Posting Language
Title
Approve an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 20251023-063, which concerns the Downtown Density Bonus Program, to change when the exhibits adopted in the ordinance can be applied to applications that seek bonus area under Section 25-2-586 (Downtown Density Bonus Program) and to modify the date when the City Manager is directed to return to City Council with a change to the maximum base height for Central Business District (CBD) zoning district. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact.
De
Lead Department
Austin Planning.
Fiscal Note
This item has no fiscal impact.
Prior Council Action:
Amendments to the Downtown Density Bonus Program were initiated by City Council Resolution No. 20240718-185 and Ordinance No. 20251023-063.
The Downtown Density Bonus program, or the DDB program, was first adopted by Ordinance 20130627-105 in 2013. Since the program’s original adoption, the DDB program regulations were amended in 2014, 2019, 2023, and 2025 by the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 20140227-054, Ordinance No. 20191031-037, Ordinance No. 20230504-030, Ordinance No. 20230504-031, Ordinance No. 20231029-052, and Ordinance No. 20251023-063.
In July 2024, City Council Resolution No. 20240718-185 directed staff to update the Downtown Density Bonus program. Additionally, in October 2025, City Council Ordinance No. 20251023-063 adopted amendments to the Central Business District Zone that directed staff to update the Downtown Density Bonus program for three Downtown Density Bonus subdistricts by June 2026.
For More Information:
Alan Pani, Planner Principal, Austin Planning, Alan.Pani@austintexas.gov.
Additional Backup Information:
Case Number: C20-2024-018. This proposed code amendment is the first phase in the requested updates.