Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission August 7, 2024 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 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 via 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 by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@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). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Peter Einhorn Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer, Vice Chair AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Chair 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on July 17, 2024. 1. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion, and recommendation on the Austin-Travis County Food Plan – Angela Baucom, Food Policy Manager, Office of Sustainability Presentation, discussion, and recommendation on the Cities Connecting Children to Nature program – Melody Alcazar, Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Staff briefing on the Environmental Integrity Index: WPD’s Water Quality Monitoring Methods – Andrew Clamman, Conservation Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department Update on Environmental Commission Annual Report— Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair Update from the South Central Waterfront Board on the postponement of the Combining District/Density Bonus Plan at City Council – David Sullivan Update from the Bird-Friendly Design working group on the meeting on July 23rd and plans for the next meeting – Jennifer Bristol STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS COMMITTEE UPDATES 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. …
2. 3. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, July 17, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: Peter Einhorn, Colin Nickells PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL in a REGULAR meeting on Santiago, TxDot APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on July 3, 2024. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on July 3, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Einhorn and Nickells were absent. Commissioner Qureshi was off the dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS Update on Austin’s reservoirs monitoring and management efforts — Brent Bellinger, Conservation Program Supervisor, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discuss and make a recommendation regarding investments the City should fund as part of Council Resolution 20240215-025: Environmental Investment Plan, as recommended by the Joint Sustainability Committee – Commissioner Haris Qureshi Item taken with item 4. 1 4. Discuss and make a recommendation in support of adding a Climate Fee to address funding for the Environmental Investment Plan, as recommended at the Joint Sustainability Committee – Commissioners Haris Qureshi, Richard Brimer, and David Sullivan A motion in support of the Environmental Investment Plan and a climate fee was made on Commissioner Qureshi’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second. An amendment to add a recommendation for a citizen advisory bond committee was made by Commissioner Cofer and seconded by Commissioner Qureshi. An amendment to keep the 2025 date in Commissioner Cofer’s amendment failed on a 1-5 vote. Commissioner Krueger voted in favor. Commissioners Schiera, Brimer, Sullivan, Bristol, and Cofer voted against. Commissioners Qureshi and Bedford abstained. Commissioners Einhorn and Nickells were absent. The amendment to add a recommendation for a Citizen Advisory Bond Committee made by Commissioner Cofer and seconded by Commissioner Qureshi passed on a 7-1 vote. Commissioner Brimer voted against. Commissioners Einhorn and Nickells were absent. The original motion with Commissioner Cofer’s amendment passed on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Einhorn and Nickells were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Krueger requested a presentation on the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, with a recommendation, seconded by Bedford. Secretary Bristol asked for …
A Food Plan for Austin-Travis County Environmental Commission August 7, 2024 Agenda ● Introductions ● What is a Food System? ● What is a Food Plan and why are we doing it? ● How did we create the Plan? ● Who participated in the Planning Process? ● Overview of Vision and Objectives ● Overview of the Goals and Strategies ● Next Steps 2 2 Some Food for Thought Food Production: Where our food comes from, including everything from farming to ranching Food Processing & Distribution: What happens to food from where it is grown to when it reaches your plate, including how food is moved and processed. Food Markets & Retails: Where food is sold, purchased, or provided cost-free. Food Consumption & Access: How we eat our food, who struggles to get enough food, and what impact our consumption has on our health. Post-Consumption & Food Waste: What happens to the parts of food we don’t eat and the impact of food waste on the environment. Food Justice: How systemic racism & colonization impact how the food system works — or doesn’t work — for each member of our community. 4 What is a Food Plan & why do we need one? ● A Food Plan sets clear Goals and Strategies to move toward a more equitable, sustainable & resilient food system ● The Food Plan builds on several other initiatives made by the County, City, and communities to tackle key food system issues. ● The Food Plan centers equity and the lived expertise of those most impacted by the current food system 5 5 Background and Authority ● In June 2021, Austin City Council directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process ● Travis County Commissioners Court approved formal participation in the plan in September 2022 ● Austin Travis County Food Plan’s Community Advisory Committee approved the Draft Food Plan in May 2024 6 6 Project Timeline Phase 0: Planning for the Plan Phase 1: Vision Development Phase 2: Goal & Strategy Development Phase 3: Review and Ground truthing September 2021 - January 2023 March - August 2023 September 2023 - February 2024 February - Summer/Fall 2024 ● ● ● ● Building Community Awareness 📰 Release of State of the Food System Report 📚 Onboarding Planning Consultant⭐ Recruitment of Community Teams🚀 ● Website launch 📶 ● World Cafes ☕ ● ● ● ● Listening Sessions & Tabling at …
DRAFT JULY 2024 2.0.2.4 AUSTIN/TRAVIS COUNTY F O O D P L A N Table of Contents Preface ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Introductory Letter ............................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Acknowledgments ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Plan Authorization ................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 5 The Food System .................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 What this Plan is and Isnʼt .................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Plan Framework & Approach ............................................................................................................................................................... 8 A Plan of Plans .................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Food Plan Oversight ................................................................................................................................................................................ 16 CAC Mission Statement ...................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Values .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 18 Sustainability & Equity Assessment Tool (SEAT) Values .................................................................................................................... 18 Food Plan Vision & Objectives ................................................................................................................................................................ 20 Parts of the Food Plan ........................................................................................................................................................................ 21 Food Plan Goals and Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................. 25 A Note on Strategies Related to Populations Who are Underserved or Historically Disadvantaged ............................................... 28 Goal 1. Land ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 30 Goal 2. Ownership ............................................................................................................................................................................. 35 Goal 3. Livelihoods ............................................................................................................................................................................ 38 Goal 4. Preparedness ......................................................................................................................................................................... 42 Goal 5. Institutions ............................................................................................................................................................................. 47 Goal 6. Access ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 51 Goal 7. Food Recovery ....................................................................................................................................................................... 57 Goal 8. Pro-Climate, Pro-Health ........................................................................................................................................................ 62 Goal 9. Empower ................................................................................................................................................................................ 66 Plan Implementation & Next Steps ........................................................................................................................................................ 70 Implementation Planning .................................................................................................................................................................. 71 Strategy Sequencing .......................................................................................................................................................................... 72 Implementation Network ................................................................................................................................................................... 72 Funding ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 73 Measurement & Reporting ................................................................................................................................................................. 73 Afterword ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 74 Appendices .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 76 Appendix 1: Glossary .......................................................................................................................................................................... 77 Appendix 2: Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................................................ 81 Appendix 3: Sustainability & Equity Assessment Tool (SEAT) ........................................................................................................... 95 Appendix 4: Strategy Implementation Details ................................................................................................................................... 99 Appendix 5: Plan Crosswalk to Existing Efforts ................................................................................................................................ 131 Appendix 6: Companion Documents ............................................................................................................................................... 133 The photos in this plan were provided by the Office of Sustainability or were licensed from stock resources. Exceptions are noted as listed. AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD PLAN Preface 1 DRAFT (JULY 2024) AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD PLAN Introductory Letter Food connects us all. Every seed planted, garden tended, acre harvested, and plate served sparks a ripple effect, impacting the system that nourishes our community. From farmers and grocery store workers to families, chefs, and health providers, we're all part of this story. While the City of Austin and Travis County continue to grow, this food plan exists to move us toward ensuring everyone has access to the nutritious food that they need to thrive. We are working for a future where food is a fundamental human right. The instability of the food system was widely felt in February 2021 when Winter Storm Uri arrived in Austin-Travis County during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. We experienced a multitude of emergencies, including food …
