Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission May 7, 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 April 16, 2025 1 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Discussion of the 2024 Watershed Protection Annual Report – Jorge Morales, Director, Watershed Protection Department Discussion of the 2024 State of Our Environment Report – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. 5. Name: PSH – LifeWorks at Tillery, SP-2025-0031C.SH Applicant: 3423 Tillery LLC Location: 819 Tillery Street, Austin, TX, 78702 Council District: District 3 Staff: Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department Applicant request: The applicant is seeking the removal of a Heritage tree with a single stem over 30 inches in diameter. Staff Recommendation: The request meets City Arborist approval criteria set forth in LDC 25-8-624(A)(2). The variance is recommended. Name: McLemore Tract Multifamily Water and Wastewater Service Extension Request #6139 and 6140 Applicant: John Lewis, Development Associate, CWS Capital Partners, LLC Location: 10656 N FM 620 Rd, Austin, Texas 78726 Council District: Not applicable Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 974-3443, …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 16, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Cofer called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hanna Cofer, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Ashika Ganguly, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: David Sullivan Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Stephanie Simmons, Buried power lines APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on April 2, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on April 2, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was off the dais. Commissioner Bristol was absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: Flatz-130 SP-2024-0298D Applicant: Ted McConaghy (Kleinfelder) Location: 7400 Zekelman Blvd, Austin, TX 78724 Council District: Council District does not apply in Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Staff: David Michael, Environmental Review Specialist, Development Services Department, (512) 974-2263, david.michael@ausitntexas.gov Applicant request: Request to vary from a) LDC 25-8-302 to allow up to 600 SF of building on slopes over 25%, and to allow up to 3,000 SF of parking area on slopes over 15%; b) LDC 25-8-341 to allow up to 11 feet of cut, and c) LDC 25-8-342 to allow up to 16 feet of fill. 1 Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends this variance with conditions Speakers: David Michael, DSD Ted McConaghy, speaking on behalf of the applicant Arthur Walts Mike McDougal, DSD A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second, on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Bedford was absent. A motion to recommend Flatz-130 with conditions passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second, on a 10–0 vote. Commissioner Bristol was absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible action on Environmental Commission committee membership The commission nominated Commissioner Luecke as a member of the Urban Forestry Committee. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Qureshi mentioned a development related to Tesla. Liz Johnston (WPD) clarified they are not within the City of Austin. Commissioner Brimer asked for an update on the request to hear about CAMPO. Elizabeth Funk (WPD) said the request was emailed and will follow up. Changsut requested a discussion and action item regarding a planting and harvesting rare earth elements research related to the coal power plant; Commissioner …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager FROM: Jorge L. Morales, P.E.,CFM, Director, Watershed Protection Department DATE: April 11, 2025 SUBJECT: Watershed Protection Department’s Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report The purpose of this memorandum is to share the Watershed Protection Department’s Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report. The report can be found online at https://wpdatx.my.canva.site/2024. The report highlights our efforts to further the City’s strategic plan priorities, including: Public Safety: Established the Watershed Protection Department Incident Management Team, trained 74% of employees in FEMA's Incident Command System, conducted five emergency response exercises, tested 14 continuities of operations plans, and issued 50 emergency action recommendations to protect the public during flood events. Community Health & Sustainability: Updated the Environmental Integrity Index Program integrating hydrological modelling with field data collection, and nine new monitoring stations will provide water quality data for the development of new models to estimate water quality characteristics for the entire city. Mobility & Critical Infrastructure: Cleared 12.4 miles of creeks, channels, and ditches of debris, inspected 19.3 miles of stormwater pipeline, cleaned 14.3 miles of pipeline, and installed or replaced 3,616 feet of storm drain infrastructure. I hope you take a moment to reflect on 2024 with us. Should you have any questions or concerns, Jorge Morales, Director of please contact at jorge.morales@austintexas.gov or 512-974-3438. the Watershed Protection Department cc: T.C. Broadnax, City Manager CMO Executive Team
