Staff Liaison: Michael Simmons-Smith - 974-1225 WATERFRONT PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD MARCH 9, 2015 @ 6:00 P.M. ***BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM – CITY HALL*** 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, TX 78703 APPROVED MINUTES Brooke Bailey, Chair Andy Hutton Eric Schultz, Vice-Chair Laura Toups Cory Walton Dean Rindy Tyler Zickert CALL TO ORDER A. CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS The first four (4) speakers signed up prior to the meeting will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. – There were no citizen communications. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the January 12, 2015 regularly-scheduled meeting and the February 9, 2015 regularly-scheduled meeting. – Minutes from the January 12 meeting were approved 5-0 on a motion by Mr. Walton and a second by Mr. Hutton with Mr. Rindy and Mr. Tyler not on the dais. The minutes from the February 9 meeting were approved 6-0 on a motion from Mr. Walton and seconded by Mr. Rindy with Mr. Tyler not on the dais. C. NEW BUSINESS 1. Block 188 (Nueces Street & 2nd Street) - Request a recommendation for waiver from LDC Section 25-2-738(E), which requires that a new structure within the North Shore Central Subdistrict of the Waterfront Overlay fit within an envelope delineated by a 70 degree angle starting at a line 45 feet above the property boundary nearest Shoal Creek with the base of the angle being a horizontal plane extending from the line parallel to and away from the surface of Shoal Creek. – This case was postponed to the April 13 WPAB meeting. 2. Update, discussion and possible action on the South Central Waterfront Area Plan Initiative. Staff: Alan Holt, Planning & Development Review Department. 3. Discussion and possible action on proposed density bonus provisions for various Waterfront Overlay subdistricts. ADJOURNMENT – Chair Bailey adjourned the meeting at 6:50. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access, and if sign language interpreters or alternative formats are required, please give notice at least 4 days before the meeting date.
March 4, 2015 Nikki Hoelter, Senior Planner Planning & Development Review City of Austin nikki.hoelter@austintexas.gov Re: Block 188 Shoal Creek Setback Dear Nikki, The Kor Group presented its hotel/residential building to the Waterfront Planning Advisory Board on January 12 for feedback on proposed design located at the northwest corner of Second and Nueces Streets. Block 188 is on the border of the Waterfront Overlay and the Downtown Creeks Overlay. During that meeting we received comments from the board to keep the base wall within the 45 foot height limit adjacent to the creek. We have been working on revised plans to comply and are coming back to present on March 9 with a new design. The Waterfront Overlay Ordinance limits building height to 45 feet vertically within 60 feet horizontally of the centerline of Shoal Creek, which is also the starting point for the 70-degree setback angle away from Shoal Creek. We are staying within the envelope but requesting a variance to permit a few minor areas of the façade exceed the 70-degree setback. These primarily occur on the very top of the building. I have included an exhibit that shows how our building envelope relates to this variance request. This variance will allow us to maintain a great pedestrian experience on the trail next to Shoal Creek, provide an architecturally attractive and sustainable building, and work towards the density goals of the Green Water Master Plan. 40% of every ad valorem tax dollar generated at Green Water is goes towards affordable housing. A few points for consideration: 1. The shape of the building complies with the intent of the Waterfront Overlay. An alternative would be a wedge-shaped building that is inefficient and lacks the opportunity for outdoor patios and terraces. 2. The design and shape of the Building is intended to engage Shoal Creek along with the public walkways and improvements. 3. The location of the building core is driving the shape of the building. Staying within the envelope would mean moving the core eastward which creates an unusable floor plate for hotel/residential due to shallow bay depths, creating a hardship. 4. 40% of the revenue from property taxes collected at Green Water are diverted to the Affordable Housing Fund. Increased density is a direct public benefit. 5. The limited number of areas penetrating the setback are very high in elevation on the Building tower and not discernable at …
