AUSTIN, Texas -- A group is suing the city, calling for a vote on CodeNext.

Last week, despite a petition with thousands of signatures, city council voted against putting the issue on November’s ballot.

Austin City Attorneys advised city leaders that state law prohibits them from calling elections on zoning. This lawsuit is the next step in the on-going battle between the city and groups who oppose the new land development code.

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CodeNEXT has been in development for almost five years, and is meant to allow more urban density in a bid to address Austin's housing and transportation problems. But community groups say they're fighting to preserve Austin's neighborhoods.

Those behind the lawsuit include some area realtors and local community activists. The lawsuit calls for a CodeNEXT vote and a waiting period while voters decide.