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 is updated monthly and reflects 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

  • Expands Water Quality Payment in Lieu Eligibility for More Residential Projects (Adopted 10/14/26)
    Environmental Criteria Manual
    Rule No. 161-26.22

  • Update Design Requirements for Lift Stations, Reclaimed Water Systems and Wastewater Systems (Adopted 10/1/26)
    Utilities Criteria Manual
    Rule No. 161-26.02

  • Updates on Materials and Guidance for Water Main Shut Offs (Adopted 10/1/26)
    Standards Specifications Manual
    Rule No. 161.26.03
  • Clarify and Update Information for Tree and Natural Area Preservation (Adopted 10/1/26)
    Environmental Criteria Manual
    Rule No. 161-26.04
  • Align Mailbox Placement Requirements with Existing Requirements and Create New Detail for Temporary Driveways (Adopted 10/1/26)
    Standards Manual
    Rule No. 161-26.09
  • Modify Design Requirements for Retention Irrigation in Barton Springs Zone (Adopted 10/1/26)
    Environmental Criteria Manual
    Rule No. 161-26.13
  • Clarify Submittal Requirements and Add New Language (Adopted 10/1/26)
    Utilities Criteria Manual - Rule No. 161-26.16
  • Update Detail for Water Service and Meter Installation to Reflect Material Specification Changes (Adopted 10/1/26)
    Standards Manual
    Rule No. 161-26.17
  • Update Specifications for Water Service and Meter Installation (Adopted 10/1/26)
    Standards Specifications Manual
    Rule No. 161-26.18
  • Update Concrete Urban Trail Contraction Joint Detail (Adopted 10/1/26)
    Standards Manual
    Rule No. 161-26.19
  • Changes and Modifications for Sidewalks, Fee in Lieu, Pedestrian Islands, Minor Street Crossings, and Grades (Adopted 10/1/26)
    Transportation Criteria Manual
    Rule No. 161-26.20
  • Materials and Processes for Wildland-Urban Interface Code Changes (Adopted 10/2/26)
    Fire Criteria Manual
    Rule No. 161-26.21
  • Submittal Requirements and Shutout Periods for Water Mains (Adopted 10/1/26)
    Utilities Criteria Manual
    Rule No. 161-26.23
  • Marking Requirements for Combination Air Valve Assemblies for Potable and Reclaimed Service (Adopted 10/1/26)
    Standards Specifications Manual
    Rule No. 161-26.24
  • Design Requirements for Driveway Ribbons (Adopted 10/1/26)
    Transportation Criteria Manual
    Rule No. 161-26.26
  • Update CIP Project Sign Requirements with City Brand (Adopted 10/1/26)
    Standards Manual
    Rule No. 161-26.27
  • Design Guidance for Irrigation 50% Limit in Residential Projects (Adopted 10/2/26)
    Building Criteria Manual
    Rule No. 161-26.28
  • Creation of New Parks Criteria Manual (Adopted 10/2/26)
    Parks Criteria Manual
    Rule No. 161-26.29

  • 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
      

Proposed Changes

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

 

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