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager FROM: Jorge L. Morales, P.E., CFM, Director, Watershed Protection Department DATE: April 17, 2025 SUBJECT: 2024 State of Our Environment Report The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the 2024 State of Our Environment Report, in accordance with City Code Chapter 25-1-45(C) which requires the environmental officer to deliver a report on the Austin’s environment each April. Since 2018, the report has been accessible to the public as a virtual document and includes information about the current condition of Austin’s natural resources and the City’s efforts to protect them. The report can be found in English and Spanish at the following link: www.austintexas.gov/environment Staff from multiple departments collaborated on this effort to include metrics across many departmental disciplines, such as: • Lakes, Creeks, and Aquifers • Urban Forest • Public Open Space • Wildlands • Climate Change • Air Quality We appreciate the support and commitment from the following contributing departments who are dedicated to providing valuable and accessible data to our community: • Parks and Recreation Department’s Park Planning Division, • Development Services Department Community Tree Preservation Division, • Austin Water Wildlands Division, • Watershed Protection Department Applied Watershed Science section, • Office of Climate Action and Resiliency, and • Office of Equity and Inclusion. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department, at Liz.Johnston@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2619. cc: T.C. Broadnax, City Manager PAGE: DATE: SUBJECT: 2 of 2 April 17, 2025 2024 State of Our Environment Report Myrna Rios, City Clerk Corrie Stokes, City Auditor Mary Jane Grubb, Municipal Court Clerk Judge Sherry Statman, Municipal Court CMO Executive Team Department Directors
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: May 7th, 2025 PSH – LifeWorks at Tillery, SP-2025-0031C.SH APPLICANT NAME: 3423 Tillery LLC LOCATION: 819 Tillery Street, Austin, TX, 78702 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 3 STAFF: ORDINANCE: REQUEST: Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department Heritage Tree Ordinance (LDC 25-8-641; LDC 25-8-643) The applicant is seeking the removal of a Heritage tree with a single stem over 30 inches in diameter. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The request meets City Arborist approval criteria set forth in LDC 25-8-624(A)(2). The variance is recommended. Page 2 of 2 TO: FROM: DATE: MEMORANDUM City of Austin Environmental Commission Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Development Services Department May 7th, 2025 CASE FOLDER: SP-2025-0031C.SH REQUEST: The applicant is requesting removal of a Heritage tree with a single stem over 30 inches in diameter. Project Description 819 Tillery Street . The entire lot is 13 acres and is zoned CS-MU-CO-MP: General The property is located at Commercial Services, Mixed-Use Combining District, Conditional Overlay, and Neighborhood Plan Combining District. The property is located within the Boggy Creek watershed, classified as an urban watershed regulation area. The site is currently partially developed with a few commercial and retail buildings on the Tillery Street side of the property. The proposed development on the Tillery side will consist of two multifamily residential buildings and a few adjacent retail buildings along with one major driveway entry to the site from Tillery Street. The proposed development along Lyons Road will consist of one mixed use residential building with a sub-surface parking garage. The applicant requested a predevelopment site consultation in September 2024 with the City Arborist and staff to evaluate the conditions of all the Heritage trees on site and to confirm the survey measurements. Within the one- acre area leased for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) — part of the larger 13-acre lease located in the back east corner of the lot — there is one (1) Land Use Commission Heritage Pecan tree that is not either dead, diseased, or imminent hazard. This tree, identified as tree #3510, has a single stem with a diameter of 32 inches and is centrally located within the PSH lease area. Its removal has been requested. Tree Evaluation Tree #3510 Measurements The subject tree is one Heritage 32-inch Pecan ( Canopy Conditions Carya illinoinensis) Fair condition with several large (4-8”) limb failures throughout the lower and upper …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: May 7, 2025 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: McLemore Tract Multifamily Water and Wastewater Service Extension Request #6139 and 6140 NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: John Lewis, Development Associate, CWS Capital Partners, LLC LOCATION: 10656 N FM 620 Rd, Austin, Texas 78726 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Not applicable PROJECT FILING DATE: WPD/ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF DETERMINATION: Lake Travis Watershed, Water Supply Rural, North Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Water and Wastewater Service Extension Revision Not Recommended 1 TO: Jennifer Bristol, Chair, and Members of the Environmental Commission MEMORANDUM FROM: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed Protection Department DATE: May 7, 2025 SUBJECT: McLemore Tract Multifamily Water and Wastewater Service Extension Request #6139 and 6140 Service Extension Requests (SERs) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone and outside of the City of Austin’s full purpose jurisdiction require City Council approval and review by the Environmental Commission. The Watershed Protection Department (WPD) staff have completed the review for McLemore Tract Multifamily SER #6139 & 6140 and do not recommend approval of the request. Site Overview The site consists of one tract of approximately 10 acres, located at 10656 N FM 620. The site is located outside of the City of Austin’s jurisdiction within Travis County in the Lake Travis