DRAFT JULY 2024 20 24 SUMMARY AUSTIN/TRAVIS COUNTY F O O D P L A N A food plan provides an opportunity for local government to co-create a vision and actionable goals for the local food system alongside community members, farmers and farmworkers, food retail and service workers, students, small business owners, and other partners. 2 The Food System The food system is the interconnected network of everything that happens with food — where and how it is grown, distributed, sold, consumed, wasted, or recovered. Globally, the food system is shaped by its stakeholders, practices, and the laws that regulate both. This food plan envisions the food system as five interconnected arenas with food justice at the center:1 • Food Production: Where our food comes from, including everything from farming to ranching to backyard gardening. • Food Processing & Distribution: What happens to food from where it is grown to when it reaches your plate, including how food is moved and processed. • Food Markets & Retails: Where food is sold, purchased, or provided cost-free. • Food Consumption & Access: How we eat our food, who struggles to get enough food, and what impact our consumption has on our health. • Post-Consumption & Food Waste: What happens to the parts of food we don’t eat and the impact of food waste on the environment. • Food Justice: Seeking to ensure that the benefits and risks of where, what, and how food is grown, produced, transported, distributed, accessed, and eaten are shared fairly. It represents a transformation of the current food system, including but not limited to eliminating disparities and inequities. d F o o d Processing ction & D istribution o o F R & u d o r P P o s t - & C F o o n s u o d W a Food Justice m ption Fo o d C o ste s n & A c u c F o o d M a r k e t s e t a i l e s s m ption This plan considers our local food system to include the 5-county Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area of Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson Counties. However, the vision, objectives, goals, and strategies outlined in this plan are focused geographically on the City of Austin and Travis County. Travis County Austin 3 FOOD PLAN SUMMARY2024 Community Centered Process …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Cities Connecting Children to Nature Initiative Update August 7, 2024 Briefing on the City’s CCCN initiative Melody Alcazar, CCCN Program Manager, Park Planning Division Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN) The CCCN initiative helps city leaders and their partners ensure that all children have the opportunity to play, learn and grow in nature, from urban parks and community gardens to the great outdoors City Partners City Goals + CCCN Plans/Programs that call out CCCN Other related plans • Heat Resiliency Playbook (Office of • Community Health Improvement Plan Resiliency) (Austin Public Health) • Climate & Environmental Initiatives at • Climate Equity Plan (Office of CoA (Office of Sustainability) Sustainability) • Sustainability & Resilience Program • Food Plan (Office of Sustainability) (Parks and Recreation Dept) • Urban Forest Plan (Development • Long Range Plan (Parks and Recreation Services Dept) Dept) • Green Building Program (Austin Energy) • Comprehensive Library Strategic and Facilities Plan (Austin Public Library) • Rain to River (Watershed Protection Dept) Local Partners Guiding Resources CCCN Austin: Our Evolution City adopts Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights & begins collection of nature deficient area data Four focal strategies with Outdoor Learning Environments (OLE!) Temp, Full-Time Coordinator position funded through WPD; FTE CCCN Program Coordinator position reclassified as Program Manager Critical look at integration of racial equity lens to all strategies; Integration into City-wide plans 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023-present Austin receives strategic planning & implementation grant from CCCN Focus on Green School Parks, Nature Play, Youth Leadership & FTE CCCN Program Coordinator position through PARD Five focal strategies with addition of Nature Smart Libraries Temp, Full-Time Coordinator position becomes FTE, funded through WPD + PARD; Dedicated funding for Nature Play and Joint-Use sites in City Budget CCCN Strategies NATURE SMART LIBRARIES EARLY CHILDHOOD EMERGING GREEN LEADERS GREEN SCHOOL PARKS NATURE PLAY Green School Parks Evolution PILOTS DATA COLLECTION DESIGNATION Barrington ES cistern Green School Parks: Pilots WOOLDRIDGE EX. Design plan with who does what for each feature Urban Forestry Watershed Protection Department Maintenance & Operations Transportation Parks & Recreation Partners Green School Parks: Data Collection RESEARCH ASSESSMENTS ● 2018 data collection found discrepancy in park amenities at joint use site ○ ○ 2019-2021 new amenities added 2023-present updating signage ● 2023 ESAC subcommittee formed to conduct data collection at all AISD campuses Bond sites priorities 18 complete, 5 scheduled for Aug. ○ …
Environmental Integrity Index WPD's Water Quality Monitoring Methods Environmental Commission August 7, 2024 Andrew Clamann Conservation Program Supervisor 512-974-2694 andrew.clamann@austintexas.gov 1 Biological indicators Algae Fish Invertebrates Mussels Diversity E.coli and other pathogens Trophic structure Sensitive species Emerging contaminants Pharmaceuticals PAHs PFAS Microplastics Water Quality Hydrocarbons Erosion Turbidity Sedimentation Total Suspended Solids Herbicides Glycophosate Metsulfuron-methyl Conventionals Dissolved Oxygen pH Conductivity Temperature Nutrients Ammonia Nitrogen Phosphorus Metals Arsenic Chromium Mercury Cadmium Arsenic Silver Zinc Lead Nickel Pesticides Chlordane Dieldrin Endrin BHC’s Heptachlor Methoxychlor Environmental Integrity Index (EII) 1994-2024 Six Scoring Categories • Water chemistry • Aquatic Life • Physical Integrity • Contact Recreation • Non-contact Recreation • Sediment Quarterly Water Quality • Field: pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, temperature • Lab : Nitrate-N, Ammonia-N, TKN, Orthophosphorus, Turbidity, Total Suspended Solids Contact Recreation • E. coli bacteria Annually Aquatic Life • Benthic macroinvertebrates and Diatoms Non-Contact Recreation • Litter, odor, algae, clarity, etc Habitat • EPA visual assessment (instream & riparian) Sediment Quality • Metals, PAHs, pesticides, herbicides, etc. EII 1994-2008 EII 2008-2024 ~120 sites / 2 yrs ~50 sampled watersheds ~500 miles of creek mainstems ~120 sites / 2 yrs ~50 sampled watersheds ~500 miles of creek mainstems ~5,500 total miles of all creeks Objective retrospect Low resolution, generalized context • • Baseflow only (no stormwater component) • Observational (not statistical) • Not tied to quantifiable solutions Time for a change! Outcomes Drivers Solutions Need a model Empirical Baseflow and Stormflow data 30 years data Cluster sites by GIS similarities model everything, everywhere, all at once • • • physical chemical biological • 3,000 points • updated at will Gridded Surface Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis (GSSHA) GSSHA is a physics-based, distributed, hydrologic, sediment and contaminant fate and transport model that can simulate hydrologic processes in watersheds1 Details provided in QAPP EII 2.0 2 of 4 Hydraulics/Geomorphology 1(Zhang et al., 2023) ~3,000 modeled points along the stream network Points start at 320ac drainage area ~3,000ft apart along the stream network ~3,000 watersheds 9 Routine baseflow sites (remain static) 9 Stormwater sites (change ~5 years) 9 Random sites (change annually) Calibrate Validate Update Random sites Stormwater monitoring (9 sites) • • • • Continuous monitoring of flow and physicochemical (pH, conductivity, etc.) Automatic sample collection through a storm event: (nutrients, total suspended solids, etc.) Sample as many storms as necessary to calibrate the model Annual biological monitoring Routine and Random baseflow monitoring (9 sites) (9 sites) …
Environmental Integrity Index 2.0 QAPP 1 of 4 (Hydrology) Project #: 216 Project Lead: Christina Bryant Project Manager: Mateo Scoggins Introduction Environmental Integrity Index The Environmental Integrity Index (EII) is a tool that was created by the City’s Watershed Protection Department (WPD) to monitor and assess the ecological integrity and the degree of impairment of Austin watersheds (City of Austin, 2002). The goal of the EII was to produce a quantifiable method to assess the ecological integrity of Austin’s urban and non-urban streams and determine baseline conditions for targeted protective measures and restoration, thus enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Austin. The WPD Environmental Monitoring and Compliance Division (EMC) has determined the need to revise the EII by applying a new framework, based on the stream functional pyramid developed by Harman et al., (2012), to approach stream assessment and by using the enhanced Gridded Surface Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis (GSSHA) model to simulate hydrologic processes in watersheds. GSSHA is a physics-based, distributed, hydrologic, sediment and contaminant fate and transport model (Zhang et al., 2023). It can simulate the hydrological response of a watershed to specific hydrological and meteorological inputs. With the adoption of the stream functional pyramid approach and the simulation capability of GSSHA the Environmental Integrity Index 2.0 can be a supportive tool to analyze projects and make informed decisions in watershed management that help reduce the impact of anthropogenic influences and environmental issues and to preserve Austin’s aquatic resources. Urban Watershed Functional Pyramid The revisions to the Environmental Integrity Index (EII) program reflected in this QAPP have been largely influenced by the Stream Functions Pyramid (Figure 1) which provides a new framework for approaching stream assessment (Harman et al 2012). This tool emphasizes the critical role of foundational facets of the stream system from which all other facets are dependent. Success of the ultimate response variable (biology) is limited by all other underlying layers. Therefore, if the ultimate goal of a monitoring program is to facilitate/inform preservation or restoration of ecological integrity, then a bottom-up perspective must be used. Figure 1. Stream Functions Pyramid (Harman et al. 2012). A framework for approaching stream assessment. Applied Watershed Research staff have modified the functional pyramid to apply more directly to the urban environment and to watersheds as a unit instead of streams. The most basic difference is that Hydraulics and Geomorphology have been integrated into one layer. Figure …
