Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission September 3, 2025 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 Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Hanna Cofer, Secretary Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 20th, 2025. 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: The Clovis at Mckinney Falls, SP-2024-0202D Applicant: Jake Brown; LDG Development, LLC Location: 6507 Mckinney Falls Parkway, Austin, Texas 78744 Council District: N/A - Extra Territorial Jurisdiction Staff: Mohamad Abdulkader, Senior Environmental Review Specialist, Development Services Department; 512-974-6303; Mohamad.abdulkader@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill 8 feet to 15 feet. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation on Austin’s reservoirs monitoring and management efforts — Brent Bellinger, Conservation Program Supervisor, Watershed Protection Department 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 Elizabeth Funk, Watershed …
The Clovis at Mckinney Falls 6507 McKinney Falls Parkway SP-2024-0202D Mohamad Abdulkader Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 2 OUTLINE Property Data Synopsis Site Constriction/Regulation Variance Requests Grading Exhibits Variance Recommendation and Conditions 3 Property Data Cottonmouth Creek Watershed Suburban Watershed Classification Desired Development Zone Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Austin 2-Mile ETJ Synopsis 4 15.97-acre site located at the intersection of McKinney Falls Parkway and Dee Gabriel Collins Road Elevation ranges from 631’ along to 578’. Site is generally flat, though there are some steep slopes along the orange highlighted areas shown below. Site Constriction/Regulation Accessibility – A driveway constructed fill 8’ to 15’ is required by the Travis County Fire Marshall to provide two different access points to the property. 5 Variance Requests 6 To allow fill from 8 to 15 feet in the Desired Development Zone. (LDC 25-8-342) Grading Exhibit (Fill) 7 Variance Recommendation and Conditions 8 Staff recommends the variance, having determined that the required findings of fact have been met. Staff condition: 1. Contain the fill with an engineered structural retaining wall. 2. Parking lot trees (1.5” caliper from ECM Appendix F) within 50 ft. radius of all parking spaces. 9 THANK YOU 10 References Google Earth GIS property profile Variance packet 11
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: 09/03/2025 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: The Clovis at Mckinney Falls SP-2024-0202D NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Jake Brown; LDG Development, LLC LOCATION: 6507 Mckinney Falls Parkway, Austin, Texas 78744 COUNCIL DISTRICT: N/A - Extra Territorial Jurisdiction ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Mohamad Abdulkader, Senior Environmental Review Specialist Development Services Department; 512-974-6303; Mohamad.abdulkader@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: Cottonmouth Creek Watershed, Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill 8 feet to 15 feet. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITION: 1. Contain the fill with an engineered structural retaining wall. 2. Parking lot trees (1.5” caliper from ECM Appendix F) within 50 ft. radius of all parking spaces. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: The Clovis at McKinney Falls Ordinance Standard: Current code/WPO Variance Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill 8 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 available to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes. Other owners with similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development have access to the ROW. The Travis County Fire Marshall review is requiring two different access points to the property through both McKinney Falls Parkway and Dee Gabriel Collins Road. The northwest site of the property adjacent to Dee Gabriel Collins Rd. consists of slopes 25% and greater. The applicant proposes fill 8 to 15 feet to construct a driveway in compliance with fire access regulations that require finished driveway slopes to be 10% or less. 2. The variance: a. is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance. Yes. The requested fill variance is necessitated by the lot configuration, existing topography, roadway connectivity, and the need for a second fire lane access. The proposed location of the second driveway is limited due to the Travis County Sight Distance restrictions at the Dee Gabriel Collins Rd. and McKinney Falls Parkway intersection. b. is the minimum deviation from the code requirement necessary to allow a reasonable use of the …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 20, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Justin Fleury, Ashika Ganguly, Mariana Krueger, Martin Luecke, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, Annie Fierro Commissioners Absent: Isabella Changsut PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 6th, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 6th, 2025 were approved as amended on Commissioner Qureshi’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was off the dais. Commissioner Changsut was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Watershed Protection Department Flood Response – John Beachy, Division Manager, Kevin Shunk, Floodplain Administrator, Watershed Protection Department Speakers: Kevin Shunk, WPD John Beachy, WPD Francis Acuña, public comment 1 Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Chair Bristol adjourned the meeting at 8:12 pm without objection. 2
