Questions and Answers
A building permit for the second dwelling unit was issued before November 18, 2004.
True
Which of the following is NOT a valid exception for increasing gross floor area after November 18, 2004?
What must a required yard be according to 25-2-513?
Open and unobstructed from finished grade to the sky.
What does 'building coverage' mean?
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What is the maximum projection into a required yard for a window sill, cornice, or eave?
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What is a building line?
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Landscaping may be located in a required yard.
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What is the maximum height limit for a home radio antenna or flagpole according to 25-2-531?
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What is a carport?
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What defines a corner lot?
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The height of a fly tower in a theater may be up to ____ feet regardless of zoning district height limit.
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What does the shoreline mean in relation to Lake Austin?
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What does 'enclosed' mean in zoning terms?
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A flag lot must comply with minimum lot width requirements.
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No structures are allowed in a shoreline setback area according to LDC section 25-2-551.
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What is a floor area ratio?
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What is the allowed impervious cover percentage on a lot with a gradient of 25 percent or less in a Lake Austin district?
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What is required to define a bedroom in a duplex according to section 25-2-773?
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What is a front yard?
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The requirements of waterfront overlay districts apply to community events use.
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Match the following residential uses with their definitions:
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Not more than six unrelated adults may reside in a dwelling unit.
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The term 'lot area' refers to the net horizontal area within the lot lines, excluding the portion of the lot that provides _______ access.
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What must the Land Use Commission review before approving a similar nonconforming conditional use?
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A structure that originally complied with site development regulations can become a noncomplying structure due to changes in adjacent property.
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What is defined by 25-2-962?
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A structure may not have its vertical finished floor elevation changed by more than ______, according to residential requirements.
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What is required to modify or maintain a noncomplying structure?
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Under what circumstances can a person increase the height of a noncomplying structure?
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A person may modify a noncomplying structure in a way that increases its degree of noncompliance.
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What is the minimum lot size for an urban home special use?
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What is required for each dwelling in an urban home special use?
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A covered front porch at entry level for an urban home special use should have a minimum depth of ______ feet.
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Which special use allows goods or services to be provided to local residents?
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What is the minimum lot area for a duplex residential use?
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What is the maximum building coverage allowed for a duplex residential use?
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What is the maximum impervious cover for a duplex residential use?
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What are the maximum building height requirements for a duplex residential use?
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In a duplex residential use, the two units must have a common ______.
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For a two-family residential use, what is the minimum lot area required?
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What is the maximum height limitation for the second dwelling unit in a two-family residential use?
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What is the minimum lot size for a small lot single-family residential use?
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What is the maximum height for a structure in a small lot single-family residential use?
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How many motor vehicles for each licensed driver can be stored on the premises for a principal residential use?
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A maximum of ______ guest vehicle trips a day is allowed for an accessory use.
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A solid fence can exceed eight feet high without any conditions.
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What is a requirement for an accessory apartment in a single-family residence?
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Study Notes
Zoning Terms and Definitions
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Building Coverage: Defined in 25-1-21; refers to the area covered by buildings, excluding ground level paving, landscaping, and certain architectural features like incidental eaves and balconies. Notably, a 2' eave can project into a required yard without counting towards coverage.
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Building Line: A mandatory setback line from the street line where buildings must be positioned as per definition in 25-1-21.
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Carport: A roofed structure to shelter parked vehicles, as specified in 25-1-21.
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Corner Lot: A lot positioned at the intersection of two streets with an angle of not more than 135 degrees, as per 25-1-21.
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Enclosed Space: A fully roofed or covered area surrounded by walls or buildings exceeding eight feet in height; includes open spaces less than 100 sq ft.
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Flag Lot: Has access to a street via a narrow strip of land not meeting minimum width requirements, with specific exclusions in area calculations as referenced in 25-1-22.
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Floor Area Ratio: Represents the proportion of gross floor area to gross site area, critical for density determinations.
Yard and Lot Definitions
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Front Lot Line: Varies by lot type; for interior lots, it abuts the street; corner and through lots have particular designations based on subdivision maps.
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Yard Definitions:
- Front Yard: Extends from the front lot line to the front setback line.
- Rear Yard: Lies between the rear lot line and rear setback line, excluding areas within street side yard of corner lots.
- Side Yard: Extends from the front to rear lot lines between side lot lines and side setback lines.
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Setback Line: A boundary line within the lot, essential for structure placements, defined in 25-1-21.
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Gross Floor Area: The total enclosed area of a building exceeds six feet in height; exclusions apply for certain non-usable spaces.
Occupancy and Residential Use Regulations
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Dwelling Unit Occupancy Limits: Restrictions on unrelated adults residing in a unit; generally no more than six, and specific lower limits apply in certain residential districts.
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Residential Use Types: Include Bed and Breakfast, Duplex, Multiple Family Residental and more, each defined under 25-2-3, which outlines intended occupancy and structure types.
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Short-Term Rentals: Defined as rentals of residential units for less than 30 consecutive days, with regulations in Article 4, Division 1.
Measurements and Special Considerations
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Impervious Cover: Defined in 25-1-23 as any surface preventing water infiltration, relevant for environmental compliance and calculated per established criteria.
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Site Development Regulations: As outlined in 25-2-492, these govern the principal site development rules for zoning districts, ensuring compliance with more restrictive regulations if conflicts arise.