Environmental Integrity Index 2.0 QAPP 2 of 4 (Hydraulics/Geomorphology) Project #: 216 Project Lead: Zhen Xu Project Manager: Mateo Scoggins Introduction Environmental Integrity Index The Environmental Integrity Index (EII) is a monitoring program that was developed in the early 1990’s by the City’s Environmental Resources Management Division to monitor and assess the ecological integrity and the degree of impairment of Austin watersheds (City of Austin, 2002). The goal of the EII was to produce a quantifiable method for assessing the water quality condition of Austin’s urban and non- urban streams and to provide a baseline from which to evaluate our water resources to target protective measures and restoration. The program aligns with the water quality component of the Watershed Protection Department’s (WPD) mission thus enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Austin. As a monitoring program, the EII was excellent at providing valuable long term and citywide water quality, physical habitat, aquatic life use, and sediment data. Although the sites were selected to represent similar reaches (landuse, geology, etc) of each watershed, the specific locations were biased by access and the analysis did not incorporate statistics, which limited the use of its data in modeling and decision-making. Thus, after three decades of implementation, the EII was due for an update. The EII 2.0 is the latest iteration of WPD flagship monitoring program. This state-of-art monitoring program partitions all of Austin watersheds into high-resolution grids and a modeling network of ~3400 stream sites spaced 3,000ft apart on the stream centerline. It aims to provide real-time monitoring data on flow conditions, erosion potential and sediment transport, levels and fate of nutrients and contaminants, and scores on benthic macroinvertebrates and diatoms. Its deliverables could serve as the foundation for Austin residents to know watershed health conditions, for scientists to conduct innovative research, and for landowners and policy makers to determine what actions they should take for land and watershed management at various scales. Urban Watershed Functional Pyramid The conceptual framework of the EII 2.0 is the urban watershed functional pyramid, which is modified from the EPA stream functional pyramid (Figure 1) proposed by Harman (2009, 2012) and illustrates urban watershed functions in a hierarchical structure (Figure 2). The pyramid includes four functional categories with the underlying controlling variables of geology and climate. The primary direction of cause-and-effect relationships flows from the bottom of the pyramid to the top, with functions higher …
Environmental Integrity Index 2.0 QAPP 3 of 4 (Physicochemical) Project #: 216 Project Lead: Angel Santiago Project Manager: Mateo Scoggins Introduction Environmental Integrity Index The Environmental Integrity Index (EII) is a tool that was created by the City’s Watershed Protection Department (WPD) to monitor and assess the ecological integrity and the degree of impairment of Austin watersheds (City of Austin, 2002). The goal of the EII was to produce a quantifiable method to assess the ecological integrity of Austin’s urban and non-urban streams and determine baseline conditions for targeted protective measures and restoration, thus enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Austin. The WPD Environmental Monitoring and Compliance Division (EMC) has determined the need to revise the EII by applying a new framework, based on the stream functional pyramid developed by Harman et al., (2012), to approach stream assessment and by using the enhanced Gridded Surface Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis (GSSHA) model to simulate hydrologic processes in watersheds. GSSHA is a physics-based, distributed, hydrologic, sediment and contaminant fate and transport model (Zhang et al., 2023). It can simulate the hydrological response of a watershed to specific hydrological and meteorological inputs. With the adoption of the stream functional pyramid approach and the simulation capability of GSSHA the Environmental Integrity Index 2.0 can be a supportive tool to analyze projects and make informed decisions in watershed management that help reduce the impact of anthropogenic influences and environmental issues and to preserve Austin’s aquatic resources. Urban Watershed Functional Pyramid The revisions to the Environmental Integrity Index program reflected in this QAPP have been largely influenced by the Stream Functions Pyramid (Figure 1) which provides a new framework for approaching stream assessment (Harman et al., 2012). This tool emphasizes the critical role of foundational facets of the stream system from which all other facets are dependent. Success of the ultimate response variable (biology) is limited by all other underlying layers. Therefore, if the ultimate goal of a monitoring program is to facilitate/inform preservation or restoration of ecological integrity, then a bottom-up perspective may be the most effective. Figure 1. Stream Functions Pyramid (Harman et al. 2012). A framework for approaching stream assessment. The Applied Watershed Research Section modified the stream functional pyramid, presented by Harman et al., (2012) (Figure 1), to adapt it more directly to the urban environment and watersheds as a unit instead of streams (Figure 2). The main difference is …
Environmental Integrity Index 2.0 QAPP 4 of 4 (Biology) Project #: 216 Project Manager: Mateo Scoggins Project Lead: Andrew Clamann Introduction Environmental Integrity Index The Environmental Integrity Index (EII) is a tool that was created by the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department (WPD) to monitor and assess the ecological integrity and the degree of impairment of Austin watersheds (City of Austin, 2002). The goal of the EII was to produce a quantifiable method to assess the ecological integrity of Austin’s urban and non-urban streams and determine baseline conditions for targeted protective measures and restoration, thus enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Austin. The WPD Environmental Monitoring and Compliance Division (EMC) has determined the need to revise the EII by applying a new framework, based on the stream functional pyramid developed by Harman et al. (2012), to approach stream assessment by using the enhanced Gridded Surface Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis (GSSHA) model to simulate hydrologic processes in watersheds at any given point. GSSHA is a physics-based, distributed, hydrologic, sediment and contaminant fate and transport model (Zhang et al., 2023). It can simulate the hydrological response of a watershed to specific hydrological and meteorological inputs. With the adoption of the stream functional pyramid approach and the simulation capability of GSSHA, the Environmental Integrity Index 2.0 (EII 2.0) can be a supportive tool to analyze projects and make informed decisions in watershed management that help reduce the impact of anthropogenic influences and environmental issues and to preserve Austin’s aquatic resources. Urban Watershed Functional Pyramid The revisions to the Environmental Integrity Index program reflected in this QAPP have been largely influenced by the Stream Functions Pyramid (Figure 1) which provides a new framework for approaching stream assessment (Harman et al., 2012). This tool emphasizes the critical role of foundational facets of the stream system from which all other facets are dependent. Success of the ultimate response variable (biology) is influenced by all other underlying layers. Therefore, if the goal of a monitoring program is to facilitate/inform preservation or restoration of ecological integrity, then a bottom- up perspective may be the most effective. Figure 1. Stream Functions Pyramid (Harman et al., 2012). A framework for approaching stream assessment. For the purpose of the objectives, parameters, and scoring, of the EII 2.0 program, the WPD Applied Watershed Research (AWR) Section adapted the functional pyramid (Figure 2) to apply more directly to the urban …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 _Environmental Commission __ The Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: Per section 2-1-144(F) of the City Code, the Environmental Commission may: 1) review and analyze the policies relating to the environmental quality of the city; (2) act as an advisory board to the city council, the city manager, and the department in their efforts to oversee the protection and integrity of the natural environment; (3) promote growth management and land use planning, minimize degradation of water resources, protect downstream areas, and promote recreation opportunities and environmental awareness; and (4) advise and recommend on any issue which the commission determines necessary or advisable for the enhancement and stewardship of the urban forest both public and private. (G) The commission shall: (1) assist the city council, the city manager, and the department in studying, promoting and enforcing environmental protection policies to assure the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of all citizens within the City's incorporated boundaries as well as those within its extraterritorial jurisdiction where the boundaries apply; and (2) oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for the planting, maintenance, and replacement of trees in the City's jurisdiction, and revise the plan as necessary. When a portion of the plan has been developed and established, it shall be submitted to the city council for adoption before implementation. (H) The commission shall advise the city council, the city manager, and the department concerning policies, projects, and programs that affect the quality of life or have the potential to affect the environment, including those that relate to or affect: Annual Review and Work Plan 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 Page 2 (1) water quality: (a) watershed protection; (b) urban runoff; (c) innovative wastewater treatment; (d) regional wastewater treatment; (e) improvement and protection of the Colorado River and the Edwards Aquifer; and (f) wastewater irrigation; (2) growth management and land use planning: (a) municipal utility district review; (b) capital improvement project review; and (c) the comprehensive plan; (3) construction controls for erosion and sedimentation; (4) City environmental policies regarding monitoring and enforcement; (5) solid waste disposal plan alternatives; (6) watershed protection: (a) flood control; (b) erosion control; (c) water quality; and (d) utility management; (7) roadway planning; (8) beautification; (9) recreation resources; (10) public education on environmental matters; (11) hazardous waste materials management; (12) revegetation and landscaping; …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240807-002 Second by: Date: August 7th, 2024 Subject: Austin/ Travis County Food Plan Motion by: Mariana Krueger WHEREAS, in 2021, the Austin City Council passed resolution NO. 20210610-039, which directed the City Manager to begin a food planning process that would center and uplift the voices of those most impacted by our current food system; after three years, the work of thousands of community members, alongside that of City and County departments, and tens of local nonprofits, has culminated in the Austin/ Travis County Food Plan, the first-ever visionary policy document of its kind here in Central Texas, and one of just a dozen of its kind nationwide; WHEREAS, as part of this planning process, the Office of Sustainability has identified that 16.8 acres of farmland are lost in Travis County every day, only 0.06% of the food consumed in Travis County is locally produced, and 14.4% of people in Travis County experience food insecurity, yet 1.24 million pounds of food are wasted every day in Austin; AND WHEREAS, in 2021, the Austin Climate Equity Plan established several goals related to sustainable food production, including protecting 500,000 acres of farmland from development in the Central Texas five-county region, and incorporating all City-owned land in a management plan that results in neutral or negative emissions; AND WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan specifically pledged that the City of Austin would reach net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, with a strong emphasis on cutting emissions by 2030, and the Office of Sustainability has concluded that 21% of all greenhouse gas emissions created by our community are food-related; AND WHEREAS, Winter Storm Uri underscored the fragility of our food system in the wake of climate change, and the need to incorporate local food hubs, bolstered by urban agriculture efforts such as community gardens and food forests, as part of a climate resilience strategy; AND WHEREAS, in 2013, the Austin City Council recognized the importance of urban agriculture in supporting the City’s Climate and Zero Waste initiatives by adopting the Urban Farms Ordinance; AND WHEREAS, while the Austin City Council has repeatedly acknowledged the interconnectedness of our food system to our broader climate and equity goals, many initiatives have gone unfunded or under-funded, including Nourish Austin (a proposal from multiple city departments in 2021 to develop publicly-owned food hubs), and our Community Gardens Division (Table 1). 1 of 2 AND …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240807-003 Date: August 7, 2024 Subject: Cities Connecting Children to Nature Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Perry Bedford WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission was presented a staff update from Melody Alcazar, Program Manager – Cities Connecting Children to Nature, City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the CCCN initiative continues to strengthen partnerships across departments, AISD, and with NGOs across Austin; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the CCCN initiative known as Green- School-Parks ensures students and teachers have opportunities to learn and play in natural spaces; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the CCCN initiative known as Green- School-Parks ensures historically underserved neighborhoods have access to campuses where they can exercise, play, socialize, and learn. These communities lack access to parkland alternatives, which means the schools help the city achieve the goal of all residences living within a quarter mile walking distance from a park; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes school campuses with improved habitat, like the ones in the Green-School-Park program, offer increased ecosystem services such as reduction in heat island effect, storm water runoff, and carbon sequestration; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the CCCN initiative continues to raise awareness about the need for children and families to have a daily connection with nature to ensure their physical and mental health and development; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the CCCN initiative strengthens and helps achieve the climate, environmental, equity, and health goals of various departments and strategies within the city, and with the supporting NGOs; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission offers support of the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission offers support of the Outdoor Learning Environments program. 1 THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends continuing funding for the initiative. Additionally, we recommend expanded resources and support for: 1. Joint Use Agreement with AISD, and the Green-School-Parks initiative to ensure members of the community can utilize the school campus as parkland during out-of-school time. These agreements also ensure that students have daily access to greenspaces where they can play, explore and learn. 2. Recommend that the City of Austin work with AISD to find solutions to keep the public access gates open to grant access from the neighborhoods to the campuses during out-of- school-time. 3. Recommend the City of Austin find ways to better support the goals of the Children’s 4. Continue to …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240807-002 Second by: David Sullivan Date: August 7th, 2024 Subject: Austin/ Travis County Food Plan Motion by: Mariana Krueger WHEREAS, in 2021, the Austin City Council passed resolution NO. 20210610-039, which directed the City Manager to begin a food planning process that would center and uplift the voices of those most impacted by our current food system; after three years, the work of thousands of community members, alongside that of City and County departments, and tens of local nonprofits, has culminated in the Austin/ Travis County Food Plan, the first-ever visionary policy document of its kind here in Central Texas, and one of just a dozen of its kind nationwide; WHEREAS, as part of this planning process, the Office of Sustainability has identified that 16.8 acres of farmland are lost in Travis County every day, only 0.06% of the food consumed in Travis County is locally produced, and 14.4% of people in Travis County experience food insecurity, yet 1.24 million pounds of food are wasted every day in Austin; AND WHEREAS, in 2021, the Austin Climate Equity Plan established several goals related to sustainable food production, including protecting 500,000 acres of farmland from development in the Central Texas five-county region, and incorporating all City-owned land in a management plan that results in neutral or negative emissions; AND WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan specifically pledged that the City of Austin would reach net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, with a strong emphasis on cutting emissions by 2030, and the Office of Sustainability has concluded that 21% of all greenhouse gas emissions created by our community are food-related; AND WHEREAS, Winter Storm Uri underscored the fragility of our food system in the wake of climate change, and the need to incorporate local food hubs, bolstered by urban agriculture efforts such as community gardens and food forests, as part of a climate resilience strategy; AND WHEREAS, in 2013, the Austin City Council recognized the importance of urban agriculture in supporting the City’s Climate and Zero Waste initiatives by adopting the Urban Farms Ordinance; AND WHEREAS, while the Austin City Council has repeatedly acknowledged the interconnectedness of our food system to our broader climate and equity goals, many initiatives have gone unfunded or under-funded, including Nourish Austin (a proposal from multiple city departments in 2021 to develop publicly-owned food hubs), and our Community Gardens Division (Table 1). 1 of …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, August 7, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Colin Nickells, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, Mariana Krueger Commissioners Absent: Peter Einhorn, Haris Qureshi PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Phil Thomas, Speaking against the Expedition School Dock Project Cedar Stevens, Speaking against the Expedition School Dock Project Tanya Payne, Speaking against the Expedition School Dock Project Elisa Rendon Montoya, Speaking against the Expedition School Dock Project Bertha Rendon Delgado, Speaking against the Expedition School Dock Project in a REGULAR meeting on APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on July 17, 2024. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on July 17, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Nickells abstained. Commissioners Einhorn and Qureshi were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion, and recommendation on the Austin-Travis County Food Plan – Angela Baucom, Business Process Consultant, Office of Sustainability A motion in support of the Austin Travis County Plan passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 9–0 vote. Commissioners Einhorn and Qureshi were absent. 1 3. Presentation, discussion, and recommendation on the Cities Connecting Children to Nature program – Melody Alcazar, Program Manager, Parks and Recreation A motion in support of the Cities Connecting Children to Nature passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 9–0 vote. Commissioners Einhorn and Qureshi were absent. Chair Bedford called a recess at 8:12. Chair Bedford reconvened the meeting at 8:20. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing on the Environmental Integrity Index: WPD’s Water Quality Monitoring Methods – Andrew Clamann, Conservation Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Update on Environmental Commission Annual Report— Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair Item conducted as posted. No action taken. COMMITTEE UPDATES Update from the South Central Waterfront Board on the postponement of the Combining District/Density Bonus Plan at City Council – David Sullivan Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Update from the Bird-Friendly Design working group on the meeting on July 23rd and plans for the next meeting – Jennifer Bristol Item conducted as posted. No …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the COMMISSION FOR WOMEN August 7, 2024 AT 12:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission for Women may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via 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 by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. Diana Melendez Pam Rattan Katrina Scheihing Josephine Serrata Maria Veloz Salas CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Becky Bullard, Vice Chair Rebecca Austen Vanessa Bissereth Julie Glasser Angela Harris CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on July 10, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve the formation of a Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Working Group to devise recommendations in support of the CSCRM’s project objectives until completion. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 3. Update from the Documentary Film Screening Working Group. 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 call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792, or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission for Women, please contact Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792, or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov.
Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 10, 2024 Commission for Women REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 10, 2024 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, Texas, 78752. Chair Tau called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:06 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Becky Bullard, Vice Chair Jocelyn Tau, Chair Angela Harris Rebecca Austen Vanessa Bissereth Julie Glasser Diana Melendez Pam Rattan Josephine Serrata Maria Veloz Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on June 5, 2024. 1 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 10, 2024 DISCUSSION The minutes from the meeting on 6/5/2024 were approved on Commissioner Rattan’s motion and seconded by Chair Tau on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Serrata was off the dais. Commissioner Scheihing was absent. 2. Austin Police Department’s Special Victims Intervention Unit (SVIU) on an overview of the work of the unit and identified limitations. The presentation was made by Tammy Varkony, Sergeant, Austin Police Department; Deanna Lichter, Commander, Austin Police Department; and Christopher Leleux, Lieutenant, Austin Police Department. Hanna Senko, Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) project manager answered commissioners’ questions. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the Commission for Women’s annual report. The motion to approve the Commission for Women’s annual report was approved on Vice Chair Bullard’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second, on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Scheihing was absent. 4. Approve Commissioner Scheihing as a representative to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan planning team. The motion to approve Commissioner Scheihing as a representative to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan planning team was approved on Commissioner Glasser’s motion, Commissioner Melendez’s second, on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Scheihing was absent. 5. Election of the primary and secondary representatives to the Joint Inclusion Committee. The motion to approve Commissioner Glasser as the primary representative and Commissioner Melendez as the secondary representative to the Joint Inclusion Committee was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Austen’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth and Serrata were off the dais. Commissioner Scheihing was absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group on the progress of the Quality of Life study. Update was given by Commissioner Austen. 2 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, …
Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 7, 2024 Commission for Women REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 7, 2024 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Austin, Texas, Boards and Commissions Room. Chair Tau called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:22 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Angela Harris Katrina Scheihing Diana Melendez Pam Rattan Maria Fernanda Veloz Salas Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on July 10, 2024. The minutes from the meeting on 7/10/2024 were approved on Commissioner Rattan’s motion and seconded by Chair Tau on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Bullard, Commissioners Austen, Bissereth, Glasser, and Serrata were absent. 1 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 7, 2024 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve the formation of a Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Working Group to devise recommendations in support of the CSCRM’s project objectives until completion. The motion to postpone the item was approved on Commissioner Rattan’s motion, Chair Tau’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Bullard, Commissioners Austen, Bissereth, Glasser, and Serrata were absent. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 3. Update from the Documentary Film Screening Working Group. Commissioner Veloz Salas provided an update. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Dress for Success Presentation (Austen, Glasser) Update from the Documentary Film Screening Working Group (Tau, Veloz Salas) Update from the Quality of Life Working Group (Tau, Rattan) ADJOURNMENT Chair Tau adjourned the meeting at 12:41 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the 9/4/2024 meeting on Commissioner Rattan’s motion, Chair Tau’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Austen and Veloz Salas were off the dais. Vice Chair Bullard and Commissioner Serrata were absent. 2
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2024, 6 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARD AND COMMISSION ROOM, ROOM 1101 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Zoning and Platting 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 via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than 2 PM the day of the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. For more information on public comment, please see the agenda section “Speaker Registration”. Please contact Ella Garcia, Staff Liaison, for questions regarding speaker registration at LandUseLiaison@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512-978-0801. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Hank Smith – Chair (District 8) Betsy Greenberg – Vice-Chair (District 6) Carrie Thompson – Secretary (District 10) Alejandra Flores – Parliamentarian (District 5) William D. Floyd (Mayor’s Representative) Scott Boone (District 1) David Fouts (District 2) Lonny Stern (District 3) Ryan Puzycki (District 7) District 4 -Vacant District 9 -Vacant EXECUTIVE SESSION (No public discussion) The Zoning and Platting Commission 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 commission may not conduct a closed meeting without the approval of the city attorney. Private Consultation with Attorney – Section 551.071 CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first fours 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. Executive Liaison: Joi Harden, 512-974-1617 Staff Liaison: Ella Garcia, 512-978-0801 Attorney: AJ Urteaga, 512-974-2386 APPROVAL OF MINUTES PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Approve the minutes of the Zoning and Platting Commission regular called meeting on July 16, 2024. 2. Rezoning: C14-2024-0087 - 12104 Jekel Circle; District 6 12104 Jekel Circle, Rattan Creek Watershed Location: Owner/Applicant: JLCC Interests, LLC (Michael Jordan Scott) Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Industry ATX (Michael Winningham) LI-CO to CS Recommended Sherri Sirwaitis, 512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov Planning Department 3. Rezoning: Location: C14-2024-0057 - 2100 Patsy Parkway; District 2 2100 Patsy Parkway, Onion Creek and South Boggy Creek Watersheds Owner/Applicant: Steve Cisneros Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Drenner Group (Leah Bojo) SF-2 to MF-3 Recommended Marcelle Boudreaux, 512-974-8094, marcelle.boudreaux@austintexas.gov Planning …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET TO: CS DISTRICT: 6 CASE: C14-2024-0087 (12104 Jekel Circle) ADDRESS: 12104 Jekel Circle ZONING FROM: LI-CO SITE AREA: 0.267 acres (11,631 sq. ft.) PROPERTY OWNER: JLCC Interests, LLC (Michael Jordan Scott) APPLICANT/AGENT: Industry ATX (Michael Winningham) CASE MANAGER: Sherri Sirwaitis (512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMEDATION: Staff recommends CS, General Commercial Services District, zoning. ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: August 6, 2024 CITY COUNCIL ACTION: ORDINANCE NUMBER: C14-2024-0087 2 ISSUES: N/A CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The property in question is a 11,631 sq. ft undeveloped lot fronting Jekel Circle that is currently zoned LI-CO. Surrounding land uses include office uses to the north and east zoned CS, a religious assembly use with a surface parking lot to the south zoned LI-CO and a construction sales and services use zoned CS-CO across Jekel Circle to the west. In this case, the applicant is requesting a downzoning to the CS district to utilize the Affordability Unlocked program to develop residential units at this location. The staff recommends CS, General Commercial Services District, zoning because the property is located within a commercial area. The lots surrounding this site to the north, east and west are zoned with CS and CS-CO. There are office uses to the north and east, commercial uses to the west and a religious assembly use to the south. The proposed zoning will permit the applicant to utilize the property for commercial uses that are consistent with surrounding land use patterns in this area. The site under consideration is within the designated ‘183 & McNeil Neighborhood Center’, as identified on the Growth Concept Map in the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan. There are public transportation options in this area as there are sidewalks along Jekel Circle, a bike lane along McNeil Drive and there is a Capital Metro bus stop within 0.25 miles at the intersection of McNeil Drive and Research Boulevard. The applicant agrees with the staff’s recommendation. BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION: 1. The proposed zoning should be consistent with the purpose statement of the district sought. General commercial services (CS) district is the designation for a commercial or industrial use of a service nature that has operating characteristics or traffic service requirements that are incompatible with residential environments. 2. The proposed zoning should promote consistency and orderly planning. The General Commercial Services district would be compatible and consistent with the surrounding land use patterns because there is …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET DISTRICT: 2 TO: MF-3 CASE: C14-2024-0057– 2100 Patsy Parkway ADDRESS: 2100 Patsy Parkway ZONING FROM: SF-2 SITE AREA: 1.9071 acres PROPERTY OWNER: Steve Cisneros AGENT: Drenner Group (Leah Bojo) CASE MANAGER: Marcelle Boudreaux (512-974-8094, marcelle.boudreaux@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Staff recommendation is to grant multifamily residence (medium density) (MF-3) district zoning. ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: August 6, 2024: CITY COUNCIL: ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES: The rezoning request of the subject site is related to an adjacent rezoning case at 7331 and 7333 Bluff Springs Road, request from I-RR to MF-3, which was approved by City Council on February 15, 2024 (Case no. C14-2023-0118; Ordinance No. 20240215-041). According to the applicant, the purpose of this rezoning is to unify this subject site with that at 7331 and 7333 Bluff Springs Road, anticipating a 247-unit multifamily residence, to allow additional acreage for needed drainage and infrastructure. This rezoning request to MF-3 encompasses 1.9071 acres, portioned from a parcel that is 2.2409 acres; the remaining portion will remain SF-2. Further, the TIA worksheet on file for this rezoning request and the applicant summary notes that Patsy Parkway will not be used for access; access to this property will be from Bluff Springs Road via the adjacent parcel at 7331 and 7333 Bluff Springs Road. C14-2024-0057 Page 2 CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The subject rezoning area is approximately 1.9071 acres, however the entire parcel is 2.2409 acres, and is developed with a single family residence with frontage on Patsy Parkway. The portion of the parcel at the eastern end surrounding the single family residence will remain zoned SF-2 (see Attachment A: Location Map annotated). The rezoning area is situated on the east side of Bluff Springs Road. Bluff Springs Road is a level 3 mobility corridor, with dedicated bicycle lanes in both directions, and Cap Metro bus stop 1/3-mile to the north (at Blue Meadow Drive). The site is near to commercial services, approximately ¾-mile south of the intersection with William Cannon Drive and 1/3-mile from I-35 frontage road. The property to the north is the aforementioned, recently-rezoned 7331 and 7333 Bluff Springs site, exhibits Automotive Rentals use (MF-3). Single family residences and Kendra Page Neighborhood Park are to the south and east (SF-2, SF-4ACO and I-RR). To the immediate west fronting Bluff Springs Road is a small parcel with a single family residence, and further west across Bluff Springs …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET TO: SF-3 DISTRICT: 5 CASE: C14-2024-0093 (Persimmon Trail) ADDRESS: 7901 Persimmon Trail ZONING FROM: MH SITE AREA: .2453 acres (10,685.21 sq. ft.) PROPERTY OWNER: Shane Hauptli and Carol Short AGENT: Keepers Land Planning (Ricca Keepers) CASE MANAGER: Beverly Villela (512-978-0740, Beverly.Villela@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMEDATION: Staff recommends SF-3, Family Residence District, zoning. See the Basis of Recommendation section below. ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: August 6, 2024: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: TBD ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES: N/A CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The property in question is an undeveloped lot within the Greenleaf Estates subdivision. The Greenleaf Estates and the Brownleaf Estates, the adjacent subdivision to the north, are manufactured home subdivisions and were zoned mobile home residence (MH) district in the mid-1980s. Some of the lots contain one or more manufactured homes, and other lots have single family residence or two-family residence uses. In this case, the applicant has requested SF-3 zoning to build a family residence. Staff is recommending the Family Residence (SF-3) district zoning. BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION: C14-2023-0000 2 1. The proposed zoning should be consistent with the purpose statement of the district sought. The Family residence (SF-3) district is the designation for a moderate density single- family residential use and a duplex use on a lot that is a minimum of 5,750 square feet. An SF-3 district designation may be applied to a use in an existing single-family neighborhood with moderate sized lots or to new development of family housing on lots that are 5,750 square feet or more. Up to three units are permitted under single- family residential development standards. Zoning changes should promote compatibility with adjacent and nearby uses. 2. The staff supports the applicant’s request because the property is in an area that is developed with a mixture of manufactured homes, single family residences, and two- family residences. The SF-3 zoning district would be compatible and consistent with the surrounding uses and there are existing SF-3 and SF-2-CO zoned properties located to the north and east that are currently developed with single-family residential uses. In addition, many of the manufactured homes in this area have been enclosed with framed facades making it difficult to recognize them as manufactured homes and not single-family structures. LAND USES Undeveloped Manufactured Home Manufactured Home Single-Family Residences Undeveloped SF-2-CO ZONING EXISTING ZONING AND LAND USES: Site MH North MH South MH East West MH NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING AREA: N/A …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET TO: SF-3 DISTRICT: 5 CASE: C14-2024-0089 (7900 Persimmon Trail) ADDRESS: 7900 Persimmon Trail ZONING FROM: MH SITE AREA: .2441 acres (10,633.93 sq. ft.) PROPERTY OWNER: Anna Cecilia Berry AGENT: Texas Permitting Solutions (Shae Willard) CASE MANAGER: Beverly Villela (512-978-0740, Beverly.Villela@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMEDATION: Staff recommends SF-3, Family Residence District, zoning. See the Basis of Recommendation section below. ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: August 6, 2024: July 16, 2024: POSTPONED AT THE REQUEST OF COMMISSION TO AUGUST 6TH, 2024 [A. FLORES; R. PUZYCKI – 2ND] (6-0) S. BOONE; W. FLOYD – ABSENT; TWO VACANIES ON THE COMMISSION CITY COUNCIL ACTION: TBD ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES: N/A CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The property in question is an undeveloped lot within the Greenleaf Estates subdivision. The Greenleaf Estates and the Brownleaf Estates, the adjacent subdivision to the north, are manufactured home subdivisions and were zoned mobile home residence (MH) district in the mid-1980s. Some of the lots contain one or more manufactured homes, and other lots have single family residence or two-family residence uses. In this case, the applicant has requested SF-3 zoning to build a single-family residence. Staff is recommending the Family Residence (SF-3) district zoning. C14-2023-0000 2 BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION: 1. The proposed zoning should be consistent with the purpose statement of the district sought. The Family residence (SF-3) district is the designation for a moderate density single- family residential use and a duplex use on a lot that is a minimum of 5,750 square feet. An SF-3 district designation may be applied to a use in an existing single-family neighborhood with moderate sized lots or to new development of family housing on lots that are 5,750 square feet or more. Up to three units are permitted under single- family residential development standards. Zoning changes should promote compatibility with adjacent and nearby uses. 2. The staff supports the applicant’s request because the property is located in an area that is developed with a mixture of manufactured homes, single family residences, and two-family residences. The SF-3 zoning district would be compatible and consistent with the surrounding uses and there are existing SF-3 and SF-2-CO zoned properties located to the north and east that are currently developed with single- family residential uses. In addition, many of the manufactured homes in this area have been enclosed with framed facades making it difficult to recognize them as manufactured homes and not single …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C14-2024-0054 (8200 & 8300 North MoPac) DISTRICT: 10 ADDRESS: 8200 & 8300 North MoPac Expressway ZONING FROM: LO, LR TO: GR-MU-V-DB90 SITE AREA: 12.26 acres PROPERTY OWNER: OP 8200 MoPac Property, LLC & OP 8300 MoPac Property, LLC AGENT: Drenner Group, PC (Amanda Swor) CASE MANAGER: Sherri Sirwaitis (512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends GR-MU-V-DB90, Community Commercial-Mixed Use-Vertical Mixed Use Building-Density Bonus 90 Combining District, zoning. ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: July 2, 2024: Postponed to August 6, 2026 at the neighborhood's request by consent (9-0); L. Stern-1st, B. Greenberg-2nd. August 6, 2026 CITY COUNCIL ACTION: ORDINANCE NUMBER: 2 ISSUES: In December of 2023, Ordinance No. 20220609-080, Ordinance No. 20221201-056 and Ordinance No. 20221201-055 were invalidated. On March 11, 2024, the City Council approved Ordinance No. 20240229-073 to create the “DB90” combining district, which amended City Land Development Code - Title 25 to create a new zoning district for a density bonus program that grants 30 feet in height above the base zoning district, to a maximum of 90 feet, and modifies site development regulations including compatibility standards. Subsequently, the applicant submitted this new rezoning application to request the -DB90 combining district. CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The property in question is a 12.26 acre tract of land that is developed with an office complex that has LO zoning, with footprint areas of LR zoning. The lot to the south, across Steck Avenue, contains a vacant restaurant use (Luby’s) that is zoned MF-6. To the north, there are MF-2 and LO zoned lots that are developed with multifamily (Bent Tree Apartments) and office (The Woods II) uses. The land to the west is developed with residential condos (The Arbors) zoned LO. In this application, the property owner is requesting to rezone these lots to GR-MU-V-DB90 zoning to allow for a phased redevelopment of the existing surface parking and office uses. The applicant states that their intent is to support residential, office, and retail uses and allow for participation in the DB90 program. (Please see Applicant’s Request Letter – Exhibit C). A development utilizing the “density bonus 90” incentives is permitted with a base GR district and must include an affordability component for residential use in order to obtain incentives, including height maximum of 90 feet in the GR district (60 feet maximum in the base district plus 30 feet incentive) and relaxation of development and …
MEMORANDUM ************************************************************************ TO: Hank Smith, Chair Zoning and Platting Commission Members FROM: DATE: RE: Nancy Estrada Planning Department July 31, 2024 C14-2023-0048 – 7500 Burnet Postponement Request by Staff ************************************************************************ Staff requests a postponement of the above referenced rezoning case from the August 6, 2024, Zoning and Platting Commission hearing to August 20, 2024, due to a notification issue.
