Frequently asked questions regarding the proposed Land Development Standards Agreement (LDSA) between the city of Austin and Austin Independent School District.
What is the Land Development Standards Agreement (LDSA)?
The Land Development Standards Agreement is an interlocal agreement (ILA) between the City of Austin and Austin ISD regarding educational facilities (schools and the adjacent playgrounds and fields around the school). It is an agreed-upon set of land development standards for school construction and provides a way for both parties to plan and evaluate proposed school construction projects more efficiently. The LDSA addresses things like site development plans, building permits, construction activities, etc. and can have an impact on things like permitting timelines, payment of fees, inspections and site development standards.
What is an Interlocal Agreement (ILA)?
An ILA is a legally binding agreement between two or more governing bodies. Chapter 791 of the Texas Government Code authorizes interlocal agreements between governments to “increase the efficiency and effectiveness of local governments by authorizing them to contract, to the greatest possible extent, with one another and with agencies of the state.” Chapter 212.902 of the Texas Local Government Code authorizes cities and school districts to enter into interlocal agreements regarding land development standards.
Who approved the LDSA?
The Austin City Council and the Austin ISD Board of Trustees, both comprised of elected officials, approved the agreement.
Why does the City of Austin and Austin Independent School District need an ILA for Land Development Standards?
In Texas, school districts are independent governmental entities and are not subject to the same municipal development requirements as private landowners. Establishing a LDSA between the City of Austin and Austin ISD benefited both entities by reducing redundancies and inefficiencies in education-related construction projects.
Was there an existing Land Development Standard ILA between the City and the School District?
Yes. The city and the district had a LDSA that was established in 1994, and expired on September 21, 2024.
What is the term of the current LDSA / How long will it last?
The current term is 25 years and will last until 2048 unless amended.
Why did Austin ISD do this?
Austin ISD is one of the largest landowners in the city and is currently implementing a $2.4 billion bond program that Austin voters approved in November 2022. This time was an opportunity to update the development standards to reflect Austin’s current population growth and the city’s own evolving development code. An agreement between the city and the district helps promote efficient implementation of the 2022 Bond Program and future bond programs and will safeguard taxpayer dollars.
What type of issues are addressed in this LDSA?
The way we design schools now has drastically changed since 1994 to better meet students’ needs. For example, modern school design can require additional square footage, additional types of learning areas, increased security features, food pantries, counseling, and motherhood rooms. When necessary, allowing schools to be built slightly higher and closer to neighboring properties will provide the design teams flexibility to bring school functions, such as drop-off/pick-up queuing, onto school property and minimize impacts to neighbors, neighborhoods, and traffic patterns. Changes to impervious cover are also being considered, but not in the Barton Springs Recharge Zone.
Which facilities does the LDSA apply to?
This LDSA only applies to Austin ISD educational facilities (schools and the adjacent playgrounds and fields) and only when they are used for educational purposes. This LDSA does not apply to the district’s centralized athletic facilities (House Park Field, Nelson Field, the Delco Center, Burger Center/Field) and district support facilities such as the district’s Service Center, bus barns, warehouse, and headquarters. It also does not apply to Austin ISD properties located in other municipalities, such as Sunset Valley.
Did this LDSA affect Austin ISD’s efforts to redevelop former campuses, such as the old Rosedale School site, or the district’s efforts to provide employee housing?
No. This LDSA covers only educational facilities and the development of new educational facilities. The development of properties for other purposes, including employee housing, would be addressed under City Code that applies to all public and private entities.
For additional questions or comments regarding the LDSA, please contact Austin ISD at:
E-mail: future@austinisd.org
Phone: (512) 690-2582