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT/SIGN REVIEW BOARD March 9, 2015 5:30pm CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS ___ Jeff Jack (Chair) ___Melissa Hawthorne (Vice Chair) ___Cathy French (SRB only) ___Vincent Harding ___Will Schnier (Alternate) ___Sallie Burchett ___Stuart Hampton (Alternate) ___Michael Von Ohlen ___Bryan King ___Ricardo De Camps AGENDA EXECUTIVE SESSION (No public discussion) The Board of Adjustment/Sign Review Board will announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel on matters specifically listed on this agenda. The Board of Adjustment/Sign Review Board may also announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, to receive advice from Legal Counsel regarding any other item on this agenda. Private Consultation with Attorney – Section 551.071 A APPROVAL OF MINUTES A-1 February 9, 2015 B. SIGN REVIEW BOARD RECONSIDERATIONS NONE C. SIGN REVIEW BOARD PREVIOUS POSTPONEMENTS NONE D. SIGN REVIEW BOARD NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS D-1 C16-2015-0003 Merritt Lawn for Misti Morales 8100 Anderson Mill The applicant has requested a variance(s) to Section 25-10-124 (B) (Scenic Roadway Sign District Regulations) to increase the number of signs from 1 (required) to 2 (requested) in order to add a sign to the 2nd entrance of a new multi-family residential community within the City of Austin Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) in a Scenic Roadway District. D-2 C16-2015-0004 Murphy Webster III for Hal Heemstra 615 West 7th Street The applicant has requested a variance(s) to: A. Section 25-10-191 (F) (Sign Setback Requirements) to increase the height and clearance of a sign within 12 feet of a street right-of-way from not more than 30 inches tall with a clearance of 9 feet (required) to 72 inches tall with a clearance of 2 feet 6 inches (requested); and to B. Section 25-10-129 (Downtown Sign District Regulations) (G) to increase the sign height from 6 feet (required) to 6 feet 8 inches (requested) in order to add signage to a new multi-family residential building within a “CBD-CURE-CO”, Central Business – Central Urban Redevelopment - Conditional Overlay zoning district. E. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT INTERPRETATION RECONSIDERATIONS E-1 C15-2014-0158 Katherine Loayza for Todd Pearah 7501 North Lamar Blvd. The applicant has filed an appeal challenging the Planning and Development Review Department’s Land Use Determination regarding legal, nonconforming status of the use at this site in a “TOD-NP”, Transit Oriented Development – Neighborhood Plan zoning district. (Brentwood/Highland Combined) F. …
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT/SIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING MINUTES (March 9, 2015) The Board of Adjustment/Sign Review Board convened in a meeting on March 9, 2015, City Council Chambers, 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas. Chair Jeff Jack called the Board Meeting to order at 5:40 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Jeff Jack (Chair), Melissa Hawthorne (Vice Chair), Sallie Burchett, Stuart Hampton (Alternate), Vincent Harding, Michael Von Ohlen, Will Schnier (Alternate) and Cathy French (SRB) Board Member Absent –Ricardo De Camps and Bryan King Staff in Attendance: Leane Heldenfels, Cindy Crosby (COA Attorney), Diana Ramirez EXECUTIVE SESSION (No public discussion) The Board of Adjustment/Sign Review Board will announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel on matters specifically listed on this agenda. The Board of Adjustment/Sign Review Board may also announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, to receive advice from Legal Counsel regarding any other item on this agenda. Private Consultation with Attorney – Section 551.071 A APPROVAL OF MINUTES A-1 February 9, 2015 Board Member Vincent Harding motion to Approve the minutes for February 9, 2015; Board Member Melissa Hawthorne second on 6-0-2 vote (Board members Sallie Burchett and Will Schnier Abstained); APPROVED MINUTES FOR February 9, 2015. B. SIGN REVIEW BOARD RECONSIDERATIONS NONE C. SIGN REVIEW BOARD PREVIOUS POSTPONEMENTS NONE D. SIGN REVIEW BOARD NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS D-1 C16-2015-0003 Merritt Lawn for Misti Morales 8100 Anderson Mill