The Reservoir Update – FY 2024 and 2025 B r e n t B e l l i n g e r, P h . D . C o n s e r v a t i o n P r o g r a m S u p e r v i s o r Wa t e r s h e d P r o t e c t i o n D e p a r t m e n t S e p t e m b e r, 2 0 2 5 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Overview • A u s t i n L a ke s I n d e x • Goal – understand conditions and drivers impacting our waterways • Policy Relation – make management recommendations to protect and/or improve ecological conditions • A q u a t i c v e g e t a t i o n ( h o t t o p i c ) • Management challenges • S h o re zo n e h a b i t a t • Efficacy of code-and-criteria mitigation rules • M i c ro p l a s t i c s • Recent collaborative effort with University of Texas C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2 Austin Lakes Index Score Scores remain fair-to-good • • Summarize: water and sediment chemistry, biological communities, habitat Influenced by: land-use, pollutant inputs, climate, flow C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Lake Austin • Aq uatic vegetation • Native and non-native plants • Grass carp populations • 358 grass carp stocked in July • Boater and homeowner per spective • Want more plant management • Fishermen per spective • Want less plant management …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250903-002 Date: September 3, 2025 Subject: The Clovis at McKinney Falls SP-2024-0202D Location: 6507 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, Texas 78744 Motion by: Mariana Krueger Seconded by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill 8 feet to 15 feet; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Cottonmouth Creek Watershed, Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the variance with the following conditions: 1. Contain the fill with an engineered structural retaining wall. 2. Parking lot trees (1.5” caliper from ECM Appendix F) within 50 ft. radius of all parking spaces. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following Environmental Commission conditions: 1. Have a five-year tree management plan 2. Utilize 609-S native seed planting, Blackland prairie grasses, and pollinator plants in green space areas, especially along the driveway and slopes 3. Utilize Dark Sky, bird-friendly, downcast lighting throughout the property, including warm-hue outdoor lighting 4. Incorporate pedestrian, bike, and multi-modal design into the property driveways to allow for greater and safer accessibility to roadways VOTE 7-0 For: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Martin Luecke, David Sullivan Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Hanna Cofer, Annie Fierro, Ashika Ganguly, Haris Qureshi Approved By: Jennifer Bristol, Environmental Commission Chair
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission August 20, 2025 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 Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Hanna Cofer, Secretary Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 6th, 2025. 1 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Watershed Protection Department Flood Response – John Beachy, Division Manager, Kevin Shunk, Floodplain Administrator, Watershed Protection Department 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 Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, Watershed Protection Department, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Elizabeth Funk, (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, Watershed Protection Department. 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 6, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Annie Fierro, Martin Luecke Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, Ashika Ganguly, Mariana Krueger Commissioners Absent: Hanna Cofer, Haris Qureshi PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on July 2nd, 2025 and the Special Called Meeting on July 16th, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on July 2, 2025 and Special Called meeting on July 16, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Changsut and Ganguly were off the dais. Commissioners Cofer and Qureshi were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: RBI Austin Youth Development Complex, SP-2022-0567C Applicant: Katherine Lauer, 9442 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Plaza I, Suite 340, Austin, TX, 78759 Location: 7401 Loyola Lane, Austin, TX Council District: District 1 Staff: Eric Brown, Environmental Scientist Senior, 512-797-3139 1 Eric.brown@austintexas.gov Watershed Protection Department and Mike McDougal, Environmental Policy Program Manager, 512-974-6380 mike.mcdougal@austintexas.gov Development Services Department Applicant request: Variance request is as follows: a. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(G) to allow floodplain modification within a CWQZ; b. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-263 to allow floodplain modification outside of a CWQZ that is in good floodplain health condition; c. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 8 feet; and d. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 8 feet. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions Speakers: Eric Brown, WPD Mohamad Abdulkader, Amanda Swor, on behalf of the applicant Matt Price, Founder of RBI Liz Johnston, WPD John Clement, WPD Johnathon McGee, Garza A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Cofer and Qureshi were absent. A motion to recommend the RBI Austin Youth Development Complex, SP-2022- 0567C, with conditions passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on an 8–1 vote. Commissioner Krueger voted against. Commissioners Cofer and Qureshi were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation of Development Assessment Report for 600 East Riverside Drive, located at 600 and 600 ½ East Riverside Drive, CD-2025-0001 (District 9). …
Overview • Austin Flood History • Austin Flood Challenges • Flood Preparedness Strategy • Funding • Rain to River • Questions Austin Flood Challenges • Atlas 14 data shows Austin is experiencing more frequent and heavier rainfall • Austin has shallow soils and world record rainfall rates • 10% of land in Austin is in the floodplain and subject to flash flooding • More than 10,000 buildings and 400 roads are prone to flooding during a 100-year flood Flood Preparedness Strategy • Flood Mitigation • Flood Preparedness • Flood Response Flood Mitigation • Capital Improvement Projects • Floodplain & Drainage Regulations • Operations & Maintenance • Vegetation & Land Management • In-house Drainage System Upgrades Flood Preparedness • Preventative maintenance of drainage system • Pre-storm checks on critical locations • Monitor the weather for potential flooding • Coordinate with partner departments, Austin-Travis County Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and Stakeholders • Communication & Engagement Flood Response • Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) • Watershed Protection Department Emergency Management Team • Department Operations Center • Flood Reconnaissance and Debris Management Flood Impacts & Response May 28, 2025 Department OPCON Level 2 • 8 low water crossing closures • 35 flooded structures • 2 WPD buildings impacted (back-up generation) • 298 Service Requests • 5 reconnaissance teams investigated areas with high intensity rainfall and met with impacted community members • Collaborated with Development Services Department to create resource documents and handouts for affected residents • 1,000 tons of debris removed from drainage system • Coordinated with Austin Resource Recovery and Transportation & Public Works for debris management • Participated in media requests to include in city-wide press conference Watershed Protection Department Operations Center (DOC) First time activated on May 29-30 for OPCON Level 2 Flood Impacts & Response July 5, 2025 Department OPCON Level 3 • 18 low water crossing closures; multiple closures for Spicewood Springs and Old Spicewood Springs • Residents trapped in between crossings on Spicewood Springs and needed rescue • 5 flooded structures • 170 Service Requests • Reconnaissance teams investigated areas with high intensity rainfall • Over 500 tons of debris removed from drainage system Investments to Date Historical Spending • Bond funds used towards 50 stormwater projects since 2001 • Total 114 flood projects have completed phases, costing approximately $567M • Funding sources include GO bonds, cash transfer from drainage charge revenue, and grants • Remaining …
Overview • Austin Flood History • Austin Flood Challenges • Flood Preparedness Strategy • Funding • Rain to River • Questions Austin Flood Challenges • Atlas 14 data shows Austin is experiencing more frequent and heavier rainfall • Austin has shallow soils and world record rainfall rates • 10% of land in Austin is in the floodplain and subject to flash flooding • More than 10,000 buildings and 400 roads are prone to flooding during a 100-year flood National Flood Insurance Program • Participated since 1983 • Must adopt and enforce floodplain regulations • Provides availability of federally-backed flood insurance to residents • Required for federal disaster funding 5 Purpose of Floodplain Regulations • Public safety • Reduce flood risk to residents, buildings, and roads • Minimize flood risk for new development • Make Austin more resilient 6 March 1974 - Waterway Ordinance Establishes 25-year floodplain protection, natural and traditional character Floodplain Regulation Timeline September 1974 • Austin enters FEMA emergency program • First floodplain maps 1983 Floodplain regulations become effective 2019 Floodplain regulations update in response to Atlas 14 1974 1981 1983 2003 2019 May 1981 Memorial Day Flood September 1981 Initial FEMA FIRM date • • Austin enters full NFIP 2003 Floodplain regulations amended to include administrative variance process 7 Floodplain Management Regulations Regulation Regulation Regulation Regulation Regulation Austin Austin Austin Austin Austin FEMA Min. Std. FEMA Min. Std. FEMA Min. Std. FEMA Min. Std. FEMA Min. Std. Increase in flood level No adverse impact Increase in flood level