Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission June 15, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. Permitting and Development Center, Events Center, Room 1406 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register to speak remotely, call or email the Jackie Ramos, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 964-9366, Jacqueline.Ramos@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi (D-1) Rachel Scott (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Melinda Schiera (D-4) Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Chair Audrey Barrett Bixler (D-5) Ana Aguirre (D-9) Colin Nickells (D-6) Richard Brimer (D-10) Jennifer Bristol (D-7) Secretary Perry Bedford (Mayor) Vice-Chair _________________________________________________________________________________ Agenda CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1 1. 2. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the June 1, 2022 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Update on Austin’s reservoirs monitoring and management efforts—Brent Bellinger, Environmental Scientist, Watershed Protection Department (30 minutes) b. Update on resolution relating to environmental protections and water quality; and initiating amendments to the City Code—Liz Johnston, Deputy Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department (30 minutes) COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Forestry Committee – Richard Brimer (Committee Chair), Pam Thompson, b. Report on the Joint Sustainability Committee – Haris Qureshi (member) and Richard Rachel Scott, and Colin Nickells Brimer (alternate member) Committee – Jennifer Bristol c. Report on the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Citizen’s Advisory d. Report on the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and Parks and Recreation Board –Pam Thompson, Rachel Scott, Perry Bedford, and Haris Qureshi e. Report on the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board – Ana Aguirre FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 5. ADJOURNMENT The …
The Reservoir Update - 2021 Brent Bellinger, Ph.D. Environmental Scientist Senior Watershed Protection Department June 15, 2022 2021/2022 Projects • On-going Projects • Reservoir monitoring – Austin Lakes Index (ALI) of Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, Lake Walter Long • Lake Austin native plant restoration • Collaboration with TPWD fishery monitoring • Zebra Mussel monitoring • Harmful Algal Proliferation (HAP) monitoring • With added sites • New Projects mitigation • Lady Bird nutrient management toward HAP • Collaboration with UT toward sediment bedform mapping and microplastic observations Austin Lakes Index (ALI) Current reservoir condition • Water quality, sediments, aquatic vegetation generally above average • Benthic invertebrates, habitat, eutrophication generally below average ReservoirLake AustinLady Bird LakeWalter E. Long LakeScore020406080100Water qualityBenthic invertebratesAquatic vegetationSediment chemistryHabitat structureEutrophicationOverall scoreExcellentVery goodGoodMarginalPoorBadFair Temporal Trends • Although overall scores appear steady, sub-index components can have large variability Year2010201220142016201820202022Overall lakes Index020406080100Lake AustinLady Bird LakeWalter E. Long LakeExcellentVery goodVery badBadPoorMarginalFairGood2010201220142016201820202022Water quality index405060708090Year2010201220142016201820202022Invertebrate index304050607080 Re-vegetation Efforts • Macrophytes doing well in cages in both reservoirs, thriving outside of cages in LBL • Maintained existing pens in both reservoirs, added new pens to Lake Austin Zebra Mussel Populations • “Ecosystem engineers” that have altered water quality, alter food webs • For example, water clarity correlated with densities L. Austin Flow LBL Year2018201920202021#/m210100100010000Lake AustinLady BirdBig Horn Dr.Kollmeyer Dr.Oppo. CommmonsOppo. Emma LongOpp. MananaRivercrestNalleHoldsworthWalsh#/m21101001000100002018 2019 2020 2021 Red Bud WestMoPac CageRailroad BridgeBoardwalk u. I-35Snake IslandHolly Peninsula#/m2110100100010000 Harmful Algal Proliferations (HAPs) Jessica Hollis Park – 3 positives Emma Long – 0 positives Jessica Hollis Park = 0.06 ± 0.03 mg ATX/kg Walsh Ramp = 1.56 ± 3.03 mg ATX/kg Red Bud – 9 positives Walsh Ramp – 3 positives Red Bud = 0.11 ± 0.13 mg ATX/kg Aud. shores = 0.007 ± 0.013 mg ATX/kg Festival Ramp = 0.002 ± 0.004 mg ATX/kg 19.68 ± 34.53 mg CYN/kg Auditorium Shores – 3 positives Festival Beach – 3 positives Nutrient Mitigation Pilot Project • Background: We are limited in the environmental drivers of HAPs that can be effectively managed • One of the most important drivers is Phosphorus (P) • Hypothesis being tested: Reducing available sediment P will negatively impact HAP growth and toxicity • Sediments of Lady Bird Lake are very P-rich Phoslock • Toward that end, we secured a multi-year contract with SePRO to apply lanthanum- modified bentonite toward sediment P management • Phoslock utilized globally to mitigate excess P that may be released from …
