Posting Language
Title
Approve an ordinance repealing and replacing City Code Chapter 14-3 relating to relocation benefits for owners and tenants of properties acquired by the City.
De
Lead Department
Financial Services Department.
Fiscal Note
There is no fiscal impact.
For More Information:
Michael Gates, Financial Service Department, 512-974-5639; Cathy Curtis, Financial Services Department, 512-974-5649.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
May 24, 2023 - Recommended by the Audit and Finance Committee.
Additional Backup Information:
Under the provisions of the existing ordinance, the City can only offer relocation benefits to property owners and tenants if the property is sought under the threat of condemnation. The current caps on relocation benefits offered to displacees are the same as those adopted in 1995 and “last resort” housing exceptions are not permissible under the current ordinance. Displaced business entities are not eligible for business re-establishment benefits under the current ordinance. The intent of the proposed repeal and replacement of Chapter 14-3 is to align the benefits provided by the City with the benefits required by Texas State law and the Federal Uniform Relocation Act (URA).
In order to comply with State law on projects involving the displacement of owners, tenants, and businesses, the City has routinely waived Chapter 14-3 and conducted property acquisition utilizing the rules and regulations determined by the URA. The proposed repeal and replacement of the current Chapter 14-3 will more closely mirror the URA, allow the City to extend relocation benefits to displacees resulting from voluntary flood risk reduction, erosion control, rehabilitation, and/or demolition projects as well as offer relocation benefits to displaced businesses.
The proposed ordinance has been drafted in consultation with various stakeholder City departments, the City’s Displacement Officer, and has had an Affordability Impact assessment conducted by the Housing Department.