Details

Title	Austin's Efforts to Reduce Regulatory Barriers
Highlights	It is implied that the administrative burden was a deterrent to the development of affordable housing.   The SMART program offers expedited review to builders and developers to turn vacant property into reasonably priced housing.                       Code amendments or rule changes can impact housing affordability.   SMART Housing staff review all proposed changes to codes in order to identify any likely impact on affordable housing.                       Excessive fees can be a barrier to the development of affordable housing.   The City of Austin waives fees for developments that the Department of Neighborhood Housing and Community Development has certified as SMART Housing.                       It is implied that a lack of development in a city's urban core can limit the supply of affordable housing.   The program's developments are inside Austin’s city limits, including many infill developments within the city’s urban core.                       Zoning disputes and restrictions can hinder the development of affordable housing.   The program requires developers seeking a zoning change to meet with adjacent neighborhoods and address legitimate issues before filing a zoning application.
Description	This document updates Austin, Texas' efforts to reduce regulatory barriers with its SMART program. The goal of the SMART program is to stimulate the production of new housing that is Safe, Mixed-Income, Accessible, Reasonably Priced and Transit Oriented. A prior developer incentive program was constrained by limited understanding and a lack of organization. Under the program, they city offers development fee waivers and expedited review to builders and developers to turn vacant property into reasonably priced housing. The program also maximizes the amount of administrative decision-making and certainty and minimizes the level of public notice and review for housing development that meets standards without variances. In addition, staff review all proposed code amendments, rule changes, neighborhood plans and changes in development fees to identify any likely impact on housing affordability. Staff also assist developers in resolving disputes with other city departments and facilitates dialogue between developers and neighborhood groups. Another valuable strategy is ensuring that all developments are inside Austin’s city limits, which includes much infill development in the city's core. The program has been a great success, and the model may be replicated in other cities. For more information on this concept, go to http://www.huduser.org/rbc/search/rbcdetails.asp?DocId=451
Publication Date	2004
Organization	City of Austin S.M.A.R.T. Housing Program
Web Location	http://www.huduser.org/rbc/pdf/AustinSMART.pdf

Notice: The contents of this record reflect the views of the author and/or promulgating municipality, and should not be construed as representing the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or U.S. HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research. No attempt has been made by U.S. HUD or its contractors to verify the accuracy, currency, or validity of the record contents presented herein.