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET DISTRICT: 2 TO: CS CASE: C14-2024-0062 – Express Auto Spa ADDRESS: 3152 E. State Highway 71 Service Road Eastbound ZONING FROM: I-RR SITE AREA: 2.03 acres PROPERTY OWNER: Quickie Inc., Wassim Agha AGENT: CWPD (Alan Jacob) CASE MANAGER: Nancy Estrada (512-974-7617, nancy.estrada@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMEDATION: The Staff recommendation is to grant general commercial services (CS) district zoning. ZONING & PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: August 6, 2024: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES: None at this time. CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The subject rezoning area is 2.03 acres located on the eastbound service road of State Highway 71. It is situated east of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and slightly west of FM 973. The site is currently an undeveloped tract that is zoned interim-rural residence (I-RR). There is a convenience store and fuel station directly to the west (CS-CO). The Austin Transitional Center as well as several county facilities such as the Travis County correctional facility, Travis County softball facility and the Sheriff’s office are located to the south (P). There is undeveloped land and another Travis County facility to the east (P-CO). Please refer to Exhibits A (Zoning Map) and A-1 (Aerial Exhibit). C14-2024-0062 Page 2 The Applicant is requesting to rezone the site to general commercial services (CS) district zoning and is proposing an express automatic car wash. The property is located within the Airport Overlay Zone (CCLUA; AO-3); however, commercial and industrial uses are permitted within this area. Staff is recommending (CS) district zoning due to its location along a freeway as well as being near the intersection of two major arterial roads, East State Highway 71 and FM 973. BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION: 1. The proposed zoning should be consistent with the purpose statement of the district sought. The proposed general commercial services (CS) district zoning is intended for commercial or industrial uses that typically have operating characteristics or traffic service requirements generally incompatible with residential environments. The CS district is best suited for uses located at intersections of arterial roadways or arterials with collector status. 2. Zoning changes should promote an orderly and compatible relationship among land uses. Staff is recommending (CS) district zoning for the subject property based on the following considerations: 1) its location on a major arterial roadway with direct access to the eastbound frontage road of East State Highway 71, 2) commercial uses are appropriate within the Airport Overlay Zone, and …
SUBDIVISION VARIANCE REVIEW SHEET CASE NO.: C8-2023-0007.0A COMMISSION DATE: August 6, 2024 SUBDIVISION NAME: Resubdivision of Lot 1 Davis Lawns Section One ADDRESS: 5004 Heflin Lane APPLICANT: 5004 Heflin L Austin TX 78721 LLC (Eudo Mendez) AGENT: Mahoney Engineering (Tyler J. Boykin, P.E) ZONING: SF-3-NP (single family) NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN: MLK - 183 AREA: 0.627 acres (27312.12 sf) LOTS: 4 COUNTY: Travis DISTRICT: 1 WATERSHED: Fort Branch JURISDICTION: Full Purpose SIDEWALKS: n/a VARIANCE: 1. A Land Use Commission variance is requested to the Land Development Code Section 25-4-171(A) which requires lots to abut a dedicated public street. The subdivision proposed for Lot 1D to not front a dedicated public street and for Lot 1D to have access for municipal services or maintenance through a Joint Use Access Easement. Lot 1D is dedicated as Parkland to connect to a parkland area to the north of this property for future Parkland uses. Refer to Exhibit C for the location of Lot 1D and connection to the neighboring parkland area. The request is for the approval of a variance to 25-4-171(A) to allow the Lot 1D in the subdivision to not front a public street. DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the variance. E-mail: cesar.zavala@austintexas.gov ATTACHMENTS Exhibit A: Vicinity map Exhibit B: Variance Request Memos Exhibit C: Lot 1D and future Parkland area Exhibit D: Proposed Plat CASE MANAGER: Cesar Zavala PHONE: 512-974-3404 SITE LOCATION E A S T M L K J R B L V D D E R L A D S T T O C S H E F LIN L A N E E N A S L E D O H R SCALE: 1" = 250' MASCO 586L Mahoney Engineering 8201 South Congress Avenue Austin, Texas 78745 Tel. (512) 596-2579 dmahoney@mahoney-eng.com TBPE Registration Number F-21222 Mahoney Engineering LLC ãCopyright 2019 SITE LOCATION MAP REPLAT OF LOT 1 DAVIS LAWNS SECTION 1 DRAWN BY: SG PROJECT No.: 1067-10003 DESIGNED BY: CF QA/QC: DMM 5004 HELFIN LN, AUSTIN TX 78721 SHEET No. 1 OF 1 P:\1067 GCDD Group\10003 Redevelopment of Lot 1, GCDD - Austin\CAD\sheets\1067-10001 SITE LOCATION MAP.dwg SGADBURY 6/29/2022 DAVIS LAWNS SECTION 1 RESUBDIVISION Variance Request September 19, 2023 Attention: City of Austin Land Use Commission 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, TX 78752 Reference: Davis Lawns Section 1 Resubdivision 5004 Heflin Lane Austin, TX 78721 Dear City of Austin Land Use Commission, Please find this letter as …
May 16, 2024 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION VARIANCE APPLICATION FORM 5301 Southwest Parkway, Building 2, Suite 100 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Applicant Contact Information Name of Applicant Ryan Taylor Street Address City State ZIP Code Work Phone E-Mail Address Case Name Case Number Variance Case Information Austin, TX 78735 (512)-646-2237 ryan.taylor@kimley-horn.com 290 Parmer Industrial - 2 SP-2023-0401C Address or Location 10095 E US HWY-290 SVRD Environmental Reviewer Name David Michael Environmental Resource Management Reviewer Name N/A Applicable Ordinance Watershed Name Watershed Classification Watershed Protection Ordinance Gilleland Creek ☐Urban ☐ Suburban ☐Water Supply Suburban ☐Water Supply Rural ☐ Barton Springs Zone City of Austin | Environmental Commission Variance Application Guide 1 May 16, 2024 Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone ☐ Barton Springs Segment ☐ Northern Edwards Segment ☐ Not in Edwards Aquifer Zones Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone ☐ Yes ☐ No Distance to Nearest Classified Waterway 373’ Water and Wastewater service to be provided by City of Austin The variance request is as follows: Request 25-8-341 - to allow cut exceeding eight (8) feet on Lot 3 of this development. This lot proposes 62,889 square feet of cut over 8 feet with a maximum depth of 15 feet. Impervious cover Existing Existing Proposed Proposed Overall Lot 3 Overall Lot 3 square footage: ____0____ _0____ 1,525,471 682,585 acreage: percentage: ____0____ __0____ 35.02 15.67 ____0____ __0____ 54.7 72.3 Provide general description of the property (slope range, elevation range, summary of vegetation / trees, summary of the geology, CWQZ, WQTZ, CEFs, floodplain, heritage trees, any other notable or outstanding characteristics of the property) The overall 290 Parmer Industrial development is a 64.04 Acre industrial warehouse development located at 10095 E US 290 SVRD EB, Austin, Texas 78653. The 290 Parmer Industrial – 2 site is Lot 3 (21.67 acres) of this development. The existing site is currently undeveloped. Elevation on the site varies from 583 at the Southwest corner down to 511 at the Northeast corner. The existing site has small trees and vegetation, particularly in the Critical Water Quality Zone; but does not include any heritage trees. Approximately 7.80 Acres of the property is in a Critical Water Quality zone and 3.47 Acres of the property is in the 100-year floodplain. City of Austin | Environmental Commission Variance Application Guide 2 May 16, 2024 Clearly indicate in what way the proposed project does not comply with current Code (include maps and exhibits) FINDINGS OF FACT The proposed site …
7/16/24, 9:21 AM ZAP Commissions Hearing on July 16 - SP-2023-0401C - Corona, Nicole - Outlook ZAP Commissions Hearing on July 16 - SP-2023-0401C Madere, Pamela Mon 7/15/2024 7:58 PM To: Guerrero, Gabriel <Gabriel.Guerrero@austintexas.gov>; Corona, Nicole <Nicole.Corona@austintexas.gov>; Garcia, Ella <Ella.Garcia@austintexas.gov> External Email - Exercise Caution Pls provide to the ZAP Commissioners. Thanks. From: Ma Harriss Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 10:52 AM To: Gabriel.Guerrero@aus ntexas.gov Cc: Madere, Pamela Subject: SP-2023-0401C Caution: **External Email. Mr. Guerro – I am the Chief Financial Officer of the Butler Family Interests which, un l December 2022, owned the site immediately adjacent to the west of the applicant’s site. During our ownership, we worked closely with Provident 290 on the various easements and other en tlements necessary for the development of their site. We support the above project and the cut and fill variances requested. Let me know if you have any ques ons. Ma William M. "Ma " Harriss Chief Financial Officer Butler Family Interests Please note our new office loca on and my new e-mail address Please note that effec ve 1/1/2022, I have gone to semi-re rement status. I am typically working Mondays and Wednesdays and some Fridays. I will try to respond to e-mails and phone calls as I receive them, but there may be some delay. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: The informa on contained in this transmi al and accompanying documents is protected by both state and federal law. This informa on is intended only for the use of the individual or en ty named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby no fied that any disclosure, copying, distribu on or ac on taken in reliance on the contents of this transmi al is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmi al in error, please no fy the sender immediately to arrange for return or destruc on of these documents. about:blank?windowId=SecondaryReadingPane7 1/2 7/16/24, 9:21 AM ZAP Commissions Hearing on July 16 - SP-2023-0401C - Corona, Nicole - Outlook The authorized recipient of this informa on is prohibited from disclosing this informa on to any other party except as may be permi ed by law, and is required to destroy the informa on a er its intended purpose has been fulfilled, unless otherwise permi ed by law. CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov". …
MEMORANDUM ****************************************************************************** 06/21/2024 David Michael Development Services Department Hank Smith, Chair Zoning and Platting Commission Members SP-2023-0401C - 290 Parmer Industrial Environmental Commission Recommendation TO: FROM: DATE: RE: ****************************************************************************** The motion to approve the requested variances failed to receive the minimum necessary Environmental Commission votes. Consequently, no motion was approved by the Environmental Commission for the 290 Parmer Industrial variance requests (item number 4, June 5, 2024, Environmental Commission meeting) and the variances are presented with no recommendation. The motion to recommend the requested variances with conditions failed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 4-3 vote. Those voting aye were Commissioners Nickells, Qureshi, Einhorn, and Sullivan. Those voting nay were Commissioners Bristol, Brimer, and Krueger. Commissioner Bedford abstained. Commissioners Cofer and Schiera were absent.