Watershed and the Drinking Water Protection Zone. It is also within the North Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. This site opted to remove itself from the City of Austin’s ETJ in September 2024. Request Summary The applicant is proposing 300 multifamily units with 150 Living Unit Equivalents (LUEs). The conceptual plan indicates the proposed 10-acre development would propose approximately 59% impervious cover. The proposed development includes parking that covers approximately 34% of the property. If the applicant were required to comply with City of Austin environmental standards, the impervious cover would be limited to 20% of the net site area and would be required to leave 40% of the downstream portion of the site as natural area. Impacts from SER improvements Wastewater: The applicant is proposing to construct 1,300 feet of 8-inch gravity wastewater main from the existing 8-inch gravity wastewater main located in N FM 620 to the subject tract, as shown on the attached map. 2 The applicant is also proposing to construct an appropriately sized upgrade to the existing Volente Lift station, which …
PSH – LifeWorks at Tillery SP-2025-0031C.SH Environmental Commission May 7, 2025 Heritage Tree Variance Request COMMISSION MEETING DATE: May 7th, 2025 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: PSH – LifeWorks at Tillery, SP-2025-0031C.SH APPLICANT NAME: 3423 Tillery LLC LOCATION: 819 Tillery Street, Austin, TX, 78702 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 3 STAFF: ORDINANCE: REQUEST: Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department Heritage Tree Ordinance (LDC 25-8-641; LDC 25-8-643) The applicant is seeking the removal of a Heritage tree with a single stem over 30 inches in diameter. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The request meets City Arborist approval criteria set forth in LDC 25-8-624(A)(2). The variance is recommended. Levels of Tree Ordinance Protection Land Development Code Approval Criteria Site and Project Description Site: • Zoned CS-MU-CO-MP: General Commercial Services, Mixed-Use Combining District, Conditional Overlay, and Neighborhood Plan Combining District • Located within the Boggy Creek watershed, classified as an urban watershed regulation area • The entire lot is 13 acres Project: • The site will be developed in three phases • The proposed development will consist of: • 120 SMART Housing Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units on a one-acre lease • 240 Units at or below 80% Median Family Income (MFI) • 240 additional units • Two multifamily residential buildings and a few adjacent retail buildings along with one major driveway entry to the site from Tillery Street • Mixed use residential building with a sub-surface parking garage along Lyons Road Land Use Commission Variance Request Lease Area Phase 1 – Permanent Supportive Housing • One (1) Land Use Commission Heritage Pecan tree that is not either dead, diseased, or imminent hazard. • Tree #3510 has a single stem with a diameter of 32 inches and is centrally located within the PSH lease area. Alternative Layouts Preserving Tree 3510 Preservation of 34 Heritage Trees Phase I, II, &III • Commitment to meet preservation criteria in Environmental Criteria Manual (ECM 3.5.2) of 34 Heritage Trees • One Heritage tree transplant Administrative Variances • Six trees deemed dead, diseased, or imminent hazard (DDI) by five City Arborist staff • Four trees in poor condition • Two trees in fair and good condition Heritage Tree #3510 • Existing unpermitted impacts and soil compaction Limb failure and multiple attachments • • Structural defects • Fair to poor condition Heritage Tree #3510 • Cavity at load-bearing attachment of several scaffold limbs Tree #3510 Previously failed large limbs 4-8”diameter throughout the canopy …
McLemore Tract Multifamily Water and Wastewater Service Extension Request #6139 and 6140 What is a Service Extension Request? • A service extension request (SER) is an application for City water or wastewater service from a property owner or developer. • Required when: – a property is more than 100 ft from accessible water/wastewater system – existing infrastructure isn't adequate for the proposed project demands • May involve the construction of a new line/associated facility or upgrades to existing lines/facilities. • Applicant pays for the associated infrastructure, as outlined in the SER. SER Process • Requires Council approval if property: – is in Drinking Water Protection Zone and – outside of the City's full purpose jurisdiction • Environmental Commission & Water & Wastewater Commission make recommendations for support/denial • No conditions can be put on SERs. Request Summary • Wastewater Service Request • 10656 N FM 620 • 10 acres • Lake Travis Watershed • Located in the North Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ) • Property removed from City of Austin’s jurisdiction in September 2024 SER #6139 & 6140 Site Location Austin City Limits Austin ETJ Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Site Location Proposed Development Intended Uses • • • 300 multifamily units with 150 Living Unit Equivalents (LUEs) 10-acre development with 59% impervious cover Parking covers approximately 34% of property SER #6319 Proposed Water Extension Option 1 Map provided by AWU SER #6139 Proposed Water Extension Option 1 • Construct approximately 950 feet of 12-inch water main from the existing 12-inch water main located in North FM 620 south of the Foundation Road intersection • Extend southwest along North FM 620 to the subject tract. SER #6319 Proposed Water Extension Option 2 Map provided by AWU SER #6139 Proposed Water Extension Option 2 • A second water SER option has been proposed if the first option is not feasible due to spacing constraints with other utilities • Construct 1,400 feet of 12-inch water main from the existing 12-inch water main crossing North FM 620 north of the Boulder Lane intersection • Extend northeast along North FM 620 to the subject tract, as shown on the attached map. SER #6140 Proposed Wastewater Extension Map provided by AWU SER #6140 Proposed Wastewater Extension • Construct 1,300 feet of 8-inch gravity wastewater main from the existing 8-inch gravity wastewater main located in N FM 620 …
