The Next Austin: Manage Our Growth, Keep Our Character

Natural and Built Environment Code PrescriptionInformation Important to Lost Creek

Paul SchumannApril 26, 2016

4/26/16 LCCO 2

What is CodeNEXT?● New land development code (zoning)● Update confusing and complicated existing

code● Bring into congruence with Imagine Austin

(Master Plan)● Switch from Euclidean based zoning to form

based zoning● Implement new urbanism strategy● Forum for the clash of ideals

4/26/16 LCCO 3

New Urbanism Principles

● Walkability

● Connectivity

● Mixed-Use & Diversity

● Mixed Housing

● Quality Architecture & Urban Design

● Traditional Neighborhood Structure

● Increased Density

● Green Transportation

● Sustainability

● Quality of Life

4/26/16 LCCO 4

Why Should We Care?

● It will affect how we are permanently zoned.

● It will shape the redevelopment of the neighborhood.

● It will affect the city, where we work, our mobility, and our taxes among other things

● If we had CodeNEXT when Lost Creek was developed, it would be a very different place, and we would not have had large office buildings next to houses.

● We can use it positively to help shape the area along Loop 360 between 2244 and Westbank Drive, and possibly Marshall Ranch.

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Western Hills Community

4/26/16 LCCO 6

CodeNEXT Plan

● Multiyear, multi million dollar project● Principal consultant: Opticos

4/26/16 LCCO 7

Four Prescriptions

● Code Prescription No. 1: Natural and Built Environment

● Code Prescription No. 2: Household Affordability

● Code Prescription No. 3: Mobility● Code Prescription No. 4: Fiscal Health

4/26/16 LCCO 8

What's Missing from This Prescription?

● Safe and livable transition from single family homes to park land

New Urbanism

This Prescription

Firewise

0 30 100 200 feet

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What's Missing? (continued)

● Improved maintenance and policing● No mobility provided● Lack of emphasis on civic space● Over use for commercial purposes● No mention of Dark Skies

4/26/16 LCCO 10

Compatibility● Form-based standards

● Building types

● Housing types

● Compatibility standards

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Design for Mobility

● “We shape our buildings and then our buildings shape us.” Winston Churchill

● Moving from car dependent environment to a compact and connected environment with multiple transportation options.

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Redevelopment

● “We will become a city of Complete Communities.”

● Reduced parking standards● Connectivity

– Require the extensions of roads, alleys, trails, bike lanes, sidewalks or green connectors

– Promote walkability

4/26/16 LCCO 13

Greenfield Development

● Cheaper for developer, but more expensive for the city, and consumes more natural resources

● Promote connectivity● Protect the natural environment● Require stormwater to be filtered, retained or

otherwise reused on site

4/26/16 LCCO 14

Parks and Open Space

● Provide pocket parks

● Provide safe and accessible parks and facilities for all citizens

– Within ¼ mile walking distance (urban)

– Within ½ mile walking distance (outside urban core)● Expand the amount of parkland

– 9.4 acres per 1,000 residents

– Lost Creek: 34 acres● Conform to the Urban Trails Master Plan

4/26/16 LCCO 15

Recommended

● 10 Towns that Changed America– http://lostcreekcivicorganization.ning.com/blog/10-towns-that-changed-america

● 10 Parks That Changed America– http://lostcreekcivicorganization.ning.com/blog/10-parks-that-changed-america

● Non Profit and City Parks' Organizations