Development
Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is an intentional mixing of land use and transit through the creation of compact, walkable, mixed-use communities within walking distance of a transit stop or station. The Transit Oriented Development page provides TOD principles to explain their use and intention as a tool.
Understanding the Zoning/Rezoning Process
When a property owner requests a zoning change, nearby neighbors are considered to have a stake in the zoning as well and have the opportunity to challenge the zoning request before City Council. This page is intended to provide an overview of the zoning/rezoning process and a way to submit feedback on active cases.
Urban Design
Urban Design examines elements in the public realm and spaces where people may gather: parks and open spaces, streets and sidewalks, bridges and water bodies, historical features, trees and landscaping, lighting, and signage. Urban design takes a holistic approach towards these physical elements that make up a city and seeks to shape them in ways that create urban environments that are functional, attractive, comfortable, animated, stimulating and safe for all.
Zoning & Site Regulations
The Housing and Planning Department provides information on the City of Austin's zoning resources and site regulations. Learn more about HPD's Notice of Design Standards, site regulations, Downtown Wayfinding Project, Zoning Districts, and Request for Zoning Verification Letter here.