The applicant has requested a variance(s) to Section 25-10-124 (B) (Scenic Roadway Sign District Regulations) to increase the number of signs from 1 (required) to 2 (requested) in order to add a sign to the 2nd entrance of a new multi-family residential community within the City of Austin Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) in a Scenic Roadway District. The public hearing was closed on Board Member Melissa Hawthorne motion to Grant, Board Member Michael Von Ohlen second on a 8-0 vote; GRANTED. D-2 C16-2015-0004 Murphy Webster III for Hal Heemstra 615 West 7th Street The applicant has requested a variance(s) to: A. Section 25-10-191 (F) (Sign Setback Requirements) to increase the height and clearance of a sign within 12 feet of a street right-of-way from not more than 30 inches tall with a clearance of 9 feet (required) to 72 inches tall with a clearance of 2 feet 6 inches (requested); and to B. Section …
+ URBAN FORESTRY BOARD REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, February 18, 2015, - 5:30 p.m. Northwest Recreation Center 2913 Northland Austin, Texas URBAN FORESTRY BOARD MEMBERS: APPOINTMENT : Christopher Kite, Chair Council Member Laura Morrison, Place 4 Peggy Maceo (Vice-Chair) Council Member Kathie Tovo, Place 3 Len Newsom Council Member Bill Spelman, Place 5 Patrick Brewer Mayor Lee Leffingwell Nicholas Classen Mayor Pro-Tem Sheryl Cole, Place 6 Ryan Fleming Council Member Mike Martinez, Place 2 Keith Brown Council Member Chris Riley, Place 1 URBAN FORESTRY EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS : Michael Embesi, City Arborist, Planning and Development Review Department Pat Fuller, Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department – Director Designee Vacant, Urban Forester, Planning and Development Review Department John Clement, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department – Director Designee AGENDA A. CALL TO ORDER B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Board meeting of January 28, 2015. C. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION The first 4 (four) speakers signed up prior to the calling of the meeting to order are allowed a three-minute allotment each to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. D. ANNOUNCEMENTS E. URBAN FORESTER EXECUTIVE LIAISON REPORT – Emily King, Acting Urban Forester, Planning, Development and Review Department, including: Austin Urban Forest Plan Implementation Monthly Update Monthly Notification: Removal of protected size trees on parkland that constitute an imminent public safety risk. Summary of impacts to tree roots in Zilker Park from the U.S.A. Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championships that occurred from January 7-12, 2015. Update on Draft Cemetery Master Plan. Update -- Public Works Department. Update on ForkLife DanceWorks at Govalle Park. F. ACTION ITEM BRIEFINGS 1. Grant application requesting $30,000.00 for vertical mulching on the Shoal Creek Restoration Project. Presenter: Darcy Nuffer, Watershed Protection Department. 2. Grant application requesting $30,000.00 for invasive plant management on the Shoal Creek Restoration Project. Presenter: Darcy Nuffer, Watershed Protection Department. 3. Overview of UFB By-Laws and functions to prepare for possible special called meeting with Environmental Board related to transfer of UFB responsibilities to Environmental Commission. Presenter: Chris Kite, UFB Chair. 4. Update on Cyclo Cross event at Zilker Park. Presenters: Jason Maurer, Sales and Event Manager, Parks and Recreation Department, and Lara Schuman, Acting Program Manager, Forestry Unit, Parks and Recreation Department G. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Discussion and approval of grant application requesting $30,000.00 for vertical mulching on the …