SPECIAL EVENTS TASK FORCE JUNE 15, 2022 – 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER – ROOM 1406 6310 E WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Special Events Task Force may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, please contact Brydan Summers at 512-974-4854 or Brydan.summers@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Members: James Russell (Co-Chair), Jeff Smith (Co-Chair), Bobby Garza, Cindy Lo, Laurel White, Shelley Phillips, Heath Riddles, Mandi Thomas, Dan Carroll, Ingrid Weigand , Frances Thompson Ex Officio Members (City Staff): Brydan Summers, SETF Staff Liaison; Sara Henry, Austin Center for Events Communications; Bill Manno, Special Events Program Manager; Brian Block, DSD Program Manager, Music Office; Mike Jones, Police Sergeant; Robert Alvarado, Code Division Manager; Frances Hargrove, ATD Special Events Manager; Tony Hernandez, DSD Program Manager; Jason Maurer, PARD Sales and Events Manager; Kevin Parker, EMS Commander; Quentin Prior, Fire Battalion Chief; Iby Setzer, ARR Planner Senior; Bryan Walker, DSD Planner II AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. OLD BUSINESS a. City Staffing for Special Events, Non-Public Safety b. Special Event Reporting c. Special Event Ordinance Performance During Spring Festival Season d. Update from Organizers Currently Planning Events e. Direction on Sending Approved Recommendations to Council 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Temporary Road Closures, Including Block Parties b. Waste Planning and Emissions c. Sale of Goods FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please at Brydan.summers@austintexas.gov or 512-974-4854, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Special Events Task Force, please contact Brydan Summers at Brydan.summers@austintexas.gov or 512-974-4854. the Development Services Department, call Brydan Summers at
SPECIAL EVENTS TASK FORCE - RECOMMENDATION 20220615-2A Seconded By: Date: 6/15/22 Subject: Recommendations to City Staffing to Support Special Events Motioned By: Description of Recommendations to Council: Encourage funding for positions needed to process ACE applications and provide on site staffing for special events. RECOMMENDATION The Special Event Task Force encourages City Council and ACE departments to increase funding, as needed, for positions that support special event permit application reviews and on- site staffing for special events. Rationale: In addition to an increase in special event applications in 2022 as the industry emerges from the pandemic, the City of Austin has added three new high-capacity venues that regularly program large events. As the City enters the budget cycle, the Task Force stresses the importance of ACE departments to identify where there are gaps in staffing, communicate their needs to the Budget Office, and for Council to fund these positions. Special event permit applicants benefit from timely reviews that allow for preliminary approval, and adequate review and on-site staffing ensures events can take place on their desired date and be successful. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: 1 of 2 Brydan Summers Special Events Task Force Liaison Development Services Department 2 of 2
SPECIAL EVENTS TASK FORCE - RECOMMENDATION 20220615-2B Seconded By: Date: 6/15/22 Subject: Recommendation to Include Post-Event Reporting in the Special Events Ordinance Motioned By: Description of Recommendations to Council: Recommendation to include a requirement in the Special Events Ordinance that City staff collect data on large events, which is then made available to the public. RECOMMENDATION Amend the Special Events Ordinance to include the following: 4-20-37 Post-Event Reporting (A) ACE will collect data on Tier 3 and Tier 4 events for the purposes of reporting. (B) Information about these events will be made available to the public within 60 days of the final day of the event. (C) The implementation of this reporting requirement shall take place before 2026. (D) Information that will be collected and reported includes: a. Event history, including years in existence. b. If the event has taken place multiple years, the first year it was established c. Name of the event producer and/or production company d. The number of attendees per even day and in total e. Time of the event, including which days and times of the day f. Length of the event in days and hours g. Length of time for the set-up/take down h. Whether or not neighborhood barricades were required. i. Information on any road closures that took place in connection to the event. j. Length of time that road closures and barricades were in place, including set- up/take down time. k. Whether or not the event was free or required a ticket purchase. l. Whether or not the event had amplified sound. m. Whether or not a parking plan was required. n. Whether or not alcohol was served o. Which of the following City resources were needed: Police, Fire, EMS, Solid Waste Services, Parks and Recreation Department, Entertainment Services Division. p. Complaints received via 311 1 of 2 q. Whether or not ACE departments would recommend approving the event again under the same application, including any comments or changes that are recommended or required. Rationale: The Task Force believes that post-event reporting is necessary to promote transparency, accountability, continuity, and a reliable basis for future decisions on events. The reporting should be consolidated and accessible to interested members of the public. Recognizing that such reporting places an additional burden on staff, the task force recommends that the necessary additional resources be provided to implement this important task. Vote For: Against: Abstain: …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION JUNE 15, 2022, TIME: 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Boards and Commission Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon June 14th is required for remote participation. To register, please contact mona.sanchez@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-7864. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Christopher Lehman, Vice Chair Megan Meisenbach, Commissioner Vacant, Commissioner Jen Weaver, Commissioner Josh Lickteig, Commissioner Joel Sher, Commissioner Ben Heimsath, Commissioner Kelan Robinson, Commissioner CALL TO ORDER Ralph Ishmael, Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez, Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby, Commissioner Kimberly Taylor, Commissioner Mike Lavigne, Commissioner Preston Reine Commissioner Laura Templeton, Commissioner Amy Wong Mok, Commissioner AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approval of Minutes of the May 18, 2022, Meeting Minutes Discussion and Possible Action (5 minutes) 2. New Business – Discussion and Possible Action a. Safer Sixth Street Initiative 3. Old Business – a. Staff Updates i. City of Austin Boards and Commission Email Accounts b. Items from representatives of collaborating commissions including non-voting members: i. Update from Commissioner Jen Weaver on recent activities and actions taken by the Design Commission ii. Update from Commissioner Ben Heimsath on recent activities and actions taken by the Historic Landmark Commission iii. Update from Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby on recent activities and actions taken by the Urban Transportation Commission iv. Update from Commissioner Amy Wong Mok on recent activities and actions taken by the Arts Commission v. Update from (vacant position) on recent activities and actions taken by the Music Commission vi. Update from Commissioner Kimberly Taylor on recent activities and actions taken by the Parks & Recreation Board vii. Update from Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez on recent activities and actions taken by the Public Safety Commission 4. Potential Future Agenda Items Adjournment The Commission may discuss and identify future agenda items, topics, or presentations. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. …
Versión en español a continuación. Finance/Allocations and Strategic Planning/Needs Assessment Committee Meeting of the HIV Planning Council WEDNESDAY, June 15, 2022 Finance/Allocations and Strategic Planning/Needs Assessment Committee Meeting to be held on June 15, 2022, with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (06/14/22 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the June 15, 2022, HIV Planning Council Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 972-5806 and Jaseudia.Killion@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Jaseudia.Killion@austintexas.gov by Noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live la junta en Reunión del Finance/Allocations Meeting of the HIV Planning Council Miercoles, 15 de Junio, 2022 FECHA de la reunion (15 de Junio, 2022) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (06/14/22 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de (512) 972-5806 and Jaseudia.Killion@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo …
Economic Prosperity Commission June 15, 2022, 6:30pm Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room 1101 Some members of the COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register please contact Michelle Clemons, michelle.clemons@austintexas.gov , 512-974- 2713 or Nydia Castillo, Nydia.castillo@austintexas.gov, 512-974-6452. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 1. OPENING REMARKS: Introduction of members and staff liaison Commissioners: Rachel Green- Mayor’s Appointee, Larry Anazia - District 1; Kirsha Haverlah District 2, Alexis Taylor -District 3, Vacant- District 4, Preston Tom- District 5, Will Townsend- District 6, Amy Noel- District 7, Nathan Ryan- District 8, Vacant- District 9, Kelsey Hitchingham -District 10. Staff: Michelle Clemons, Nydia Castillo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from May 2022 Meeting a. Discussion and possible actions related to 2022 agenda focuses, including City of 2. OLD BUSINESS Austin budget 3. NEW BUSINESS b. Resiliency Concerns: Discussion and possible action on Jobs Infrastructure and Local inflation c. Discussion and Presentations from on working group report findings i. Intercommission Working Group Report ii Joint Sustainability Commission Member Report iii. Reproductive health working group ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Michelle Clemons at Economic Development Department, at (512-974-2713), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Economic Prosperity Commission, please contact Michelle Clemons at (Michelle.Clemons@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2713).
