AUSTIN, Texas — Austin leaders want to fill downtown with more skyscrapers and were hoping to get it done under the downtown density bonus program , but a new law is forcing them to change plans.

On Thursday, council members listened to feedback from Austinites about their proposal to set a 350 ft height cap on buildings for the Central Business District (CBD) density bonus program to preserve affordable housing.

Under SB840, which took effect on Sept. 1, the state got rid of Texas cities’ ability to regulate floor-to-area ratios (FAR) for residential and mixed-use projects.

“We need some time to work through [the state law] and get to a good solution that encourages skyscrapers in downtown, but I want to make sure and preserve our affordable housing dollars that generate the great st

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