+ URBAN FORESTRY BOARD REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, January 28, 2015, - 5:30 p.m. Northwest Recreation Center 2913 Northland Austin, Texas Board Members in Attendance: Board Chair Chris Kite, Board Vice-Chair Peggy Maceo, Board Members Patrick Brewer, Keith Brown, Nick Classen, Ryan Fleming (left meeting at 7:05PM), Len Newsom Staff in Attendance: Parks and Recreation Department Lara Schuman, Acting Program Manager, Forestry Unit Robert Clawson, Nature Based Programs Division, UFB Staff Liaison Planning and Development Review Department: Emily King, Acting Urban Forester Michael Embesi, City Arborist Lynn Tozser, Program Specialist Austin Energy Department: Ray Henning, Line Clearance Supervisor Public Works Department: Rob Grotty, Urban Forestry Program Manager Watershed Protection Department: John Clement, Environmental Program MEETING MINUTES A. CALL TO ORDER Board Chair Kite called the meeting to order at 5:42 PM. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Board meeting of December 17, 2014. Motion made by Board Member Newsom, seconded by Board Member Brewer to approve the meeting minutes of December 17, 2014. Approved Board Chair Kite and Board Members Brewer, Brown, Classen, Fleming and Newsom. Board Vice-Chair Maceo opposed. Motion carries. C. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION The first 4 (four) speakers signed up prior to the calling of the meeting to order are allowed a three-minute allotment each to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Guy LeBlanc – Zilker bike race damage. Zoila Vega – Austin Heritage Tree Foundation – Zilker trees. Michael Fossum – Zilker trees. D. ANNOUNCEMENTS Memorial planting of Survivor Tree at Fort Hood tomorrow. The Environmental Board is having an Urban Growth Policy and Development subcommittee meeting this Friday (January 30th) at 11 a.m. on the 11th floor of the One Texas Center. The meeting will include discussion about tree impacts from the recent Cycling CycloCross Bike Race at Zilker Park. The transition of the selected Urban Forestry employees from PARD to PDRD is underway. This transition is based upon the City Council resolution from last August which identified that the six full time planning personnel be transferred to PDRD (while keeping the maintenance and operation personnel with PARD). Please know that Emily King has been appointed as the City’s Urban Forester and Lynn Tozser has commenced training (present tonight) to facilitate future Urban Forestry Board meetings as the Staff Liaison. Forklift Danceworks performance will be April 11 &12 There was a planting …
City of Austin Draft Cemetery Master Plan Tree Care Highlights Definitions Historic Trees: Individual trees and other plants within the cemeteries are considered historic if they were either growing or planted within the period of significance of a cemetery, or if they are part of a pattern of vegetation from the period of significance. Protected Trees: Any tree 19” in diameter at breast height, ~4.5’ from grade (DBH), regardless of species or condition Heritage Trees: as having a diameter of 24 inches or more in DBH, and is one of the following species: Texas ash, bald cypress, American elm, cedar elm, Texas madrone, bigtooth maple, all oaks, pecan, Arizona walnut, and Eastern black walnut. Preservation • Preserve historic trees by developing a tree protection, preservation, planting, and maintenance plan for each cemetery in collaboration with an ISA Certified Arborist and PARD Urban Forestry • Fertilize trees annually with a slow release organic fertilizer, preferably compost, as determined necessary by soil testing • Mulch all trees, covering as much of the Critical Root Zone (CRZ) as possible, while keeping a mulch free area around trunks • Perform bulk density testing of CRZs to determine levels of soil compaction, then aerate using an air-spade as needed. • Maintain historic trees, and explore all options for mitigating risk before removal • If conflicts arise between a tree and a marker, consider the temporary relocation of the marker rather than the removal of the tree • Inspect cemetery trees after large storms to look for tree damage • Prune trees only as necessary to reduce risk or improve tree health using the following prioritization levels: o 1st Priority – prune for safety o 2nd Priority – prune to preserve health of the tree including improving structure o 3rd Priority – Prune for aesthetics. Special Note: Topping of crape myrtles shall not be performed. • Ensure that new construction, markers, and plantings, and regular grounds maintenance activities do not negatively impact root systems of existing trees. Post oaks are called out for extra protection. • Implement a cyclical tree inspection and maintenance program • Educate cemetery maintenance staff about the importance of trees and their care Removals • Tree removals will only be done for safety reasons when no other solutions are possible • Removing any tree 3”in DBH or greater, regardless of condition, will require approval from PARD Forestry • All removals will be …
