Summary of Adopted Changes

• Program Structure: The Citywide Density Bonus Program (DBC) consists of 5 new combining districts with different height tiers, ranging from no additional height to up to 60’ of additional height. Only one tier can be used per property. 

• Applicability: Can be used in commercial zones. No residential or industrial zones are eligible.  
• Affordability requirements: 
  • Ownership: 10% of units affordable at 80% Median Family Income (MFI) or less, fee-in-lieu allowed 
  • Rental: 10% of units affordable at 50% MFI or less, fee-in-lieu allowed 
• Redevelopment requirements: Tenant Protections and Unit Replacement Requirements outlined in City Code § 4-18-32 apply when existing multifamily structures are redeveloped. 
• Mix of use standards: Projects must be at least 65% residential, and 75% of the ground floor building frontage must contain non-residential uses.  
• Compatibility standards: Offers relaxed compatibility standards. 
  • Distance from triggering property: 
    • 0’-25’: screening/no-build zone 
    • 25’-50’: maximum height of 60’ 
    • 50’-75’: maximum height of 120’ 
    • Beyond 75’: can reach maximum height allowed by program (up to 180’). 

For more information, view the DBC one-pager, (Spanish version).

Click through the tabs above to learn more about how this program came to be, and see what feedback Austinites provided. You can also view the public comments on the proposal, and see past engagement on the Engagement tab.