What is the McMansion Ordinance in Austin?

Answered by AskBaily Editorial · Updated

Short answer

Subchapter F of Austin's Land Development Code — the 2006 McMansion Ordinance — caps residential Floor-to-Area Ratio at 0.4, restricts front-facade height under a 45-degree tent plane from a 15-foot datum, and limits side-wall articulation on central-Austin parcels inside the Urban Roadways Network. Governs most additions in central Austin; a second story often requires a careful tent-plane analysis.

In detail

Subchapter F of Austin's Land Development Code — the 2006 McMansion Ordinance — caps residential Floor-to-Area Ratio at 0.4, restricts front-facade height under a 45-degree tent plane from a 15-foot datum, and limits side-wall articulation on central-Austin parcels inside the Urban Roadways Network. Governs most additions in central Austin; a second story often requires a careful tent-plane analysis.

This answer is part of AskBaily's austin regulatory knowledge base. For deeper context — including current code-section references, agency contact details, and recent policy changes — see the [austin city hub](/austin) or [the /ask hub](/ask) for related questions.

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