Tourism Commission Board June 15, 2022, at 3 pm City Hall Chambers Room 1001 301 W. Second St. Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Tourism Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for contact Felicia Ojeda, 512.404.4022 or felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov remote participation. To register CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Alta Alexander Ed Bailey Bill Bunch John Riedie Daniel Ronan Mayoral Vacant Greg Chanon Rachel Magee Ken Smith Lois Rodriguez Mike Cannatti AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. May 18, 2022 2. NEW BUSINESS The Commission may discuss and take action on the following agenda items: a. Introduce the new commissioner from District 9, Daniel Ronan b. Report from the Parks and Environment Working Group on any updates or make new appointments c. Report from the TPID working group on any updates or make new appointments d. Working Session: Bylaws for the Tourism Commission Board FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The Commission may discuss and take possible action to request information and identify future agenda items, topics, or presentation: ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please at felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Tourism Commission Board please contact Felicia Ojeda at 512.404.4022 or felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov. at Austin Convention Center Department, Felicia Ojeda call
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee June 15, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. Street Jones Building – Room #400A 1000 E. 11th St, Austin, TX 78702 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating by video conference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3509 or greg.dutton@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Nadia Barrera-Ramirez (Chair) Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) Awais Azhar Todd Shaw Ann Denkler Jolene Kiolbassa Greg Anderson EXECUTIVE SESSION (No public discussion) The Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee 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 committee may not conduct a closed meeting without the approval of the city attorney. Private Consultation with Attorney – Section 551.071 CALL TO ORDER 1. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approval of the March 16, 2022, meeting minutes. b. Approval of the May 5, 2022, meeting minutes Facilitator: Chair Barrera-Ramirez City Attorney: None 1 3. REGULAR AGENDA: Previously initiated amendments to the code; offered for discussion and possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission. a. Floodplain Regulations. Discuss and consider an ordinance amending Title 25 of the City Code related to floodplain regulations. City Staff: Jameson Courtney, Watershed Protection Department, (512) 974-3399, Jameson.Courtney@austintexas.gov; (Discussion and/or Possible Action). 4. OTHER BUSINESS a. Update on Potential Upcoming and Current Code Amendments – City Staff: Greg Dutton, Housing and Planning and Department, (512) 974-3509, Greg.Dutton@austintexas.gov; (Discussion and/or Possible Action). 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future agenda items will NOT be discussed at the current meeting, but will be offered for initiation, discussion, and/or possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission at a FUTURE meeting. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 DRAFT HAS NOT RECEIVED FINAL REVIEW BY LAW DEPARTMENT PART 1. City Code Section 25-7-93 (General Exceptions) is amended to read as follows: § 25-7-93 GENERAL EXCEPTIONS. (A) A development application with a proposed building or parking area that encroaches on the 100-year floodplain may be approved if the encroachment is: (1) a parking area that is smaller than 5,000 square feet or an unoccupied structure that has an area of less than 1,000 square feet, and the director determines that the proposed development: (a) will not have an adverse effect on the 100-year floodplain or surrounding properties; and (b) otherwise complies with the requirements of this title; (2) a new building for residential use that replaces an existing legally constructed building for residential use on the same property and that does not increase the number of legal dwelling units on the property; (3) a new building for commercial use that replaces an existing legally constructed building for commercial use on the same property and: (a) (b) does not increase the building square footage on the property; does not include the following uses as they are defined in the International Building Code: (i) E (Educational); (ii) F (Factory); (iii) H (High Hazard); or (iv) I (Institutional); and Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 DRAFT HAS NOT RECEIVED FINAL REVIEW BY LAW DEPARTMENT (c) does not increase the flood level of parking spaces within the 100-year floodplain unless additional parking is required by another section of this title. (4)[(3)] a building authorized by a waterway development permit issued under Chapter 9-10 before September 25, 1983; or (5)[(4)] a building in the 100-year floodplain of: (b) the Colorado River downstream from Longhorn Dam; (a) Lady Bird Lake; (c) Lake Austin; or (d) Lake Travis. (B) To be approved under this section, development must: (1) be no lower than two feet above the 100-year floodplain, as measured from the lowest floor elevation of any proposed building; (2) (3) (4) comply with the requirements in Chapter 25-12, Article 1, Section 25-12-3 Appendix G (Flood Resistant Construction) and Section 1612 (Flood Loads); compensate for the floodplain …
