STR Audit Maps (Maps showing locations of STRs)

ANC STR FAQ

This fact/summary sheet from the ANC committee on Short Term Rentals is meant to clarify the intent of the resolution and to dispel misinformation regarding it. We ask that you share this information with your neighbors in preparation for the discussion of the resolution at the ANC’s November 30^th meeting.

The ANC resolution is not an ordinance (or a law.)  It is intended to inform and guide City Council and Staff in the creation of an ordinance.

Homesteaded STR’s are allowed under this resolution. The current land code does not allow for this use. We are asking that for homesteaded properties short-term rentals be an allowable use. (Similar to B&B’s and group homes.)

Homestead (in this resolution) means where you have a homestead exemption accepted by the Travis County Appraisal District (TCAD). Secondary structures can be a garage apartment, a granny flat, a second house on same lot, or duplex where one side is the primary residence. It allows both the primary and secondary structures to be used as STR’s on a limited basis. For example, you could rent the house you live in for SXSW and rent the garage apartment for up to 60 days per year. You could rent the homesteaded ½ of the duplex for ACL and rent the other ½ as a short-term rental for up to 60 days a year.

This ANC Resolution ONLY addresses rentals less than 30 days. For example: If you go on an extended trip, are in the hospital and rehab for 6 weeks or if you rent your home for the summer one time for 6-8 weeks, this does not apply to you.

Commercial STRs are residential rental properties that are not homesteaded that are being used for short-term rentals. We see these as commercial businesses and as not being a compatible use in a single family zoned neighborhood. For example, you can have a home office in SF zoning under certain guidelines already written in code, but if you starting renting out your residential property as office space, that is not allowed under SF zoning.

We are not opposed to CSTR’s in commercial zoning. For example if you buy a house on 1^st street, between Ben White and Barton Springs.  It looks like a house but can also be a business. It is not a residential neighborhood.

I have been renting my own home for SXSW and have been told I have to pay taxes with this new resolution, why?  HOT (Hotel Occupancy Tax) is a state law. The City collects the tax for the State Comptrollers office. Refer to the Comptroller for the form and information. If you are not paying the HOT tax, you need to read about the requirements being proposed by the Planning Commission. The ANC Resolution does not deal with tax liability.

I already own a rent house and am using it as a rental most weekends and during events. What about my investment? Renting residential property on a short-term basis is already a violation of the housing code. We are opposed to grandfathering this use as the Planning Commission is suggesting.  Local zoning laws should be studied before making such an investment. No one is forcing you to sell your property. You can do long term rentals or corporate rentals (3 month, generally.) You have many options.

Why do the neighborhoods care? We believe zoning is an implied agreement between a homeowner and the City. CSTR’s are a commercial business. We believe they remove housing stock, impacts affordable housing and affect neighborhood crime watch. The SWAT bust of a CSTR on La Casa last week and the fire on Argentia are good examples of CSTR’s impacting neighborhoods in a negative way.

For more background information visit the ANC website www.ancweb.org http://www.ancweb.org/issues/STRs/STRs.htm

Helen Rockenbaugh-Southwood <crock50@msn.com>

Joyce Basciano, VP 2, Austin Neighborhoods Council <JBASCIANO@austin.rr.com>

Blake Tollett-West Austin Neighborhood Group <blake.tollett@earthlink.net>

The City is discussing how to better regulate short term rentals.  Please click on the following to view the latest draft of WANG’s suggestions:

Short Term Rentals

The planning process seems quite similar to the neighborhood planning effort we recently completed.  The plan will address all 365 acres of the property, excluding the Reserve Center at the northwest corner (which is federal property).  They’re using the Austin consulting firm, H.W. Lochner, to lead the planning process which started with a “data collection” phase this past October, and will proceed through a draft plan presentation (Summer 2012), Revised Plan (September 2012), and Final Plan (Sept. 2012).

The materials distributed at the meeting included a listing of “Draft Goals” for an initial framework for the plan, as well as “Draft Policies” which may be refined/supplemented.  Lots of planning blah-blah mumbo jumbo re efficiency, sustainability, historical significance, natural features, artillery target practice area.  (Just kidding about that last one.)