Apr 23, 2025 City of Austin Environmental & Planning Commission 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 RE: Land Use Commission Variance Requests for Removal of Heritage Tree SP-2025-0031C.SH 819 Tillery, Austin, Texas 78702 In accordance with LDC 25-8-643 and on behalf of the Owner of the project, this is a formal request for a Land Use Commission Variance to remove one Heritage Tree #3510. This removal request is associated with Reasonable Use/Reasonable Access with the project entitled Tillery Multifamily. This project, built over 13 acres in 3 separate phases, proposes to provide over 600 residential units to the East Austin neighborhood. Of these 600 units, 120 SMART Housing units will be provided with Phase 1 of the development. Of the remaining 480 units, 240 units will be provided at or below 80% MFI. A view of the existing conditions of this site has been provided as Exhibit 1 and an existing tree list has been provided as Exhibit 2. Development Impacts of Tree #3510 Existing Conditions + Lease Area - The subject property is over 13 acres and has a total of 47 existing Heritage trees. The Site Development Plan will be submitted for the entire 13-acre site, but Lifeworks only has a lease for a portion of the property that is slightly over one acre. In addition, the LifeWorks building will be required to develop their portion of the site with minimal demolition to the rest of the property because the existing tenants and buildings will remain in place. The proposed building and the requisite space for utilities and stormwater infrastructure fits very tightly within the 1-acre lease with little room for rearrangement. Please refer to the Phase 1 Site Plan as Exhibit 3 to help visualize these site constraints. Tree 3510 is located on the approximately 1-acre site under a long-term lease to the LifeWorks Affordable Housing Corporation. Preservation Impacts - Throughout the design process, architects worked through several different building configurations that designed around Tree #3510. With a 1 of 10 building footprint that creates a courtyard around Tree #3510 and used the rest of the leased area as building square footage it was found that the minimum unit count could not be met. The preservation of Heritage Tree #3510 would require that the Lifeworks PSH building lose a significant number of units (27 of 120). If this development does not provide a minimum of 120 …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20250507-004 Date: May 7, 2025 Subject: PSH – LifeWorks at Tillery, SP-2025-0031C.SH Location: 819 Tillery Street, Austin, TX, 78702 Motion by: Hanna Cofer Seconded by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is seeking removal of a Heritage tree with a stem greater than 30 inches in accordance with LDC § 25-8-643 and § 25-8- 624(A)(2); and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the tree requested for removal is a 32-inch diameter Heritage pecan (Tree #3510), located within the one-acre lease area designated for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) on a 13-acre site; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the City Arborist rates the pecan tree as being in fair overall condition but with poor structural integrity, a moderate risk rating, and documented defects including large limb failures and a significant defect at the main branch union; and WHEREAS, the Commission acknowledges that on-site evaluations included a Resistograph analysis and private arborist climbing inspection that confirmed internal structural weaknesses at various heights along the trunk, despite no internal decay at the base; and WHEREAS, the Commission understands that the applicant demonstrated multiple constraints—including the tree’s central location in the buildable area, site design limitations, lack of feasible alternatives, and funding constraints for vertical development—that prevent reasonable use of the property if the tree is retained; and WHEREAS, the City Arborist has recommended approval of the variance request after determining that the criteria in LDC § 25-8-624(A)(2) have been met, and that no waivers or design modifications are available to reasonably preserve the tree; and WHEREAS, the applicant has committed to the preservation of other Heritage trees on site, in compliance with ECM Section 3.5.2, and will provide required mitigation through a payment of $7,200 to the Urban Forest Replenishment Fund in accordance with ECM standards for certified affordable housing developments; 1 THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the requested variance with the following conditions: 1. The applicant shall submit and implement a Care Plan for the duration of the lease for the 34 preserved Heritage trees, including routine inspection, pruning, mulching, watering, and pest management, to ensure long-term health and viability. 