Atlas 14 – Commercial Redevelopment Exception Watershed Protection Department Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee | June 15, 2022 Floodplain Regulations Update What floodplain rules did we update? What floodplain rules do we recommend updating now? 2 What floodplain rules did we update? Most significant update to our floodplain rules in their 36-year history Goal of updated rules: Protect our residents from flooding based on a better understanding of flood risk with new rainfall information Updated four basic elements of rules • Floodplain definitions • Residential redevelopment exception • Colorado River exception • Freeboard 3 Floodplain Definitions Regulatory 100-yr floodplain = Current FEMA 500-yr floodplain Regulatory 25-yr floodplain = Old COA 100-yr floodplain • Maintain the City’s level of flood protection • Limit construction of new buildings in areas with known flood risk during re- mapping process • Interim definitions until floodplains are re-mapped in 2 - 3 years 4 Residential Redevelopment Exception Administrative approval process floodplain if: 1. Replacement or modification of an existing residential building 2. Does not increase number of dwelling units 3. Finished floor elevation is at least 2 feet above the 100-year floodplain 4. No adverse flooding impact If these 4 conditions are met, the safe access requirement is waived Purpose • Incentivizes development that decreases flood risk • 80% of buildings in the 100-year floodplain are residential • Doesn’t increase the number of dwelling units at risk of flooding • Opens up opportunity for grant Existing condition Re-developed condition funding 5 Option for Minor Improvements to Residential Buildings Administrative approval process for an addition to a residential building in the floodplain if: 1. Finished floor elevation of the addition is at least 2 feet above the 100-year floodplain 2. Not a substantial improvement 3. No adverse flooding impact If these 3 conditions are met, the safe access requirement is waived 6 Colorado River Exception The previous exception allowed for a building to encroach in the 100-year floodplain if it was: • Downstream of Longhorn Dam • Along Lady Bird Lake New rule expands this exception to include: • Lake Austin • Lake Travis (within COA jurisdiction) Lake Travis Purpose • Provide uniform regulations along Colorado River • Colorado River flooding is not flash flooding like rest of City Lake Austin Lady Bird Lake Colorado River downstream of Longhorn Dam 7 7 Freeboard Increase the minimum height between a building’s finished floor and the 100-year floodplain …
Motion Sheet CM Kelly June 9th, 2022 Item 61 I motion to add the following to line 120: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The City Manager is directed to come back with recommendations and considerations in the form of a memorandum of required city staff hours to initiate the completion of this resolution by September 1st, 2022.
6/9 Item 61 Water Quality CM Vela Amendment 1 - V4 Proportionate Standards for Missing Middle Housing Add the following WHEREAS: WHEREAS, small scale missing middle housing projects (projects with approximately 3 to 12 units) are required to comply with the same procedures and requirements for review of water quality protections and site plans as large scale multifamily residential projects, while single family homes are not subject to those requirements, creating an incentive for developers to build single family homes over missing middle housing to avoid water quality regulations, contributing to suburban sprawl and the housing affordability crisis. Insert the following language after line 153: The City Council directs the City Manager to account for differences in the additional cost of compliance resulting from these code amendments between single family homes, small scale missing middle projects and larger multifamily projects, so that such costs are proportionate to the scale of the project, and do not disincentivize the construction of small scale missing middle projects in favor of single family homes. Add the following BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The City Council initiates City Code amendments and directs the City Manager to provide recommendations for changes to the City Code to ensure that the cost of compliance with water quality, drainage, and Site Plan requirements relating to single family homes and small scale missing middle projects is proportionate to the scale of the project, and does not disincentivize the construction of small scale missing middle projects in favor of single family homes, including applying some water quality and drainage requirements to single-family development as proposed during the LDC Revision.