During the meeting, there was an opportunity to provide comments and input, including the proverbial colored-sticker-on-map exercise.  Suggestions from community stakeholders included taking down the LED scrolling display sign on MoPac, returning the main entrance to its original location, and making sure there is a fire plan worked out with the City regarding wildfires on Mabry.

As for the presentation, it was very nice and efficient and “structured” presentation like you’d expect from the military.  My favorite touch was the powerpoint show they prepared which had two little boxes at the top and bottom of each slide which said “Unclassified.”  I’m dying to see the classified version.

Camp Mabry is asking for community input for their upcoming master planning for the next 20 years.  Please see the links below for more information.

December 6 or 13th from 7:00 – 9:00PM, Audie Murphy Building, 82

Comm Workshop Invitation-General-Map

FAQ Camp Mabry Master Plan Meetings Dec 2011

The City of Austin is creating a new Comprehensive Plan for Austin which will set forth the city’s policies for growth and development.  The existing Comprehensive Plan (the Austin Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan (ATCP)) was developed during the 1970s and adopted in 1979, but even with various amendments and updates, the ATCP remains a product of its time and does not address many contemporary issues facing the City such as sustainability and climate change.  The lack of a contemporary, community-based vision for the City’s future has lead to many “ad hoc” policy directives.

An overview of the Comprehensive Plan process for the next two or so years is available, including a recent “Comprehensive Plan Kick-Off” Event.

The City has posted a survey to obtain citizen input on some of the questions from the October 12 Kick-Off Event concerning what makes Austin great and what could be improved.  Survey answers will form the foundation of the first Community Forum Series, the week of November 9.

In addition, Comprehensive Plan Citizens Advisory Task Force is being formed.  The application form for the Comprehensive Plan Citizens Advisory Task Force is available for download.  Interested in serving, or know someone who might be perfect for the task force? Fill it out or pass it on. Instructions for submitting the application are included.

Sign up to receive all email updates from the Comprehensive Planning Staff at NPZD: <http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/zoning/contact_info_ncp.cfm>.  Please help encourage city-wide participation in OUR Comprehensive Plan
by forwarding this information.  Individuals’ involvement can be minimal or extensive — but the sooner
they tune it, the more sense it will make as we proceed…

Additional information is posted at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/compplan/.

Survey for Stakeholders

 The Texas State Legislature has appropriated funding for services that prevent or address homelessness in Texas cities. The City of Austin Health and Human Services Department (HHSD) is seeking your feedback about the areas that can make the most difference in addressing needs of the homelessness. We anticipate Austin will receive approximately $900,000 each year for the next two years (total $1.9M).

The funds are managed by Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. The intent is to meet the most critical needs in the state’s eight largest cities. Cities are allowed to fund a broad range of direct services and/or construction projects.

The City’s goal is to support 1 – 2 projects that can quickly demonstrate their ability to successfully address homelessness and are the most needed in our community. HHSP funds will support services that are not currently part of the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Programs.

Please click on the following link to complete the survey by close of business October 6, 2009. This survey contains three questions.

 http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=XJZPA6GaEhZSAvxKUMKx5g_3d_3d

Responses are anonymous, unless you provide contact information.

HHSD will use this feedback as we develop the City’s application to TDHCA and in our process for contracting with nonprofit agencies providing these services.

Thank you

The Human Services Division Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department

President, West Austin Neighborhood Group (WANG) Board of Directors

July 1, 2009

West Austin Neighborhood Group Deplores Brackenridge Tract Planners’ Suggestions

Neighborhood Organization Continues to Seek Best Use for Core Suburban Spaces

“WANG, as the only organized neighborhood association serving as a voice for and protecting property owners in the immediate area of the Brackenridge Tract and as one of the key community organizations that has worked tirelessly to provide guidance and input before and during the planning process, adamantly opposes Cooper Robertson’s master plan recommendations.”

“WANG calls upon the University of Texas System Board of Regents to reject both master plans submitted by Cooper Robertson & Partners.”

“WANG is pleased that Chairman Huffines has expressed an earnest desire to continue dialogue on this sensitive matter.”  

“WANG is grateful that Chairman Huffines stated resolutely that the leases to the City of Austin for Lions Municipal Golf Course and to the West Austin Youth Association for its youth sports and educational complex as well as the 1989 Brackenridge Tract agreement will be honored until their expiration in 2019.” 