290 PARMER INDUSTRIAL - 2 10095 E US 290 HWY SP-2023-0401C David Michael Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department PROPERTY DATA • Gilleland Creek Watershed • Suburban Watershed Classification, Desired Development Zone • Austin Full Purpose • Council District 1 • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone LOCATION Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone LOCATION LOCATION View from south looking west View from south looking north LOCATION 2 ft elevation contour lines Critical Water Quality Zones VARIANCE REQUESTS 1. Request to vary LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 15 feet. 2. Request to vary LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 16 feet. GRADING VARIANCE FINDINGS IN SUMMARY • Variances for grading have been granted for similar projects. • Grading is a design decision, but the project provides greater environmental protection with increased landscaping. • The project does not create a significant probability of harmful environmental consequences. • The variance will result in water quality that is at least equal to the water quality achievable without the variance. STAFF DETERMINATION AND CONDITIONS The required landscape plan will be supplemented with the establishment of managed native wildflower meadows on the graded slopes, an increase in the amount of tree canopy and other vegetative cover, and larger tree sizes planted. • +14,000 sq. ft. wildflower seeding & management area • 50 additional shade trees • +250 additional shade tree inches (larger sizes) • +150 additional small tree inches (larger sizes) APPLICANT PRESENTATION
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: June 5, 2024 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: 290 Parmer Industrial – 2 SP-2023-0401C NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Ryan Taylor, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. LOCATION: 10095 E US 290 Hwy Service Road EB Austin, Texas COUNCIL DISTRICT: Council District 1 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: David Michael Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 512-974-2263 david.michael@austintexas.gov Gilleland Creek Watershed Suburban Watershed Classification Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 15 feet Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 16 feet STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends these variances, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. The required landscape plan will be supplemented with an increase in the amount of tree canopy and other vegetative cover, larger tree sizes planted, and establishment of managed native wildflower meadows on the graded slopes: • 50 Additional shade trees • +250 additional shade tree inches (larger sizes) • +150 additional small tree inches (larger sizes) • +14,000 sq. ft. wildflower seeding & management area Page 2 of 2 STAFF CONDITION: Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: 290 Parmer Industrial - 2 SP-2023-0401C Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 15 feet A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege or the safety of property given to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development; Yes. The use of the proposed warehouses requires extensive areas of uniform finished floor elevations as is typical for shipping and receiving facilities. Cut in the existing grades over eight feet is needed to allow for the level finished-floor elevations and level loading docks, to maintain drives at minimal grades necessary for truck maneuverability, and to allow ADA access. The site plan proposes two warehouses with truck courts on a 21.6-acre lot that has no natural occurring slopes over 15 percent, requiring cut up to 14.2 feet in depth, and fill up to 15.2 feet in depth. The Land Use Commission has frequently approved variances for cut and fill over eight feet in depth for warehouse projects in the Desired Development Zone. Examples of similar projects include: Applied Materials Logistics Service Center, …
June 5, 2024 Environmental Commission The Travis Audubon Society requested this report on bird safe buildings for presentation to the City of Austin and general dissemination within the Central Texas community. It was submitted to the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board on March 18, 2024, the Design Commission on April 22, 2024, and was prepared by Heidi Trudell, a bird collision prevention researcher and consultant, who in March 2024 was hired as a technical advisor by Guardian Glass. Passing directly over Austin, North America’s Central Flyway serves as the primary migration corridor1 during spring and fall for hundreds of species of birds. Due to this geographic funneling, Texas is home to three of the top ten most deadly cities for birds2 (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio), making it especially critical to proactively preserve biodiversity. Travis County alone has documented 4273 species of birds, which is more than fourteen states4 have recorded. With bird populations in steep decline,5 and an estimated 621 million to 2 billion6 birds dying at windows in the US annually, it is critical now more than ever that municipal leaders, especially in ecologically significant areas like Austin, step forward to reverse the trend. Initial steps have already been taken; Austin’s dedication to bird conservation has already been established by committing to meet the standards of a Bird City.7 This includes a pledge to reduce nonessential lighting during migration8 that comes as part of a statewide initiative9 to address the detrimental impact that artificial light at night has on migrating birds. As Austinites are well aware, however, it’s not just birds that need dark skies to thrive; even outside of bird migration, bats are especially sensitive to lighting.10 1allaboutbirds.org/news/heres-how-to-use-the-new-migration-forecast-tools-from-birdcast/# 2news.cornell.edu/stories/2019/04/chicago-tops-list-most-dangerous-cities-migrating-birds 3ebird.org/region/US-TX-453?yr=all 4ebird.org/region/US/regions 53billionbirds.org 6meridian.allenpress.com/wjo/article-abstract/125/2/406/129654/Evaluating-the-Effectiveness-of-Select-Visual/ 7austintexas.gov/news/austin-now-designated-bird-city-working-protect-habitats-and-promote-bird-friendly-practices 8traviscountytx.gov/news/2021/2113-lights-out-for-migrating-birds 9tx.audubon.org/urbanconservation/lights-out-texas 10batcon.org/new-paper-suggests-light-pollution-limits-bat-habitat/ The next step is to address the built environment directly. Glass is a dynamic material; it can reflect habitat or be entirely transparent. As a result, birds are unable to see glass11 unless it is modified. Poorly designed buildings dramatically increase the risk of collision. One way to significantly improve the odds of survival for birds living in or migrating through Central Texas is to ensure that buildings meet bird safe standards.12 Every building that is made bird safe - as new construction or a retrofit - will save dozens to hundreds of birds13 per building, per year. Best practices in bird safe building standards align with Austin’s values14 of being …
Zoning and Platting Commission Resolution regarding Posting of Backup Whereas the Texas Open Meetings Act requires that agendas for public meetings be posted at least 72 hours in advance. As the Zoning and Platting Commission meets on Tuesdays at 6 pm, the practice of the staff has been to post the agenda on the Friday prior to a meeting by 3 pm. Whereas staff has also had the practice of posting backup by Thursday at 3 pm which includes the size and location of property, the staff recommendation, case manager comments, area case histories, information about the environment, maps, letters in support and opposition, and other useful information. Whereas the members of the Commission and the public should understand the details about the items on the agenda, and there are no rules requiring that backup be posted, Be it resolved, the following information will be added to the Rules and Regulations of the Zoning and Platting Commission, ARTICLE IV (B) Agenda and Backup By 3 pm on the Thursday prior to a meeting, the staff shall post online backup, including the size and location of properties, the staff recommendations, case manager comments, area case histories, information about the environment, maps, and letters in support or opposition for each case included on the agenda. Agenda items for which backup is not posted in a timely manner shall be postponed at the discretion of the commission. Items (B)…(F) will be re-lettered.
1. ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2024 The Zoning and Platting Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday July 16, 2024, at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX. Chair Smith called the Zoning and Platting Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Hank Smith Betsy Greenberg Alejandra Flores Ryan Puzycki Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: David Fouts Carrie Thompson Board Members/Commissioners absent: Scoot Boone William Floyd Lonny Stern 2 vacancies on the dais. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Zoning and Platting Commission regular meeting on July 2, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 07/02/2024 were approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Flores’ motion, Commissioner Puzycki’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Boone, Floyd, and Stern were absent. 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS C14-2024-0089 - 7900 Persimmon Trail; District 5 7900 Persimmon, South Boggy Creek 2. Rezoning: Location: Owner/Applicant: Anna Cecilia Berry Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Texas Permitting Solutions (Shae Willard) MH to SF-3 Recommended Beverly Villela, 512-978-0740, beverly.villela@austintexas.gov Planning Department The motion to approve a postponement to August 6, 2024, was approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Flores’ motion, Commissioner Puzycki’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Boone, Floyd, and Stern were absent. C14-2024-0047 - 8501 S. 1st Street; District 2 8501 South 1st Street, South Boggy Creek 3. Rezoning: Location: Owner/Applicant: Mae Katherine Rich Clay Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Drenner Group PC (Leah Bojo) DR to GR-MU-V-DB90 Recommended Marcelle Boudreaux, 512-974-8094, marcelle.boudreaux@austintexas.gov Planning Department 4. Environmental Variance: Location: The motion to approve Staff’s recommendation of GR-MU-V-DB90 for C14-2024-0047 - 8501 S. 1st Street located at 8501 South 1st Street was approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Flores’ motion, Commissioner Puzycki’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Boone, Floyd, and Stern were absent. SP-2023-0401C - 290 Parmer Industrial – 2 10095 E US 290 Hwy Service Road EB Austin, Texas, Gilleland Creek Watershed Owner/Applicant: Ryan Taylor, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Request: Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 15 feet Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 16 feet Recommended David Michael, 512-974-2263, david.michael@austintexas.gov Development Sevices Department Staff Rec.: Staff: The public hearing was closed on Commissioner Flores’ motion, Commissioner Greenberg’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Boone, Floyd, …
MEMORANDUM TO: Planning Commission Members FROM: Jonathan Tomko, Principal Planner Planning Department DATE: August 1, 2024 SUBJECT: C14-2024-0084 - 6575 Decker Lane Tract 2 (District 1) Request for Postponement The case above has been scheduled for a public hearing during the August 6, 2024, Zoning and Platting Commission Meeting. Staff requests postponement of the above-referenced rezoning case to August 20, 2024 so it has the opportunity to be properly noticed. This postponement request was made in a timely manner and meets the Zoning and Platting Commission's policy. xc: Joi Harden, Zoning Officer