No adverse impact Increase in flood level No adverse impact Increase in flood level No adverse impact Increase in flood level No adverse impact Up to 1 foot Up to 1 foot Up to 1 foot Up to 1 foot Up to 1 foot Freeboard Freeboard Freeboard Freeboard Safe access Safe access Safe access 1 foot overall; 2 1 foot overall; 2 1 foot overall; 2 2 feet feet in some cases feet in some cases feet in some cases 1 foot above 100- 1 foot above 100- 1 foot above 100- year floodplain year floodplain year floodplain 0 feet 0 feet 0 feet 0 feet None None None Substantial Substantial improvement improvement 10-year 10-year cumulative cumulative Permit by permit Permit by permit Watershed conditions Fully developed Existing conditions 8 s g n d i l i u B f o r e b m u N 3,000 2,500 …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 20, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Justin Fleury, Ashika Ganguly, Mariana Krueger, Martin Luecke, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, Annie Fierro Commissioners Absent: Isabella Changsut PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 6th, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 6th, 2025 were approved as amended on Commissioner Qureshi’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was off the dais. Commissioner Changsut was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Watershed Protection Department Flood Response – John Beachy, Division Manager, Kevin Shunk, Floodplain Administrator, Watershed Protection Department Speakers: Kevin Shunk, WPD John Beachy, WPD Francis Acuña, public comment 1 Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Chair Bristol adjourned the meeting at 8:12 pm without objection. The minutes from the August 20, 2025 regular meeting were approved at the September 3, 2025 meeting on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cofer, Fierro, Ganguly, and Qureshi were absent. Commissioner Krueger was off the dais. 2
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission August 6, 2025 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 Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Hanna Cofer, Secretary Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on July 2nd, 2025 and the Special Called Meeting on July 16th, 2025 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: RBI Austin Youth Development Complex, SP-2022-0567C Applicant: Katherine Lauer, 9442 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Plaza I, Suite 340, Austin, TX, 78759 Location: 7401 Loyola Lane, Austin, TX Council District: District 1 Staff: Eric Brown, Environmental Scientist Senior, 512-797-3139 Eric.brown@austintexas.gov Watershed Protection Department and Mike McDougal, Environmental Policy Program Manager, 512-974-6380 mike.mcdougal@austintexas.gov Development Services Department Applicant request: Variance request is as follows: 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(G) to allow floodplain modification within a CWQZ; 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-263 to allow floodplain modification outside of a CWQZ that is in good floodplain health condition; 3. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 8 feet; and 4. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 8 feet. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation of Development …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 2, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Justin Fleury, Martin Luecke, Haris Qureshi Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, David Sullivan Commissioners Absent: Isabella Changsut, Hanna Cofer, Annie Fierro, Ashika Ganguly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Savannah Lee, Equity Action, Community Investment Plan Santiago, concerns on the I-35 project APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on June 4, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on June 4, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Haris’ motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Changsut, Cofer, Fierro, and Ganguly were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval of the Austin Water Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for approval to include in the 5-year Capital spending plan as required by Financial Policy #8. Speakers: Frida Guo, Austin Water Tina Romero, Austin Water Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer Kevin Critendon, Austin Water 1 A motion to recommend the Austin Water Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for approval to include in the 5-year Capital spending plan with conditions passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion Commissioner Bristol’s second on a 6–0 vote. Commissioner Brimer abstained. Commissioners Changsut, Cofer, Fierro, and Ganguly were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation and discussion on the Rain to River Strategic Plan – Sari Albornoz, Planner Senior, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chair Bristol requested an agenda item to create a working group to review on WPD’s Rain to River draft strategic plan in the fall. Commissioner Sullivan requested an agenda item on artificial turf, seconded by Chair Bristol. Interim Environmental Officer Liz Johnston said staff are working