2. The applicant shall coordinate with City of Austin Urban Forestry Program staff to identify and implement one-time improvements to existing or new streetscape trees as needed, within the public right-of-way adjacent to the project site. 3. Annual reports shall be submitted to …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20250507-005 Date: May 7, 2025 Subject: McLemore Tract Multifamily Water and Wastewater Service Extension Request #6139 and 6140 Location: 10656 N FM 620 Rd, Austin, Texas 78726 Motion by: Hanna Cofer Seconded by: Mariana Kruger WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting Service Extension Requests (SERs) for water and wastewater located outside of the City of Austin’s full purpose jurisdiction. This site opted to remove itself from the City of Austin’s ETJ in September 2024. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Lake Travis Watershed, North Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, and the Drinking Water Protection Zone, and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff does not recommend the SER. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission DOES NOT recommend Service Extension Request #6139 and 6140 for the following reasons: 1. The proposed 10-acre development would propose approximately 59% impervious cover. The proposed development includes parking that covers approximately 34% of the property. If the applicant were required to comply with City of Austin environmental standards, the impervious cover would be limited to 20% of the net site area. 2. The site is also within the North Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone and is upstream of known Jollyville Plateau salamander habitat. 3. The City of Austin’s Land Development Code limits construction on slopes greater than 15% and the proposed project plans to build on slopes greater than 15%. 4. The site has soil that limits OSSF or TLAP systems. VOTE 10-0 For: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Hanna Cofer, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Annie Fierro Justin Fleury, Ashika Ganguly, Haris Qureshi, Martin Luecke Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: David Sullivan 1 Approved By: Jennifer Bristol, Environmental Commission Chair 2
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission April 16, 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 Martin Luecke Hanna Cofer, Vice Chair Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Secretary 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 April 2, 2025 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: Flatz-130 SP-2024-0298D Applicant: Ted McConaghy (Kleinfelder) Location: 7400 Zekelman Blvd, Austin, TX 78724 Council District: Council District does not apply in Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Staff: David Michael, Environmental Review Specialist, Development Services Department, (512) 974-2263, david.michael@ausitntexas.gov Applicant request: Request to vary from a) LDC 25-8-302 to allow up to 600 SF of building on slopes over 25%, and to allow up to 3,000 SF of parking area on slopes over 15%; b) LDC 25-8-341 to allow up to 11 feet of cut, and c) LDC 25-8-342 to allow up to 16 feet of fill. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends this variance with conditions DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible action on Environmental Commission committee membership 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 …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 2, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Cofer called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hanna Cofer, Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None Commissioners Absent: Ashika Ganguly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Bobby Levinski, CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on March 19, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on March 19, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. Commissioner Schiera abstained. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Recognition of Melinda Schiera for her service on the Environmental Commission – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. In response to Council Resolution 20250327-062, consider variances and amendments to the Land Development Code, including site-specific amendments to Chapter 25-8, as minimally required to allow the construction of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment 1 Plant Enhancement and Expansion Project – Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department (WPD) Speakers: Leslie Lilly, WPD Charles Celauro, Austin Water (AW) Bobby Levinski, Save Our Springs Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, WPD Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Shay Ralls Roalson, Director, AW Erik Kunkel, Capitol Delivery Services A motion to recommend variances and amendments to the Land Development Code, including site-specific amendments to Chapter 25-8, as minimally required to allow the construction of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhancement and Expansion Project, with additional recommendations, passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on an 8–1 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. Vice Chair Cofer called a recess at 8:43. The meeting reconvened at 8:50. 4. Election of Environmental Commission Officers for May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026 term. A motion to nominate Commissioner Bristol as chair was approved on Commissioner Cofer’s motion on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. A motion to nominate Commissioner Krueger as vice-chair was approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. Commissioner Brimer nominated Commissioner Sullivan for secretary. Sullivan declined the nomination. A motion to nominate Commissioner Cofer as secretary was …
