A Second Downtown Over Barton Watershed?

The new law skirts development restrictions in Austin's most sensitive areas. (Austin American-Statesman, June 23 1999)

The new law skirts development restrictions in Austin's most sensitive areas.
Austin American-Statesman, June 23 1999

June 1999

"Austin bashing" laws passed by the Texas legislature weakens Austin's ability to regulate development. HB 1704 grandfathers in a projected 20-million square feet of new development in the Barton Springs zone.

With the passage of the legislation, they (developers) have pretty much forever to build all the buildings. The more you look at the numbers, the scarier it gets.

— Mary Arnold, SOS Board Member

Doug Potter

Stewards

Supporting Documents

Related Events

A History of Environmental Threats

Barton Creek Blasting Not Advised
December 1964
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Building Codes Rarely Enforced
1967
1967 Austin City Code Creek Protections
Special Building Permits Undermine Creek Ordinance
Mid 1970s
Apartment Complex Looms over Barton Springs
Municipal Utility Districts Spur Development
1977-ongoing
Developers Influence Zoning
late 1970s-ongoing
Homes overlooking Barton Creek at Campbell's Hole
State Law Opens Loophole For Development
May 1987
Outskirts of Austin, 1986
Proposed Development On Barton Creek Sparks Outcry
1988
Jim Bob Moffett, Developer
Council Passes Weak Watershed Ordinance
1991
1991 Councilmembers Bob Larson, Charles Urdy, Ronney Reynolds, and Louise Epstein
Austin Bashing Law Passed
June 1999
The new law skirts development restrictions in Austin's most sensitive areas.
High Tech Plant Locates On Aquifer
2006