PHASE 1 of HOME: 2023

Smaller and Greener: PHASE 1 for a better Austin

In 2023, Austin City Council Member Leslie Pool introduced the HOME Initiative as part of a city-wide strategy to meet the challenges of Austin’s rapidly growing population and lack of attainable housing for middle-income earners. The HOME Initiative supports Austin’s middle-income households, the social and economic foundation of the city, by encouraging smaller single-family homes for first-time homebuyers and providing more options for existing homeowners. Going beyond supporting our middle class, the HOME Initiative prioritizes environmental sustainability. By allowing for smaller homes and denser neighborhoods, Austin will reduce its carbon emissions, limit urban sprawl, and help preserve the natural landscape and green spaces that have come to define our community.

HOME PHASE 1 was passed by City Council on December 7, 2023, with a 9-2 super majority vote in favor of the drafted ordinance.

What does PHASE 1 Change?

Allow three units per single family lot by right.

HOME would allow single-family lots to build up to 3 units and gives owners more flexibility to build what makes sense on their property. Residents could add an additional unit for their multi-generational household or rent out an additional unit to be able to afford aging-in-place.

Preservation and Sustainability Bonus.

Introduces an incentive program aimed at encouraging the preservation of existing homes. Homeowners or infill developers are incentivized to keep existing structures preserving our city’s older, more affordable housing inventory. Homes older than 1960 have additional historic preservation requirements, but the preserved structure is excluded from the floor-to-area (FAR) calculations.

Limiting Overall House Sizes on lots.

HOME would allow for the development of smaller single-family homes at a lower price point more attainable for Austin’s middle income households. Per unit size limits are in place to encourage infill developers to build multiple smaller units versus a large single-family home.

Tiny Homes.

HOME makes it easier to have a tiny home as a dwelling unit in single-family zoning. This would allow property owners to easily and affordably add an additional unit to their property to provide more flexible or temporary housing for housing parents, caregivers, or to earn a passive income.

How will HOME benefit Austin Residents?

For Homeowners

Creates options to house a family member or earn passive income to age in place, simplifies zoning and building code creating more opportunity for the average Austinite; HOME takes a small step towards creating more walkable and connected neighborhoods assessable to public transit.

For Homebuyers and Renters

Creates more affordable “Starter Homes” for first time buyers, increases housing supply that will drive down rent and purchase prices, and builds more housing closer to transit, work and play in the Austin area.

PHASE 1 Resources

HOME Phase 1 FAQs

In-depth information & clarifications on HOME’s goal to promote more smaller homes, preserve older homes, and protect our natural resources for all Austinites.

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HOME Phase 1 Flyer

Overview on how HOME empowers homeowners, homebuyers, & renters while protecting Austin’s natural environment; includes how to get involved.