6/9 Item 61 Water Quality CM Vela Amendment 1 - V4 to V5 Additions Bolded Proportionate Standards for Missing Middle Housing Add the following WHEREASes: WHEREAS, small scale missing middle housing projects (projects with approximately 3 to 12 units) are required to comply with the same procedures and requirements for review of water quality protections and site plans as large scale multifamily residential projects, while single family homes are not subject to those requirements, creating an incentive for developers to build single family homes over missing middle housing to avoid water quality regulations, contributing to suburban sprawl and the housing affordability crisis; WHEREAS, a large single family home can actually have more impervious cover than a multi-unit development, and the amount of impervious cover for a project is one of the key factors affecting drainage regardless of project type and should be taken into account when evaluating water quality and drainage requirements for site plans; Insert the following language after line 153: The City Council directs the City Manager to account for differences in the additional cost of compliance resulting from these code amendments between single family homes, small scale missing middle projects and larger multifamily projects, so that such costs are proportionate to the scale of the project and the amount of impervious cover, and do not disincentivize the construction of small scale missing middle projects in favor of single family homes. Add the following BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The City Council initiates City Code amendments and directs the City Manager to provide recommendations for changes to the City Code to ensure that the cost of compliance with water quality, drainage, and Site Plan requirements is proportionate to the amount of impervious cover for a project, and does not disincentivize the construction of small scale missing middle projects in favor of single family homes, including applying some water quality and drainage requirements to single-family development as proposed during the LDC Revision.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 RESOLUTION NO. WHEREAS, protecting our environment is the foundation for sustaining our planet, community, and economy; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s “State of Our Environment: 2020 Annual Report,” showed that creeks in the Desired Development Zone scored on average 10 points lower than those in the Drinking Water Protection Zone; and WHEREAS, the Drinking Water Protection Zone designation located on the west side of Austin has restricted development through regulations creating positive environmental outcomes, while the Desired Development Zone, located in Central and East Austin, has more permissive regulations that have resulted in some negative outcomes; and WHEREAS, properties located in the Desired Development Zone have more permissive development regulations with regard to the size of creek buffers, impervious cover limits, cut and fill, and construction on slopes; and WHEREAS, extensive empirical literature links exposure to nature with better health, and creeks provide city-wide opportunities to experience nature; and WHEREAS, current code allows for structures such as in-channel detention basins and concrete wastewater manholes to be placed in creeks, which can cause erosion and other severe, often long-lasting consequences that can be expensive to reverse; and WHEREAS, the City is faced with the existing and growing threat of industrial discharges that can negatively impact creeks and communities located primarily on the east side of the City of Austin; and Page 1 of 8 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 WHEREAS, there has been a steady increase in the amount of land area in Austin covered by impervious surfaces and a corresponding steady decrease in the amount of pervious land area capable of absorbing rainfall; and WHEREAS, one result of the historically high rates of development is a rise in the amount of runoff that flows off-site from developed properties and into older, undersized stormwater drain systems, creeks, rivers, and lakes, contributing to increases in flooding severity, damage to private property, loss of life, and water pollution; and WHEREAS, currently City Code allows redeveloped sites to use existing impervious cover as a baseline for drainage calculations, resulting in increased runoff and contributing to flooding and erosive flows downstream; and WHEREAS, a U.S. Geological Survey study found that using green …
June 9, 2022 Item 61 Mayor Adler CM Harper-Madison CM Ellis MOTION SHEET I move to amend Item 61 as follows: Insert at Line 35: WHEREAS, increasing density reduces sprawl and thereby reduces traffic congestion, pollution, and development of open spaces and agricultural land; and The City Council initiates other code amendments, as necessary, to Insert at Line 150: accomplish the goals of this Resolution. Beginning at Line 154: The City Manager shall present these code amendments for Council consideration no later than September 15, 2022, except for amendments regarding the greenfield conditions as a baseline for redevelopments and steep slope protections. The City Council directs the City Manager to engage stakeholders and develop recommendations that would seek to offset the impact on affordability and capacity of requiring greenfield conditions as a baseline and steep slope protections on properties where they are not currently required. Offsets could include additional entitlements or waivers for impacted tracts. The City Manager shall present these recommended code amendments for Council consideration no later than December 8, 2022.