“WANG recognizes that both the Village Plan and the Park Plan dramatically fail to propose truly sustainable redevelopment of the Brackenridge Tract in a manner that will benefit all while retaining and protecting the existing character of the surrounding core suburban community and its invaluable open space.  Instead it proposes residential densities as much as four (4) times that of the award winning Mueller Redevelopment.  Mueller is recovered industrial land adjacent to two (2) major arterials, not parkland and lower density residential, retail, and academic tracts located in a core suburban neighborhood served by three (3) neighborhood collectors. The overall size, scale and thrust of the Cooper Robertson & Partners master plans are entirely inappropriate in proposing an incredibly massive mixed use, residential and commercial project.” 

“WANG is dismayed at Cooper Robertson & Partners’ failure to address the overwhelming traffic problems that would be created by either Plan, both plans’ lack of compatibility with the adjacent core suburban neighborhood, significant open space, deference to the distinguished history of the Tract, and consideration of public sentiment.  Both plans also fails to address the detrimental effect the project would have on the reputation of The University of Texas at Austin.” 

“WANG looks forward to continuing its work with the University of Texas System Board of Regents, the University of Texas at Austin, the City of Austin and other key stakeholders to arrive at a mutually beneficial and sustainable solution for the Brackenridge Tract.”

###

Contact:  August Harris    august.harris@westaustinng.com       512-320-8808

Please take a moment to view this important  Tree Trimming Information so you will know your rights concerning the trimming of your trees around the city’s power lines.

City of Austin Directory (Start with the Public Information Office, (499-2220) if you need help figuring out whom to call.)

Calendars City, AISD, UT and more.

Construction Awareness Information System To obtain information about on-going construction projects that may affect your travel through Central Austin, click here.

Electric Utility (322-9100)

Graffiti Hot Line (473-4125)

Hazardous Waste (499-2111) (batteries, pesticides, paints, solvents, cleansers, etc.)

Health & Human Services Dept.(469-2188)

Oak Wilt information

Parks Department (call 974-6700 to express concerns about park grounds and facilities; Park Police 974-7707)

Potholes (440-8444)

Solid Waste (trash pickup and the reporting of brush piles in public spaces)

Street light problem reporting (505-7617)

Traffic Calming (and the reporting of neighborhood traffic problems)

Utility locator (472-2822) ONE CALL marks your property for underground utility lines you might damage by digging.

Tree Permits and Protection (what are protected trees and permit requirements from Austin’s Green Building Program) (974-1876 Jim Rhoades e-mail)

Trees – Grow Green Program (Native and adapted plant guide) (974-2446 or Kathy Shay e-mail)

Water Conservation (974-2199)

Water and Wastewater (emergency number 972-1000) Austin Police Department – Web Links (Emergencies: 911, Non-emergencies: 311)The following links are to assist you in keeping up with recent Austin Police Department news releases and other information. You can periodically check them for updated information. Crimes reported within the boundaries of neighborhood associations

News/ Press Releases on Events Making the News: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/police/apd_news.htm

V.I.N. Etching Dates: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/police/vinetch.htm

APD District Representative for West Austin,
Senior Police Officer Nicole Gray #3466
CWNAC District Representative
Austin Police Department
Central West, North Area Command
512-974-5241 nicole.gray@ci.austin.tx.us

Austin History Heritage Society of Austin

History of Austin – Austin History Center

History of Austin – Convention & Visitors Bureau Helpful Information Austin City Connection

Austin Chamber of Commerce Neighborhood Restaurants Holiday House 2425 Exposition (478-2652) (RIP)

Abel’s On The Lake, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. (904-0572) (no menu)

Maudie’s Cafe, 2608 W. 7th (473-3740) (menu)

Mangia’s Pizza, 2401 Lake Austin (478-6600) (menu)

Magnolia Cafe, 2304 Lake Austin Blvd. (478-8645) (menu)

Fabi and Rosi, 509 Hearn (236-0642) (menu)

Original David’s Brick Oven, 1608 W. 35th (453-4330)

(Lunch Menu and Dinner Menu)

Food!Food!, 2727 Exposition Blvd. (474-8515) (sandwich menu)

Mozart’s, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd (477-2900)

Hula Hut, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd (476-4852) (menu)

Téo Espresso, Gelato & Bella Vita 26 Doors Shopping Center (451-9555)

