Item 2_Initiation Review Sheet — original pdf

Backup

NEW BUSINESS: CODE AMENDMENT INITIATION REVIEW SHEET Amendment: Consider initiation of amendments to Title 25 of the City Code related to the Parkland Drainage Easements. Description: Amendment to 25-7-152 (E) as related to parkland drainage easements. The proposed amendment would allow an administrative variance for a development that is on parkland owned by the city of Austin so that a drainage easement is not required for development that is on parkland. If ever the subject property is sold through a Chapter 26 process and voter referendum, the new property owner will be required to dedicate the easement as part of any future development per the code. Anticipated community benefits: • Reduction in site plan review time and staff time • Improvements to fiscal efficiency and responsibility on public parkland projects Proposed Language: TBD (draft ordinance language will be brought to PC for a recommendation before going to Council for final approval). Background: Current code requires that when a property owner submits a site development permit application, they must dedicate a public drainage easement encompassing the 100-year floodplain located on the property. The code already includes provisions allowing the Director to grant an administrative variance under certain circumstances. The proposed amendment would add a provision allowing an administrative variance for projects that are proposed on City-owned parkland. This change would improve fiscal and administrative efficiency for public park development and capital projects. The Parks and Recreation Department and Watershed Protection Department are in longstanding agreement that this change is appropriate and beneficial. Currently, each parkland development project must provide evidence of this agreement to apply for and receive a variance individually. Codifying this exception will streamline the process and reduce unnecessary administrative work for both departments Staff Recommendation: Recommended for initiation by WPD and PARD staff. Board and Commission Actions: TBD Council Action: TBD Ordinance Number: NA City Staff: 1 Kevin Shunk Phone: (512) 974-9176 Email: Kevin.Shunk@austintexas.gov (Subject Matter Expert) - Watershed Protection Department D’Anne Williams Phone: (512) 496-5880 Email: Danne.Williams@austintexas.gov (Subject Matter Expert) - Parks and Recreation Department Leslie Lilly Phone: (512) 535-8914 Email: leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov (Subject Matter Expert) - Watershed Protection Department Sean Watson Phone: (512) 963-2167 Email: sean.watson@austintexas.gov (Subject Matter Expert) - Watershed Protection Department 2