June 9, 2022 Item 61 Motion Sheet CM Renteria Amend the Be It Resolved clause beginning at line 163 to read: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The City Council directs the City Manager to conduct an Affordability Impact Analysis and a Fiscal Impact Analysis for each proposed code or process change resulting from this resolution. The City Council directs the City Manager to provide the results of these analyses to Council at least two weeks prior to the implementation of any process change or the presentation of proposed code amendments for Council consideration. The City Council directs the City Manager to include these analyses as part of the Council agenda back up when an item resulting from this resolution is presented to Council for its consideration. Additionally, the City Council directs the City Manager to address the estimated costs of doing nothing to further protect against water pollution, localized flooding, and the heat island effect; of stabilizing creeks and shorelines after scouring and erosive floods; mitigating algae and bacteria in creeks and lakes; and increasing stormwater infrastructure throughout the City.
C20‐2022‐006 District Creates approach to TBD Fall 2022 LEAD DEPT TBD EST. COUNCIL DATE Late 2022 Development Services Summer 2022 Watershed Protection Fall 2022 Housing and Planning Fall 2022 Parks and Recreation Summer 2022 Watershed Protection Summer 2022 In‐Process Code Amendments 6/13/22 1. AMENDMENT C20‐2022‐008 Capitol Dominance Initiated by Council on 5/19/22 C20‐2022‐007 ADU Initiated by Council on 6/9/22 NOTES Allows properties in CDO to participate in Downtown Density Bonus Program Additional direction and clarification on ADU changes Related to C20‐ 2021‐011 district level planning Amendments to environmental and water quality regulations Relaxes compatibility standards Expands dedication to industrial, commercial, office projects Creates floodplain commercial redevelopment exception uses on commercial properties currently without a residential entitlement opportunity to build ADUs 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Planning Initiated by Council on 6/9/22 C20‐2022‐005 Environmental and Water Quality Initiated by Council on 6/9/22 C20‐2022‐004 Compatibility Changes Initiated by Council on 6/9/22 C20‐2022‐002 Parkland Dedication Expansion Initiated by Council on 4/7/22 C20‐2021‐013 Floodplain Regulations – Commercial Redevelopment Exception Initiated by PC on 12/14/21 in Commercial Initiated by Council on 12/9/21 Expansion Initiated by Council on 12/9/21 C20‐2021‐012 Residential Allows residential Late 2022 Housing and Planning C20‐2021‐011 ADU Expands Development Services Summer 2022 10. C20‐2021‐006 Vertical Changes the Housing and Summer In‐Process Code Amendments 6/13/22 NOTES affordability requirements for properties using VMU Allows additional height for VMU Creates a mechanism for fees to be paid in‐lieu of constructing great streets Update to DDBP fees; possible change to caps on floor area ratio and height Changes to site plan process to expedite affordability unlocked projects Correction to sign regulations for the University Neighborhood Overlay Change to definition of mirrored glass AMENDMENT Mixed Use Affordable Housing Initiated by PC on 7/27/21 Initiated by Council on 11/18/21 C20‐2021‐004 Great Streets Fee‐In‐Lieu Mechanism Initiated by Council 8/22/19 C20‐2021‐003 Downtown Density Bonus Updates Initiated by Council on 4/22/21 C20‐2021‐002 Affordability Unlocked Site Plan Changes Initiated by PC on 3/9/21 C20‐2021‐001 UNO Sign 11. 12. 13. 14. Correction Initiated by PC …
2022 Environmental Code Amendments Briefing to the Environmental Commission J u n e 1 5 , 2 0 2 2 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Council Resolution #20220609-061 D i r e c t s C i t y M a n a g e r t o a c t o n e nv i ro n m e n t a l a n d d r a i n a g e c o n c e r n s a n d eva l u a t e i m p a c t s o f p ro p o s e d p ro c e s s a n d c o d e c h a n g e s o n a f f o r d a b i l i t y, h o u s i n g, a n d c o s t • • • Bring forth a plan to address environmental equity Increase monitoring of high risk/industrial sites Process improvements to better address high bacteria levels in creeks related to leaky wastewater infrastructure Bring forth code amendments related to environmental protection and flood reduction: • Subset of code changes identified by previous Land Development Code revision process • • Minor revisions and inconsistencies • • Improve protections for Colorado River downstream of the Longhorn Dam Evaluate impacts to housing C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2 Affected Land Development Code (LDC) Chapters L D C C h a p t e r 2 5- 2 ( Z o n i n g ) • Landscape requirements (Functional Green) • DSD is lead department L D C 2 5- 7 ( D r a i n a g e ) • No adverse impact (greenfield detention requirements) 2 5- 8 S u b c h a p t e r A ( Wa t e r Q u a l i t y ) …
