Posting Language
Title
Conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance amending City Code Section 25-7-152 (Dedication of Easements and Rights-of-Way) to allow for an administrative variance to the drainage easement dedication requirement for park improvements on City parkland. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact.
De
Lead Department
Austin Watershed Protection.
Fiscal Note
This item has no fiscal impact.
For More Information:
Sean Watson, Austin Watershed Protection, sean.watson@austintexas.gov, 512-963-2167.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
July 16, 2025, Code amendment initiation recommended by Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee, 6 - 0.
August 12, 2025, Code amendment initiated by Planning Commission, 9-0.
October 15, 2025, Recommended by Environmental Commission with a condition to
present to the Austin Parks and Recreation Board, 8-1.
October 27, 2025, Recommended by Parks and Recreation Board, 8-1-1.
November 19, 2025, Recommended by the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee, 4-0.
December 9, 2025, Recommended by Planning Commission, 10-0.
Additional Backup Information:
City Code Section 25-7-152 requires property owners to dedicate a public drainage easement to the limits
of the 100-year floodplain as a part of the site development permit approval process. Section 25-7-152(E) allows the Director of Austin Watershed Protection to grant an administrative variance to the drainage easement dedication requirement under certain circumstances described in that subsection.
Drainage easements alert present and future property owners that there is flood risk on the property and limit the use of property within the easement area. The use of property within these areas is also limited by floodplain regulations that impose restrictions and development requirements within the 100-year floodplain. Importantly, an approved administrative variance waiving the drainage easement dedication requirement does not waive or alter other existing fl...
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