Austin Development Services

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Development Policy Corner

This webpage contains information about code and criteria manual updates, code interpretations, and other regulatory changes affecting the development process. This will be updated monthly and reflect changes adopted in the past quarter. For more information about the City of Austin’s Code of Ordinances, visit the City’s Municode.

Recently Adopted Changes

  • Dwelling Unit Components Code Interpretation (Posted 8/31/26)
    CI2026-0003

  • Implementation of Rules for Preservation Bonus (Adopted 8/5/26) 
    Building Criteria Manual 
    Rule No. 161-26.15

  • Establishes Back-of-Curb Requirements for Properties Along the Light Rail Project (Adopted 6/3/26) 
    Transportation Criteria Manual 
    Rule No. R161-26.10 
      

Proposed Changes

This section contains items scheduled on the City Council agenda or reviewed by the Technical Advisory Review Panel (TARP). 

  • Update Design Requirements for Lift Stations, Reclaimed Water Systems and Wastewater Systems (Posted 8/24/2026) 
    Utilities Criteria Manual 
    Rule No. 161-26.02

  • Updates on Materials and Guidance for Water Main Shut Offs (Posted 8/24/26) 
    Standards Specifications Manual
    Rule No. 161.26.03

  • Clarify and Update Information for Tree and Natural Area Preservation (Posted 8/24/2026) 
    Environmental Criteria Manual 
    Rule No. 161-26.04

  • Align Mailbox Placement Requirements with Existing Requirements and Create New Detail for Temporary Driveways (Posted 8/24/2026) 
    Standards Manual 
    Rule No. 161-26.09

  • Modify Design Requirements for Retention Irrigation in Barton Springs Zone (Posted 8/24/2026) 
    Environmental Criteria Manual 
    Rule No. 161-26.13

  • Clarify Submittal Requirements and Add New Language (Posted 8/24/2026) 
    Utilities Criteria Manual 
    Rule No. 161-26.16

  • Update Specifications for Water Service and Meter Installation (Posted 8/24/2026) 
    Standards Specifications Manual 
    Rule No. 161-26.18

  • Update Concrete Urban Trail Contraction Joint Detail (Posted 8/24/2026) 
    Standards Manual 
    Rule No. 161-26.19

  • Changes and Modifications for Sidewalks, Fee in Lieu, Pedestrian Islands, Minor Street Crossings, and Grades (Posted 8/24/2026) 
    Transportation Criteria Manual 
    Rule No. 161-26.20

  • Materials and Processes for Wildland-Urban Interface Code Changes (Posted 8/24/2026)  
    Fire Criteria Manual 
    Rule No. 161-26.21

  • Submittal Requirements and Shutout Periods for Water Mains (Posted 8/24/2026) 
    Utilities Criteria Manual 
    Rule No. 161-26.23

  • Marking Requirements for Combination Air Valve Assemblies for Potable and Reclaimed Service (Posted 8/24/2026) 
    Standards Specifications Manual 
    Rule No. 161-26.24

  • Design Requirements for Driveway Ribbons (Posted 8/24/2026) 
    Transportation Criteria Manual 
    Rule No. 161-26.26

  • Update CIP Project Sign Requirements with City Brand (Posted 8/24/2026) 
    Standards Manual 
    Rule No. 161-26.27

  • Design Guidance for Irrigation 50% Limit in Residential Projects (Posted 8/24/2026) 
    Building Criteria Manual 
    Rule No. 161-26.28

  • Creation of New Parks Criteria Manual (Posted 8/24/2026) 
    Parks Criteria Manual 
    Rule No. 161-26.29

  • Expands Water Quality Payment in Lieu Eligibility for More Residential Projects (Posted 8/5/26) 
    Environmental Criteria Manual 
    Rule No. 161-26.22 

  • Allow Modified Rational Method (MRM) Calculations for Residential Infill Projects (Posted 7/15/26) 
    Drainage Criteria Manual 
    Rule No. 161-26.12

Resources