Austin CodeNext Land-Use Code Rewrite To Be On Ballot

AUSTIN, TX — A state district judge ruled that a CodeNext petition ordinance should appear on the ballot in November, overturning previous city council action, according to reports.

The ruling by State District Court Judge Orlinda Naranjo puts the matter up to voters. More than 31,000 registered voters signed the petition to have the proposed CodeNext — the city's ambitious land use code revamping — on a November ballot.

The initiative also revamps the city's zoning codes and maps in an effort to control development and mitigate the more corrosive aspects of gentrification that lead to displacement of residents unable to afford mortgage payments amid soaring property values.

But the CodeNext process has garnered its share of critics. Some envision redevelopment of established neighborhoods as a result of the rewrite. Others point to the project being over budget, years late in implementation and the $8 million in consultants fees already spent.

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