on researching the topic and offered to present in the future. Commissioner Krueger asked for an update from Austin Energy in the wake of the microburst storm, seconded by Commissioner Qureshi. Interim Environmental Officer Liz Johnston offered to share the after action report from HSEM. Chair Bristol asked for an agenda item to learn more about how projects recycled concrete and other materials during redevelopment. Chair Bristol reminded commissioners that the July 16th meeting is …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 16, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Special Called meeting on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:11 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Annie Fierro, Martin Luecke, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer Commissioners Absent: Haris Qureshi, Isabella Changsut, Hanna Cofer, Ashika Ganguly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL STAFF BRIEFINGS 1. Staff briefing on Robert’s Rules and general commission procedures – Elizabeth Funk, Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 2. Staff briefing on best practices for Environmental Commission recommendations – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discuss goals and objectives for the Environmental Commission 2025-2026 year – Environmental Commission Chair Jennifer Bristol Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 ADJOURNMEN Chair Bristol adjourned the meeting at 8:30 pm without objection. 2
March 28, 2025 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION VARIANCE APPLICATION FORM PROJECT DESCRIPTION Applicant Contact Information Name of Applicant Street Address City State ZIP Code Work Phone E-Mail Address Katherine Lauer, P.E., GarzaEMC 9442 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Plaza I, Suite 340 Austin, TX 78759 512-298-3284 klauer@garzaemc.com Variance Case Information RBI Austin Child Development Complex SP-2022-0567C 7401 Loyola Lane, Austin, TX John Clement Case Name Case Number Address or Location Environmental Reviewer Name Environmental Resource Management Reviewer Name Applicable Ordinance Watershed Name Walnut Creek Watershed Classification ☐Urban X Suburban ☐Water Supply Suburban ☐Water Supply Rural ☐ Barton Springs Zone City of Austin | Environmental Commission Variance Application Guide 1 March 28, 2025 Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone ☐ Barton Springs Segment ☐ Northern Edwards Segment X Not in Edwards Aquifer Zones Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Distance to Nearest Classified Waterway Water and Waste Water service to be provided by ☐ Yes X No The onsite waterway is classified as an intermediate waterway Austin Water – Wastewater SER approval The variance request is as follows (Cite code references): TITLE 25. – LAND DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER 25-8. – ENVIRONMENT SUBCHAPTER A. – WATER QUALITY Request ARTICLE 7. – REQUIREMENTS IN ALL WATERSHEDS Division 1 – Waterway and Floodplain Protection Section 25-8-261(G) CRITICAL WATER QUALITY ZONE DEVELOPMENT & Section 25-8-263 FLOODPLAIN MODIFICATION Proposal is to allow grading modification and the addition of a crossing through the CWQZ and the floodplain located within the CWQZ. Existing 0 0 0% Proposed 234,614 5.386 31.4% The site is currently undeveloped grassland and 17.14 acres. The site is along the Imagine Austin Corridor with the corridor located north of the site along Loyola Lane. Per surveyed topographic data, there is an elevation change of approximately 35’ from the highest point (524’) of the site to the lowest point (477’) of the draw City of Austin | Environmental Commission Variance Application Guide 2 Impervious cover square footage: acreage: percentage: Provide general description of the property (slope range, elevation range, summary of vegetation / trees, March 28, 2025 summary of the geology, CWQZ, WQTZ, CEFs, floodplain, heritage trees, any other notable or outstanding characteristics of the property) that runs east to west through the center of the site. There are three creek channels that converge on-site then flow west through the center of the property. Portions of the dry creek bed have steeper slopes. The lot has both gentle and steep slopes in …
FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENTOF FLOODPLAIN HEALTH 23 September 2021 Joe Farias Garza EMC 9442 Capital of Texas Highway North Austin, Texas 78759 RE: City of Austin Functional Assessment, Zone 2 — RBI at Loyola Lane Loyola Lane and Sendero Hills Parkway, Austin, Travis County, Texas HJN 21265.001 FA Dear Mr. Farias: The following provides a functional assessment of floodplain health findings from Horizon Environmental Services, Inc.’s (Horizon) field investigation conducted on 14 September 2021 for the above-referenced subject site. Horizon evaluated the subject site in accordance with the Watershed Protection Ordinance: Functional Assessment (FA) developed by the City of Austin (COA) Watershed Protection Development. The proposed project consists of development that has the potential to modify the 100-year floodplain and Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) adjacent to unnamed tributaries of Walnut Creek. The subject site is located near the intersection