Austin: New Development Rules Impact SOS
- New development regulations were approved for areas recently annexed into the city, creating specific criteria and procedures for construction projects.
- These new regulations specifically aimed to supersede or challenge the "Save Our Springs" (SOS) watershed protection ordinance, a significant environmental protection measure.
- The ordinance included provisions allowing developers to administratively approve projects if they could assert "vested rights" to complete construction, potentially streamlining the approval process.
- A key ordinance related to these changes was passed on an emergency basis, indicating a swift implementation of the new rules.
Full Transcript
CT Y OF AUST Z FOUNDED 1839 Austin City Council MINUTES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING March 22, 1998 Mayor Watson called the meeting to order, noting the presence of all Councilmembers. Consider an ordinance that establishes specific criteria, procedures, and regulations to be applied in areas annexed into the City of Austin in December, 1997, to authorize administrative approval of development projects where the developer may assert a vested right to complete construction; and superseding disputed development regulations including without limitation the "SOS" Save Our Springs watershed protection ordinance. Motion to recess until 4:20 p.m. on Councilmember Griffith's motion, Councilmember Spelman's second, 7-0 vote. Returned at 5:38 p.m. Ordinance No. 980422-A approved an emergency passage for FO2 Ordinance A on Mayor Pro Tem Garcia's motion, Councilmember Lewis' second, 7-0 vote. (SEE ATTACHMENT) Motion to approve on first reading only FO3 Ordinance B on Councilmember Lewis' motion, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia's second, 7-0 vote. (SEE ATTACHMENT) Second and third reading on Ordinance B on April 30, 1998. ADJOURNED at 5:55 p.m. on Councilmember Spelman's motion, Councilmember Slusher's second, 7-0 vote. Approved on this the 25th day of June, 1998 on Mayor Pro Tem Garcia's motion, Councilmember Goodman's second, 4-0 vote, Councilmembers Griffith and Lewis off the dais, Councilmember Spelman absent.