What is the Save Our Springs Ordinance and does it apply to my lot?
Answered by AskBaily Editorial · Updated
Short answer
Austin's Save Our Springs (SOS) ordinance protects the Barton Springs Zone contributing and recharge aquifer — roughly the southwest quadrant of Travis County. Caps impervious cover at 15-25% on most parcels, plus sediment-and-erosion controls. Lake Austin Watershed and Critical Water Quality Zone setbacks layer additional limits. Any lot south of Lady Bird Lake should be mapped against the SOS overlay before scoping.
In detail
Austin's Save Our Springs (SOS) ordinance protects the Barton Springs Zone contributing and recharge aquifer — roughly the southwest quadrant of Travis County. Caps impervious cover at 15-25% on most parcels, plus sediment-and-erosion controls. Lake Austin Watershed and Critical Water Quality Zone setbacks layer additional limits. Any lot south of Lady Bird Lake should be mapped against the SOS overlay before scoping.
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