Greetings from Cedar!

Welcome to the Arboretum, a biweekly newsletter for those at the frontier of urban infill development in Austin, TX and beyond. Every few weeks we explore (with you) the latest headlines in Austin's infill landscape (including City Council), as well as innovative strategies, and success stories that shape the way we envision, plan, and execute urban infill projects.

Table of contents

1. HOME Phase II is here
2. The "Ranchplex"
3. The "Cottage court"
4. The "Triple decker"
5. Homes that "age in place"
6. Using Cedar to underwrite HOME projects

HOME Phase II is here!

The HOME initiative is the most important set of reforms to Austin's land-development regulations in a half century. This past December, City Council completed the first phase, allowing for up to (3) homes on most single-family zoned parcels in the City. It now continues with Phase II of the HOME initiative, which proposes the following additional reforms:

• Minimum lot size to be reduced to 2,000sf for (1) unit
• Increase impervious coverage maximum to 0.45 from 0.40 for SF-1 zoned lots
• Relax development standards for small lots, including minimum lot width
• Adjust flag lot requirements and reform subdivision process & review

Keep scrolling to explore the diverse array of housing options that HOME now makes possible, and make sure to join our private beta for early access to learn how to build these (and other types) throughout our neighborhoods!

The "Ranchplex"

Stacking units side-by-side, across one-and-a-half levels, allows the homes to keep a low-profile while providing easy drive access and generous side-yard outdoor space.

The "Cottage court"

By planning across adjacent parcels, central gardens and open-space can be created through courtyards at that link six homes into one “missing-middle” scaled development.

The "Triple decker"

By creating smaller (but still family-sized) units in a stacked arrangement that sets back the top unit, this approach can create generous terraces that match the scale of the neighborhood.

Homes that "age in place"

Corner lots with homes that have historically defined the character of their neighborhoods can be preserved through HOME in a way that still allows for 2-3 units to be added in a manner that aligns with the “look and feel” of their neighbors.

Using Cedar to underwrite HOME projects

Cedar helps you find, diligence, and analyze properties utilizing HOME. Sort and filter scenarios by key metrics like yield-on-cost, impervious cover compliance, gross floor area, construction type, and much more, to ensure you’re maximizing the potential of your project.

Cedar gives you the tools to maximize the development potential of HOME

Big policy changes can create incredibly positive outcomes, but that can be complicated and overwhelming at first - Cedar is here to help. We’re putting the tools in your hands to make sure you’re capturing the full opportunity of HOME, while minimizing risk, on any viable property in the City.

Join our private beta for early access

Did we miss anything?

Let us know by sending a note to contact@cedar.build