Staff outlines Phase 2 of downtown density bonus program, seeks input through January draft

Staff briefed the Design Commission on Phase 2 of the downtown density bonus (DDB) program and the planned public engagement timeline.

Warner Cook, principal planner with Austin Planning, told commissioners the Phase 2 work will build on Phase 1 changes and focus on preservation tools for the Red River Cultural District, how a DDB program could coordinate with a transfer‑of‑development‑rights (TDR) program, and potential new geographies — including the South Central Waterfront. “We’re expecting to release a draft proposal in mid January, roughly, of of next year that would have public comment on it,” Cook said, outlining staff’s target schedule for outreach.

Cook said Phase 2 is intended to be guided by council direction and a working group. He described a public engagement plan that includes stakeholder meetings, ongoing working‑group briefings, and an online SpeakUp Austin page (speakupaustin.org/ddbphasetwo) with a survey for community input. Staff expects to route a final draft through commission review in March and return to council in April, subject to commission capacity.

The presentation recapped Phase 1 outcomes: two new combining districts (DDB+400 and DDB+850) that allow additional height in exchange for program participation, updated gatekeeper requirements and an updated list of community benefits. Staff stressed that not all areas in the Phase 2 study area would necessarily be rezoned or made eligible for bonuses; rezonings would be targeted where appropriate.

Cook urged commissioners to identify stakeholders staff should engage and to use the working group as a primary forum for refining urban design standards and community benefits before staff releases the draft.

Next steps: staff asked commissioners to forward written comments and said it will return with more detailed proposals as analysis and stakeholder feedback progress.