The housing supply is so tight in Austin, the city council has called a special session Nov. 30 to discuss the situation.
“It’s clear that housing affordability and housing supply are among our city’s greatest present challenges,” Mayor Steve Adler said on a city message board.
Among the ideas that will be discussed will be a change in the city code.
“This proposed code amendment would allow residential uses in our commercial zones associated with corresponding affordability requirements,” the mayor said. “If this proposal has broad support, we would consider bringing it forward at our council meeting on Dec. 9.”
Austin’s housing market is in a “frenzy’ the Austin Monitor reported.
In October, the median sale price for a home in Austin was $550,000, 20% higher than last year, he said.
The situation for renters is also tough, with average monthly rents at $1,600, the story said.
On the city message board, council member Leslie Pool endorsed the proposed code changes.
“I support the concept of residential uses being permitted in certain commercial zoning districts,” she wrote. “These specific amendments should make increase the possibility of live-work spaces around the city, especially in areas of high transit opportunity, and with corresponding affordability requirements.”