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FLATZ-130 7400 ZEKELMAN BOULEVARD SP-2024-0298D David Michael Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department PROPERTY DATA • Extraterritorial Jurisdiction • Desired Development Zone • Suburban Classification • Decker Creek Watershed • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Critical Environmental Features – Critical Water Quality Zone, Wetlands LOCATION Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone LOCATION HW130 LOCATION HW130 ELEVATIONS CRITICAL WATER QUALITY ZONES LOCATION POST OAK SAVANNAH VARIANCE REQUESTS • Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 11 feet. • Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 16 feet and construct a water quality control facility over 4 feet on slopes with a gradient of more than 15%. • Request to vary LDC Sec. 25-8-302 to allow 600 SF of building to be located on slopes over 25%, and 3,000 SF of parking area to be located on slopes over 15%. PROPOSED CUT & FILL PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION ON SLOPES VARIANCE FINDINGS IN SUMMARY • Variances for grading have been granted for similar projects. • Requested grading and construction on slopes are not design decisions, and 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 Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact have been met. VARIANCE RECOMMENDATIONS Staff Conditions: 1. The natural draw adjacent to buildings 3 and 7 is designed as a sunken garden that filters runoff with a trickle channel and pollinator plantings. 2. The site will meet full landscape requirements as specified by code despite the site being located in the ETJ, where landscape ordinance do not apply. Notably, all parking spaces will be within 50 LF radius of a shade tree 3. All new 3:1 slopes will use the 609S upland seed mix with additional shrubs and trees provided near the base of the slopes to assist with stabilization. . APPLICANT PRESENTATION
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: 4/16/2025 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Flatz-130 SP-2024-0298D Ted McConaghy (Kleinfelder) LOCATION: 7400 Zekelman BLVD Austin, TX 78724 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Council District does not apply in Extraterritorial Jurisdiction ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: David Michael, Environmental Review Specialist, Development Services Department, 512-974-2263, david.michael@ausitntexas.gov Decker Creek Watershed, Suburban Watershed Classification, Suburban Desired Development Zone. REQUEST: Variance requests are as follows: • Request to vary LDC 25-8-302 to allow up to 600 SF of building on slopes over 25%, and to allow up to 3,000 SF of parking area on slopes over 15%. • Request to vary LDC 25-8-341 to allow up to 11 feet of cut. • Request to vary LDC 25-8-342 to allow up to 16 feet of fill. Page 2 of 2 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends these variances, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITIONS: • All new 3:1 slopes will use the 609S upland seed mix with additional shrubs and trees provided near the base of the slopes to assist with stabilization. • The natural draw adjacent to buildings 3 and 7 is designed as a sunken garden that filters runoff with a trickle channel and pollinator plantings. • The site will meet full landscape requirements as specified by code despite the site being in the ETJ, where landscape ordinance do not apply. Notably, all parking spaces will be within 50 LF radius of a shade tree. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Flatz-130 SP-2024-0298D Ordinance Standard: LDC Sec. 25-8-302 Variance Request: Request to vary LDC Sec. 25-8-302 to allow 600 SF of building on slopes over 25%, and to allow 3,000 SF of parking area to be located on slopes over 15%. 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. Not allowing the requested 600 SF of building area on slopes over 25%, and 3,000 SF of parking area on slopes over 15% will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. This variance from code is necessary to integrate a typical multifamily housing development within a typical …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20250416-002 Date: April 16, 2025 Subject: Flatz-130 SP-2024-0298D Location: 7400 Zekelman Blvd, Austin, TX 78724 Motion by: Mariana Krueger Seconded by: Richard Brimer WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting: • Request to vary LDC 25-8-341 to allow up to 11 feet of cut. • Request to vary LDC 25-8-342 to allow up to 16 feet of fill. • Request to vary LDC 25-8-302 to allow up to 600 SF of building on slopes over 25%, and to allow up to 3,000 SF of parking area on slopes over 15%. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Decker Creek Watershed, Suburban Watershed Classification, Suburban Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the variance with the following conditions: • 3:1 slopes will use the 609S upland seed mix with additional shrubs and trees provided near the base of the slopes to assist with stabilization. • The natural draw adjacent to buildings 3 and 7 is designed as a sunken garden that filters runoff with a trickle channel and pollinator plantings. • The site will meet full landscape requirements as specified by code despite the site being in the ETJ, where landscape ordinance do not apply. Notably, all parking spaces will be within 50 LF radius of a shade tree. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following Environmental Commission conditions: 1. Reduce parking area on slopes over 15% by 10% 2. Incorporate bird friendly design and lighting where feasible VOTE 10-0 For: Hanna Cofer, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Annie Fierro, Justin Fleury, Ashika Ganguly, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Jennifer Bristol Approved By: Elizabeth Funk, Environmental Commission Liaison
