The ruling impacts ordinances passed in 2022 aimed at increasing housing density and supporting mixed-use development.
A Travis County District Court judge in Texas ruled against the city of Austin in a lawsuit challenging multiple zoning ordinances passed by the city in 2022. According to an article by Jo Clifton in the Austin Monitor, “All of the ordinances were designed to allow more residential units in areas not previously considered appropriate for housing. But Council will have to start over in enacting the Vertical Mixed Use Ordinance as well as the Residential in Commercial Development program and the Compatibility Ordinance, all of which were approved in 2022.”
The judge ruled a fourth ordinance challenged in the lawsuit, Affordability Unlocked, can go forward. Lawyers for the plaintiff in the lawsuit, Doug Becker, say they are now “assessing the legality” of the Home Options for Middle-Income Empowerment (HOME) passed last week by a vote of 9-2 and are fundraising to challenge future zoning reform proposals.
FULL STORY: Court signs order overturning three zoning ordinances (Austin, has implications for zoning just passed)
Opinion: Austin Zoning Reform Won’t Have Major Impact
Despite heated controversy, some experts believe the zoning changes made last year won’t make a significant dent in the local housing crisis.
Zoning Reform Faces Uphill Battle in Dallas
Proposals to boost housing production through ‘gentle density’ increases face strong opposition from residents concerned about losing single-family neighborhoods.
Will Salt Lake City’s Zoning Reforms Create More Affordable Housing?
The city’s new rules allow for more flexibility in housing development, but other market forces could limit production.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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