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

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

  • Duplex, Two-Unit, and Three-Unit Site Development Standards Code Interpretation (Posted 5/29/26)
    CI2026-0002

  • Parking Structure (Garage) Placement Code Interpretation (Posted 5/29/26)
    CI2026-0001

  • Adding Tenant Protection to Density Bonus and Incentive Program Requirements (Approved 5/21/26) 
    Ordinance No. 20260521-036

  • Update to Permitting Processes for Project Connect (Approved 5/21/26) 
    Ordinance No. 20260521-055
  • Creation of New Zoning Districts for Citywide Density Bonus Program; Replacing DB90 and VMU (Approved 5/21/26) 
    Ordinance No. 20260521-056
  • Maximum Allowed Opening in Residential Walls Code Interpretation (Posted 5/5/26) 
    PM2026-0001
      

Proposed Changes

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

  • Allow Modified Rational Method (MRM) Calculations for Residential Infill Projects (Posted 7/15/26) 
    Drainage Criteria Manual 
    R161-26.12

  • Implementation of Rules for Preservation Bonus (Posted 7/1/26) 
    Building Criteria Manual 
    R161-26.15

Resources