ThunderCloud Subs, 2308 L. Austin Blvd. (479-6504
FAX: 479-0440
ORDER ON-LINE!) (menu) Governmental Contacts Austin City CouncilComplete Detailed Information Here

Mayor Will Wynn
Phone: (512) 974-2250 Fax: (512) 974-2337
E-mail: Will.Wynn@ci.austin.tx.us

Place 1 – Council Member Lee Leffingwell
Phone: (512) 974-2260 Fax: (512) 974-3212
E-mail: Lee.Leffingwell@ci.austin.tx.us

Place 2 – Council Member Mike Martinez
Phone: (512) 974-2264 Fax: (512) 974-1887
E-mail: Mike.Martinez@ci.austin.tx.us

Place 3 – Council Member Randi Shade
Phone: (512) 974-2255 Fax: (512) 974-1888
E-mail: Randi.Shade@ci.austin.tx.us

Place 4 – Laura Morrison
Phone: (512) 974-2258 Fax: (512) 974-1886

E-mail: Laura.Morrison@ci.austin.tx.us

Place 5 – Mayor Pro Tem Brewster McCracken
Phone: (512) 974-2256 Fax: (512) 974-1884
E-mail: Brewster.McCracken@ci.austin.tx.us

Place 6 – Council Member Sheryl Cole
Phone: (512) 974-2266 Fax: (512) 974-1890
E-mail: Sheryl.Cole@ci.austin.tx.us Regional, State and Federal Gov’t
Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO)Texas State Senators

Senate District 14 – Senator Kirk Watson (463-0114 or kirk.watson@senate.state.tx.us)

Senate District 25: Senator Jeff Wentworth (463-0125 or jeff.wentworth@senate.state.tx)

Texas State Representatives

House District 46: State Representative Dawnna Dukes (463-0506 or dawnna.dukes@house.state.tx.us)

House District 47: State Representative Valinda Bolton (463-0652 or valinda.bolton@house.state.tx.us

House District 48: State Representative Donna Howard (463-0631 or donna.howard@house.state.tx.us)

House District 49: State Representative Elliott Naishtat (463-0668 or elliot.naishtat@house.state.tx.us)

House District 50: State Representative Mark Strama (463-0821 or mark.strama@house.state.tx.us)

House District 51: State Representative Eddie Rodriguez (463-0674 or eddie.rodriguez@house.state.tx.us)

Texas U.S. Representatives

Congressional District 10 -Michael T. McCaul ((202) 225-2401 or michael.mccaul@mail.house.gov)

Congressional District 21 – Congressman Lamar Smith (202-225-4236)

Congressional District 25 – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (202-225-4865 or doggett@hr.house.gov)

Texas U.S. Senators

U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (202-224-5922 or senator@hutchison.senate.gov)

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (202-224-2934 or senator@cornyn.senate.gov)

U.S. President President Barack H. Obama (202-456-1414 or president@whitehouse.gov)

United Nations Secretary-General Of The United Nations – The Honorable Ban Ki-moon (Fax: (212) 963 2155 or sg@un.org or ecu@un.org) ]]> http://westaustinng.com/2009/05/13/helpful-links-list/feed/ 0 http://westaustinng.com/2009/04/06/deed-restriction-tool-for-protecting-neighborhood/ http://westaustinng.com/2009/04/06/deed-restriction-tool-for-protecting-neighborhood/#comments Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:18:00 +0000 admin http://westaustinng.com/wordpress/?p=125 At our May board meeting, Nikelle Meade, a partner with the Brown McCarroll law firm, presented information on how deed restrictions can be used as an effective tool for like-minded neighbors to protect their local neighborhood from over development.  WANG will work toward setting up a program to help small groups of neighbors (perhaps a group of neighbors on a one or two street area) enact an agreed set of deed restrictions that would preserve the general “look and feel” of the street, or at least prevent the most offensive development outcomes.

For this reason, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has released “Protecting America’s Historic Neighborhoods:  Taming the Teardown Trend,” a comprehensive report on strategies and best practice solutions being used in communities today to control teardowns.  This booklet, which is available by clicking here, empowers property owners, once defenseless against the changes sweeping through their neighborhoods, with necessary preventative tools to combat teardowns.  The report also offers viable alternatives for preservationists and local governments seeking to limit the teardown trend.