Multi-unit buildings will soon be subject to enhanced pest control standards + more health and safety requirements. | Photo by ATXtoday
Support climate resilience. Minimize wildfire risk. Enhance housing diversity. Boost energy efficiency.
These are the goals of the 2024 Technical Building Codes, a set of newly adopted regulations for building design, construction, and maintenance in Austin.
Thanks to Austin City Council’s approval on Thursday, April 10, the following practices will go into effect on Thursday, July 10.
To protect residents against extreme heat, all buildings will be required to provide and maintain air conditioning systems.
Certain multi-family residential buildings with up to five stories can soon utilize central single-stairway layouts.
A new amendment will increase the percentage of the city considered at risk of wildfire from 38% to 51%.
Hempcrete — an eco-friendly, plant-based building material — was approved for use in residential construction.
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure will soon be mandatory for new residential and commercial builds.
Pest control inspections in multi-unit buildings will be required to include bedbugs and scorpion checks.
“Shrek” Trivia Night | 7-9 p.m. | Upstairs at Caroline | Cost of purchase | Get out me swamp and onto the rooftop patio to test your knowledge of the 2001 film.
Tuesday, April 15
Brad Williams | 7 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre | $32+ | This comedian has been doing stand-up since he was a teenager, so catch his performance for Moontower Comedy Festival.
Wednesday, April 16
Dog Show + Movie Nite | 5-10 p.m. | Lazarus Brewing Co. | Cost of purchase | Enjoy free popcorn and $1 candy while you watch pups strut down the red carpet, then enjoy “Homeward Bound” at sundown.
Thursday, April 17
Tiny Tails Petting Zoo + Live Animal Storytime | 10:30 a.m. | BookPeople | Free | Spend your morning snuggling adorable critters on the bookstore’s second floor — be sure to arrive early to secure tickets.
Friday, April 18
Lane 8 | 7 p.m. | Moody Amphitheater | $40+ | Vibe to beats by this deep house DJ on their “Childish” tour with special guest Otherwish.
Jones Road is on its way to South Congress Avenue. The beauty company founded by celebrity makeup artist Bobbi Brown is set to open its first Texas storefront — and the brand’s largest shop to date — on Thursday, April 17. The store will feature retail + an experiential beauty boutique.
Coming Soon
Yet another Swedish Hill bakery is in the works. A new location at 415 Colorado St. is set to open in the fall, according to recent permit filings. The Downtown restaurant will boast 4,300 sqft of indoor space + 1,100 sqft of outdoor dining. (Austin Business Journal)
Closed
Green Mesquite BBQ’s Southpark Meadows location has permanently closed, and its Barton Springs Road restaurant is under new ownership. The latter was taken over by Director of Operations Joe Reese + three co-workers who came together to save the eatery after leasing woes threatened its future. (Austin American-Statesman)
Pets
Austin Pets Alive! celebrated the grand opening of its new pet hospital over the weekend. The complex at US 290 and Brodie Lane — funded entirely by donations and adoption fees — will house the shelter’s medical programs, operating rooms, and ICU. (KVUE)
Job
Know someone looking for a summer job? Austinites interested in lifeguard positions should complete an online application, attend a recruiting event on Thursday, April 17 or Thursday, May 1, and look forward to free pizza at the meeting.
Holiday
Chag sameach. Passover (or Pesach) began at sundown on Saturday, April 12, and goes through Sunday, April 20. You can find iconic Passover desserts — including caramel matzo crunch, flourless chocolate cake, and coconut macaroons — at our local Susie Cakes.
Number
$337 billion. That’s the cost of the 2026-27 budget approved late last week by the Texas House. Already approved by the Senate, the plans are heading to the governor’s desk, and include $51 billion for property tax relief and $7.7 billion for new K-12 education funding. (NBC DFW)
Sports
How does the Astros’ start of the 2025 season compare to previous years? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Houston Astros with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Our Parents’ Gift Guide is almost complete, but we have a few spots left to feature your business’s product or service. Secure your spot just in time for Mother’s Day + Father’s Day.
Seasonal
It’s social event season — outsmart the noise of rumbling crowds and hear conversations more clearly. Most hearing aids have one processor, but these bad boys have two. They process speech and noise separately, so speech gets clearer and crisper. That’s why 540,000+ customers swear by them.*
Category
Mansion Monday
⛳️ Swing into luxury
Explore homes in Austin with golf course views, resort-style pools, and outdoor living spaces. | Photos courtesy of GeekSoftly, CCNG Inc + Twist Tours
The Masters may be over, but we’re still dreaming of teeing off at sunrise and sipping cocktails with a view of the fairway.
Take a look inside these Austin homes on the market that bring the country club lifestyle to your doorstep.
4500 Spanish Oaks Club Blvd.
This six-bedroom, seven-bath estate is nestled in the gated Spanish Oaks community — yes, the one with an 18-hole course designed by PGA Tour architect Bobby Weed — and features sweeping views of a private ranch.
Live within the gates of the UT Golf Club community in this four-bedroom, five-bath home with tall ceilings, a pool with golf course views, and a kitchen with high-end appliances + fixtures.
The Buy
LED under cabinet lights, so you can finally have light in dark closets, above kitchen counters, or beneath shelves. The wireless lights turn on with a motion sensor and can be adjusted between five different brightness levels.
I visited Rancho Moonrise, a glamping + events ranch in Manor, for the first time this weekend. You should check it out, too — its calendar is packed with fun happenings like free yoga classes, an Easter egg hunt, a Mother’s Day spa experience, and pool parties.
‡Texas CUP License No. 0005. Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. Texas Original advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions. Patients must consult a physician and receive a prescription to purchase medical cannabis products. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by ATXtoday.
}})
