Click to view full size City of Austin Watershed Map
Earlier this year, Austin’s City Council approved a resolution that initatied an amendment to the Comprehensive Watershed Ordinance (CWO) originally adopted in 1986. The strategies behind the CWO was simply to use stream buffer setbacks and impervious cover limits along with structural controls to reduce the impacts of development citywide. With 25 years under our belts, it is no surprise that the City has learned an additional thing or two about what they can do to provide better watershed protection, and maybe it’s time to take another look at their approach.
Mayor Lee Leffingwell said, “Over the course of 25 years things change, and we have to change along with changing conditions. There have been changes in growth patterns in the City, and there have been changes in the science of water protection, and we have to acknowledge those, and we have to look at our goals. Our primary goal of watershed protection [and] how can that accommodate our goals for growth in the City.”
Matt Hollon, with Watershed Protection, says that the clear problem with our watershed ordinances is the “lack of protection for eastern headwaters streams.” Eastern buffer zones are in poor condition and occur in some of the most erosive streams in Austin, which puts the area in serious risk of damage and at great expense to correct. One recurring erosion problem features developments placed too close to erosive clay stream banks. If we don’t address these issues quickly, we simply won’t ever be able to catch up.
Another thing to consider is the City’s desire to develop to the east. State Highway 130 has opened up many opportunities for undeveloped land and new developments, like Whisper Valley, are beginning to take shape. We need to be sure that adjustments made to the existing ordinance keeps continued development in mind.
Specific items under review are:
- Creek Protection
- Floodplain Protection
- Development Patterns and Greenways
- Improved Stormwater Controls
- Mitigation Options
- Simplify Regulations and Maintain Opportunity
- Coordinate Regional Partners
For potential strategies surrounding these items, please see this Watershed Protection Ordinance Amendment sheet prepared by Melissa Neslund.
PowerPoint presentations have been prepared for each meeting topic:
- History, Challenges & Potential Strategies
- Creek Protection
- Creek Protection Case Studies
- Floodplain Protection
Stakeholder meetings on this topic are held bi-weekly, with the next one scheduled for November 18th at 11AM in City Hall’s Room #1029. For a complete schedule of meetings, please click here.
Further information can be found here:
