Thinking about adding a home, splitting a lot, or building something new in Cherry Creek? You are not alone. With Austin’s recent HOME changes, many owners are asking what is actually possible on a smaller lot. In this guide, you will learn what the rules allow, what to check on your specific parcel, and the typical steps and timelines so you can plan with confidence. Let’s dive in.
HOME changes in Austin
Austin adopted the HOME code changes in two phases. Phase 1, approved on Dec. 7, 2023, allows up to three housing units on many single-family lots, including tiny homes, if you meet the development standards and review process. You can read the city’s summary on the Dec. 7, 2023 City Council adoption.
Phase 2, adopted on May 16, 2024, created a small-lot single-family option and reduced the minimum lot size for one-unit homes. City guidance identifies the small-lot threshold at 1,800 square feet, with specific development standards for these lots. Start with the City’s HOME Amendments overview for scope and applicability.
Small lots in Cherry Creek
What you can build depends on your parcel’s base zoning, any overlays, and your current lot size and plat status. The best first step is to look up your address in the City’s Property Profile. This shows zoning, overlays, lot size, and plat records. Here is a quick guide to using the Property Profile map.
Cherry Creek is a neighborhood name, not a zoning category. Lot sizes and subdivision plats vary block by block. Do not assume your lot has the same rules as your neighbor’s. Always verify zoning and overlays for your specific parcel before you plan a project.
Two paths to build
Build on an existing small lot
If your lot is already smaller than the old 5,750 square foot standard and at least 1,800 square feet, you may use the HOME small-lot single-family standards to build one home. You will still follow the city’s building permit and plan review process. Review the City’s HOME Amendments overview for small-lot rules and application types.
Split a lot into smaller lots
If you want to create new small lots, Phase 2 introduced an infill plat option. This path lets you subdivide to lots at or above the 1,800 square foot minimum, subject to standards and any area limitations. The City’s Phase 2 materials explain the subdivision steps and where phased acceptance applies. See the Planning Commission backup for Phase 2 for policy details.
What you can build
- Up to three units on many single-family lots under Phase 1, including duplex or triplex configurations, if you meet development standards and review. See the Dec. 7, 2023 Council adoption.
- One home on a small lot between 1,800 and 5,750 square feet under Phase 2 small-lot single-family rules, with small-lot specific standards. Review the City’s HOME Amendments overview.
- Tiny homes are referenced in Phase 1 materials as allowable within the three-unit pathway. Feasibility still depends on setbacks, lot coverage, parking, and overlays.
Remember, HOME does not rezone your property. Your base zoning and any overlays still apply, and private deed restrictions or HOA covenants can limit what you can build even if zoning allows it.
Key standards to expect
- Setbacks and coverage. Small-lot projects follow standards for front, side, and rear setbacks, plus building and impervious coverage caps. The specific numbers depend on your base zone and small-lot status. See the City’s Phase 2 materials and Planning Commission backup.
- Parking, driveways, and garages. Phase 2 includes placement rules that influence curb cuts and garage locations. Confirm your parking requirements early in design using the City’s HOME Amendments overview.
- Trees and environmental. Tree preservation can significantly shape your layout and costs. Review the City’s tree regulations webinar and plan for mitigation if needed.
- Special areas and overlays. Some areas, including the Wildland Urban Interface and certain neighborhoods, had phased acceptance for Phase 2 applications. Check applicability on the HOME Amendments overview and verify overlays in the Property Profile.
Process and timeline
- Check your parcel. Confirm zoning, overlays, lot size, and plat status in the Property Profile map.
- Pick your path. Decide if you will build on an existing small lot or subdivide through the infill plat process. The HOME Amendments overview explains which application applies.
- Preliminary design. An architect or designer should incorporate small-lot standards, tree protection, and any overlay rules. Early intake with Development Services is recommended.
- Subdivision or permit. If splitting, submit an infill plat or subdivision. If building on an existing lot, submit building permit plans. Review can take weeks to months depending on complexity.
- Construction and inspections. Clear tree permits, site work, and building permits in sequence, then complete final inspections.
Timeframes vary. A building permit on a platted lot may move faster than a subdivision, while infill plats can add months for review and recordation. Costs vary with design complexity, trees, utilities, and city fees. HOME is primarily a land use change, not a fee waiver.
Seller value and feasibility
If you plan to sell, added potential can boost value, but only if a buyer can realistically build under current rules. Savvy buyers will confirm zoning, overlays, tree impacts, and any deed restrictions or HOA limits before closing. A parcel-level feasibility check often clarifies the upside versus the cost and timeline to realize it.
Quick lot checklist
- Look up zoning, overlays, lot size, and plat status in the Property Profile map.
- Confirm if Phase 1 or Phase 2 applies to your plan using the HOME Amendments overview.
- Walk the site for trees and utilities. Review the tree regulations webinar.
- Check for deed restrictions or HOA covenants that may limit use.
- If subdividing, review the Phase 2 infill plat materials in the Planning Commission backup.
Ready to explore
Small-lot options in Cherry Creek are more flexible than they used to be, but every parcel is unique. If you want a practical read on buildability, timelines, and the market impact of adding units or splitting a lot, let’s talk about your address and goals. Connect with Sean Tipps to start a parcel-level plan.
FAQs
What changed with Austin’s HOME rules for small lots?
- Phase 1 allows up to three units on many single-family lots, and Phase 2 created a small-lot single-family option down to 1,800 square feet, all subject to development standards and review. See the City’s HOME Amendments overview and the Dec. 7, 2023 adoption.
How do I confirm what my Cherry Creek lot is zoned?
- Use the City’s Property Profile to check zoning, overlays, lot size, and plat status; here is a guide to the Property Profile map.
Can I build a duplex or triplex on my lot in Cherry Creek?
- Often yes under Phase 1, which allows up to three units in many single-family zones if you meet the standards; see the Dec. 7, 2023 Council adoption for details.
What is the minimum size for a small lot in Cherry Creek?
- City guidance identifies 1,800 square feet as the small-lot threshold for one-unit small-lot single-family development; confirm standards on the HOME Amendments overview.
What issues most often limit small-lot projects?
- Tree preservation, required setbacks and coverage, parking and driveway rules, overlays like WUI, and private deed restrictions or HOA covenants; review the City’s tree regulations webinar and verify overlays in the Property Profile.
