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Austin: Development Rights vs. Spring Protection

Wednesday, April 22, 1998 special called
  • New Development Rules for Annexed Areas:

    The primary focus was an ordinance establishing development criteria for areas annexed in late 1997.
  • Streamlined Developer Approvals:

    This ordinance proposed administrative approval for projects and allowed developers to assert "vested rights," potentially fast-tracking construction.
  • Overriding Environmental Protections:

    A significant part of the proposal aimed to supersede existing disputed development regulations, notably the "Save Our Springs" (SOS) watershed protection ordinance.

Full Transcript

CITY OF AUSTIN FOUNDED 1839 Austin City Council MINUTES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING April 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.