Really, really swamped.
It's frustrating because the Residential Development Standards Task Force is recommending some blog-worthy amendments (pdf) to the McMansion ordinance.
I can only muster the energy to quote. My favorite recommendation will close that loophole for "massive" carports:
ISSUE
Parking area open on two or more sides: Currently, if an applicant is proposing to construct a carport, they are allowed to take up to 450 sq ft from the FAR [floor-to-area ratio] calculation. A carport is defined as a parking area that iS open on two or more sides, but the definition does not specifically state of [sic] how large the opening may be. Many proposed carports have only partial openings which contribute mass to the structure.
TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATION
Give a specific measurement (percentage) of the opening of the carport. The ordinance should state that in order to get the carport/parking exemption, the open sides of a carport must be clear and unobstructed by any materials for a minimum of 80% of the area measured below the top of the top wall plate to the finished floor of the carport. RDCC can waive up to 25% of the required opening (80% can go to 60%). (Section 2.8.1)
Want to put up a tasteful lattice on the side of that carport? Nope, not even the RDCC can authorize it. Get a bigger lot or build a smaller home. We Austinites evidently prefer clear and unobstructed views of the neighbor's 1977 Gremlin to a little "mass" (a/k/a "a screen").
