AUSTIN, Texas — Starting Monday, Feb. 5, Austin is accepting development applications related to recent changes to the Land Development Code.
The first phase of the Home Options for Middle-Income Empowerment, or HOME, initiative will allow up to three housing units on single-family zoned properties. It revises regulations for properties that have two housing units and removes restrictions on the number of unrelated adults that are allowed to live in a housing unit.
Now, homeowners and developers can apply for building permits for projects that take advantage of the changes. Residents can submit their applications through the City of Austin's website.
The HOME amendments only apply to duplex, two-unit residential and three-unit residential uses. They do not apply to single-family residential use, which will continue to be reviewed under existing regulations. The City has a tool on its website to help property owners find out the zoning for their properties.
The City said a code interpretation regarding tiny homes, manufactured housing and mobile homes is under development and will be posted to the City's website.
District 7 Councilmember Leslie Pool brought the HOME initiative resolution in July of last year.
Supporters say it will bring more housing options and affordability to the city. During public testimony last year, the initiative faced pushback from some Austinites who believe the changes might negatively impact property values and infrastructure.
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