Single-Family Zoning Change Stirs up Austin

A proposed zoning change at Austin Council ignited fiery responses from elected officials and local residents this week.

The proposal, introduced by councilmember Leslie Pool and passed in a 9-2 vote, gives initial approval to a measure changing the minimum single-family lot size from 5,750 square to 2,500 square feet, the Austin-American Statesman reported.

The motion led to three hours of heated exchanges between Austinites and council members. One resident called the proposal “a let them eat cake policy,” saying it will allow developers to take advantage of skyrocketing land value, while homeowners “will have to sell, and we’ll have to sell to a developer, not a family.”

Pool defended the idea.

“It does not eliminate single-family zoning districts. It does not change the zoning on anyone’s property. It does not force a reduction of existing single-family lots,” she told the outlet. “It does not make any changes today.”

The measure would also permit more housing units to be built per lot, in an effort to promote more housing opportunities for residents of varying income levels, according to the proposal draft.

A handful of residents backed the zoning change, citing the need for more affordable housing and density. Those supporting the motion were younger residents, the outlet reported.

Council Members Alison Alter and Mackenzie Kelly voted against Pool’s proposal.

—Quinn Donoghue