of Loyola Lane and Sendero Hills Parkway, Austin, Travis County, Texas (Figure 1). Based on the location of the proposed construction activities within the CWQZ, Zone 2 of the FA was performed. Per the FA guidance, three 100-square-meter sample plots were to be evaluated along eight Zone 2 transects (Figure 2). Horizon took several photographs and measurements using the required tools listed in the FA. The tools included a 100-meter measuring tape, a densiometer, and a soil compaction meter. The hydric nature of vegetation species was determined from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) National Wetland Plant List. Photographs from the FA are provided in Appendix A and scoring sheets for the eight transects are provided in Appendix B. 21265-001FA CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 1507 S Interstate 35 Austin, TX 78741-2502 (512) 328-2430 www.horizon-esi.com An LJA Company Williamson Taylor, TX Lago Vista, TX §¨¦35 £¤183 Austin, TX Lee Manor, TX Elgin, TX Travis £¤290 Belterra, TX Hays §¨¦35 Subject Site £¤183 Elroy, TX Caldwell Bastrop Bastrop, TX " "" " " " " " " " " " """" Legend " " Transect Subject Site Date: Drawn: 09/15/2021 TED HJN NO: 21265.001FA Source: OSM, 2021 Figure 1 Vicinity Map RBI at Loyola Lane Loyola Lane and Sendero Hills Parkway Austin, Travis County, Texas I 0 1,000 2,000 Feet 21265 - RBI at Loyola Lane\Graphics\21265-001FA_01A_Vicinity.mxd " T-1 " T-7 " " " " T-6 " " " T-2 T-3 " " Parkway Hills Sendero Loyola Lane Cordoba Drive T-4 T-5 " " " " " T-8 Legend " " Transect Critical …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: August 6, 2025 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: RBI Austin Youth Development Complex, SP-2022-0567C Katherine Lauer 9442 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Plaza I, Suite 340 Austin, TX, 78759 LOCATION: 7401 Loyola Lane, Austin, TX COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 1 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: Eric Brown, Environmental Scientist Senior, 512-797-3139 Eric.brown@austintexas.gov Watershed Protection Department and Mike McDougal, Environmental Policy Program Manager, 512-974-6380 mike.mcdougal@austintexas.gov Development Services Department Walnut Creek Watershed Suburban Classification Desired Development Zone 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(G) to allow floodplain modification within a Critical Water Quality Zone; 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-263 to allow floodplain modification outside of a Critical Water Quality Zone that is in good floodplain health condition; 3. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 8 feet; and 4. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 8 feet. Page 2 of 2 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends these variances, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITIONS: Staff recommends the following conditions as shown on the provided exhibit: 1. Provide 1.55 acres of floodplain restoration 2. Provide 4.13 acres of floodplain mitigation 3. Pay $312,625.84 into the Riparian Zone Mitigation Fund 4. Place 4.74 acres of floodplain and 3.80 acres of environmentally sensitive land into conservation easement 5. Provide 0.63 acres of wildflower meadow in detention ponds 6. Provide an additional 0.62 acres of restoration within the conservation easement, outside of the floodplain Watershed Protection Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: RBI Austin Youth Development Complex, SP-2022-0567C Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance (current code) Variance Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(G) to allow floodplain modification within the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) and from 25-8-263 to allow floodplain modification outside of a CWQZ that is in good floodplain health condition 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 available to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development; Yes The site proposes a baseball field, softball field, small building, associated drives & parking, and required water quality controls. The site is located along an Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Corridor, which allows a necessary crossing within the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) per section 25-8-262 of Title 25 …
RBI Baseball Youth Development Complex SP-2022-0567C C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T RBI Baseball Proper ty Data • Walnut Creek Watershed • Water Supply Suburban • Wetland Critical Environmental Features on site • Council District 1 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2 RBI Baseball Background C u r r e n t l y u n d eve l o p e d s i t e p r o p o s i n g a b a s e b a l l / s o f t b a l l f i e l d , s m a l l b u i l d i n g, a s s o c i a t e d a c c e s s d r i ve s & p a rk i n g, a n d r e q u i r e d wa t e r q u a l i t y c o n t r o l s. • T h i s va r i a n c e w i l l a l l o w a c c e s s t o a n d d eve l o p m e n t o f t h e s o u t h e r n h a l f o f t h e s u b j e c t t r a c t s i m i l a r t o t h e o t h e r p r o p e r t i e s a l o n g t h e I m a g i n e Au s t i n C o r r i d o r. T h i s s i t e i s c o n s t r a i n e d t o t h e p r …