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Amnesty Certificate of Occupancy: Allows for exemption from compliance for certain residential buildings lacking a Certificate if proof of existence and use is provided prior to March 1, 1986.
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Openness of Required Yards: Yards must generally remain unobstructed, with specific allowances for structures that can intrude into required yard spaces based on regulations.
Additional Notes
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Flag Lot Calculations: Special measuring considerations exist for areas not included in total area calculations, ensuring compliance with zoning laws.
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Importance of Section 25-1-22: Critical for understanding lot dimension measurements, especially for properties near Lake Austin which have additional elevation considerations.### Ramp Construction in Required Yards
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Ramps for residential units must be constructed for accessibility, complying with Residential Code, Section R320.6.
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Maximum width of the ramp is 48 inches; landings for turns can be up to 60 inches wide.
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Ramps may include handrails but cannot have roofs or walls.
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Approval from the building official is required to ensure safety and health standards are met.
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Encroachment into required yards must be minimized, not exceeding three feet into the side yard setback.
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Ramps cannot be placed in rear yard setbacks unless the dwelling is on a corner lot or accessible via an alley.
Openness of Required Yards (Code Calls)
- Features projecting more than 2 feet from buildings may extend further if deemed part of passive energy design.
- Projections over 2 feet count towards building coverage.
Height Limit Exceptions
- Exceptions exist for structures such as chimneys, vents, and decorative features.
- Specific limits detailed include:
- Parapets and spires may exceed height limits by prescribed percentages.
- Radio antennas have specific height restrictions of 50 or 25 feet depending on attachment.
- Fly towers for performances in theaters may reach up to 80 feet in height.
Lake Austin District Regulations
- Lot area is defined as the net horizontal area above 492.8 feet elevation.
- Shoreline is determined by the 492.8 contour line along Lake Austin.
Shoreline Setback Regulations
- Shoreline setbacks are 75 feet or 25 feet depending on lot conditions related to subdivision plats pre-dating 1982.
- This setback area is excluded from impervious cover calculations, while specific structures are allowed under regulations.
Lot Width and Impervious Cover
- Lot standards vary based on the subdivision date; newer lots have stricter width and impervious cover limits.
- Impervious cover percentages depend on slope gradients; lower limits apply on steeper slopes.
Transfer of Impervious Cover
- Transfers are only allowed within Lake Austin districts between land with specified gradient restrictions.
- Land receiving the transfer must remain undisturbed or restored.
Slope Development Standards
- Strict restoration for vegetation on slopes exceeding 15% gradient, with prohibitions for developments over 35%.
Single-Family Residence Regulations
- Different districts (SF-1, SF-2, SF-3) define various rear yard setbacks and building cover maximums.
- Accessory buildings have regulations for height and setback requirements.
Duplex Residential Regulations
- Guidelines cover lot size, building cover, impervious cover, and structural connections specific to duplexes.
- Bedrooms are defined based on dimensional standards and access to sanitary facilities.
Small Lot Single-Family Residential Regulations
- Minimum lot sizes are enforced, while maximum heights and various setbacks are prescribed to maintain dimensional harmony.### Building Regulations
- Maximum building coverage allowed is 55 percent.
- Maximum impervious cover allowed is 65 percent.
- Small lot single-family use must adhere to Section 25-4-232 requirements.
Accessory Uses for Residential Properties
- Section 25-2-893 outlines accessory use requirements for principal residential uses.
- Limited to one vehicle per licensed driver residing in a home; exceptions for up to four vehicles in a private garage.
- Inoperable motor vehicles are restricted from public right-of-way unless they are antique or under repair.
Permitted Accessory Uses
- Recreational facilities, religious study meetings, and various outdoor constructions like patios and gazebos are allowed.
- Home occupations must comply with specific regulations and on-site sales may be authorized under certain conditions.
- Pets such as dogs and cats are permitted as household pets.
Guest and Accessory Dwellings
- Guest houses allowed for single-family residential lots of at least 10,000 square feet; for occasional guests only.
- Accessory dwellings permitted on lots with at least 15,000 square feet with on-site employment requirements for residents.
Residential Convenience Services
- Permitted in multifamily or mobile home park uses; must serve solely the residents without external identification.
Dock Regulations
- Docks can be off-site; must not include living quarters or unnecessary facilities.
- Limited to one dock per principal residential use, irrespective of lot count.
Nonconforming Structures
- Structures in compliance with regulations as of March 1, 1984, remain compliant despite changes to adjacent properties.
- Nonconforming uses categorized into four groups, each with distinct regulations concerning maintenance, modifications, and potential discontinuation.
Fencing Regulations
- Fences allowed as accessory uses across all zoning districts; height varies by type (ornamental vs. solid).
- Solid fences typically capped at six feet, unless written consent from adjacent property owners is obtained for increased height.
Substandard Lot Usage
- Nonresidential use permissible if zoning compliance is met, subject to minimum area stipulations.
- Single-family residential use allowed if zoning permits and specific size conditions are met.
Modifications to Noncomplying Structures
- Modifications allowed if they do not exacerbate noncompliance; repairs and maintenance must adhere to approved regulations.
- For residential structures, only limited demolition and alterations permitted, alongside strict conditions for increasing height or extending dimensions.
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Explore key terminology related to zoning laws in the City of Austin with these flashcards. Each card focuses on definitions crucial for understanding building regulations, including terms like building coverage and their implications in zoning. Perfect for students or professionals in urban planning or law.
