| Planning, Zoning, & Land Development |
Can you describe what the City's relationship will be with the Anderson Mill Neighborhood Association compared to the Limited District?Neighborhood associations throughout the City are invited to join the Community Registry to be notified of zoning change requests, other development applications, code amendments, and opportunities to be involved in city government. Many neighborhood associations attend City board, commission, and Council meetings to provide input on issues that affect them. The City does not have authority over neighborhood association bylaws or place limitations on what neighborhood associations may do.The City's relationship with the Limited District is governed by the Strategic Partnership Agreement. However, the Limited District is also free to join the Community Registry and participate in City processes. We are not aware of any issues that have arisen between Tanglewood Forest's Limited District and neighborhood association. When will zoning take effect?Most commercial properties in the MUD and the residential property along RM 620 have already been annexed for limited purposes and therefore have zoning. Upon annexation, the remaining portions of the MUD will be assigned an interim residential zoning classification.The interim zoning classification may not permit all existing uses outright (such as a duplex), but existing uses will generally be grandfathered. Property owners are encouraged to file a request for permanent zoning appropriate for the existing or planned uses of the property. Nearby property owners and all registered neighborhood associations encompassing the subject property will be notified of zoning applications and invited to address the Zoning and Platting Commission and City Council regarding the zoning request at the public hearings. Annexation will not affect the Limited District's ability to enforce deed restrictions, regardless of when the violation took place. If a deed restriction prohibits a use allowed by the zoning, the Limited District may still pursue enforcement of the deed restriction. What is the City requirement for retail landscaping?New commercial and multifamily developments are generally required to provide landscaping in accordance with Chapter 25-2, Article 9 of the Austin City Code. This requirement is enforced at the site plan stage. Landscaping requirements may not apply to existing developments that were approved under County regulations or properties being redeveloped that qualify for site plan exemptions.How is a neighborhood plan developed and approved? When will the neighborhood planning process begin for Anderson Mill?Neighborhood plans are initiated by the City Council, prepared by City staff and neighborhood stakeholders, and ultimately adopted by the City Council as amendments to the City's comprehensive plan.At this time, there is no schedule for preparing a neighborhood plan for Anderson Mill. See the Neighborhood Planning Web page or contact Neighborhood Planning Manager Carol Haywood at (512) 974-7685 for more information. Will the ordinances that apply to retail signs and lighting apply after full purpose annexation?Yes. Sign and lighting ordinances also apply in limited purpose areas and the City's extraterritorial jurisdiction. Please keep in mind that sign and lighting regulations vary by roadway, zoning district, and the type of sign. Signs and lights existing prior to limited or full purpose annexation may be considered legal nonconforming or "grandfathered." How can the neighborhood's concerns about the expansion of Westwood High School be addressed? Of particular interest are traffic flow, parking, impervious cover, and storm water retention.These issues will be regulated by the City through the development approval process. Neighborhood residents are encouraged to work directly with the high school throughout the development approval process to identify and resolve conflicts that may arise from the expansion. You may also contact the Development Assistance Center at (512) 974-6370 for general questions about development standards. For transportation-related issues, ask for Chris Johnson or Chris Williams. |