Zoning

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 can support or challenge the zoning request before City Council. This section provides an overview of the zoning/rezoning process and a way to submit feedback on active cases.

1. Zoning Application Submitted

The applicant seeking to rezone a property submits a completed Zoning Application through the Zoning Permit Application web form.

In addition to a completed application, the applicant is required to include additional information about the zoning request—referenced on page four (Submittal Checklist) of the Zoning Application.

Once the application packet is complete and the application fee is paid by the applicant, the city then assigns a case manager to serve as the liaison between the applicant and the City of Austin.

2. Notice of Filing

Within 14 days of the filing of an application public notice is mailed to the applicant and any of the following within 500 feet of the property: Utility customers, property owners, and registered environmental and neighborhood organizations. A zoning sign is posted on site.

3. Staff Recommendation

A staff recommendation is developed based on a review of staff comments, land use principles, and adopted plans. This recommendation is released as a written report which will be available to the applicant and the public several days before the item is scheduled for review by the Planning Commission or the Zoning and Platting Commission.

4. Notice of Public Hearing at Commission

Public notice is mailed to the applicant, owners of the property located within 500 feet, and registered environmental and neighborhood organizations within 500 feet no later than 11 days before the date of the public hearing. 

5. Public Hearing at Commission

The land use commissions typically hear zoning requests approximately six to seven weeks following the date of application submittal. City Council will generally consider the request approximately one month following the commission’s recommendation.

The commission may make a recommendation to Council to approve, deny, approve with conditions, or approve a different zoning classification.

The application can be forwarded to Council without a recommendation from the commission.

6. Notice of Public Hearing at City Council

Notice of the public hearing is published in a newspaper and mailed to the applicant, owners of property located within 500 feet, utility customers within 500 feet, and registered environmental and neighborhood organizations within 500 feet no later than 16 days before its scheduled Council meeting.

7. Public Hearing at City Council

Council may approve, deny, approve with conditions, or approve a different zoning classification.

City Council approvals or approvals with conditions result in a city ordinance which must be voted on and approved by the City Council in three readings. Multiple readings can be approved by City Council at one meeting.