REGULAR MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Environmental 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 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, contact Nicole Corona, 512-974-3146, Nicole.Corona@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Mariana Krueger, Chair Jennifer Bristol, Vice Chair Haris Qureshi, Secretary Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut Annie Fierro AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Justin Fleury Martin Luecke Mar Moretta-Urdiales Allison Morrison David Sullivan 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 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on April 1, 2026. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Presentation, discussion, and recommendation to amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) and amend Ordinance No. 20221115-048 to modify development review processes, methods to demonstrate water quality compliance, street design, and utility infrastructure design for the design and construction of certain transit system projects and related transit system infrastructure. Presented by Donna Galati, Capital Program Consultant, Austin Project Connect, donna.galati@austintexas.gov, 512-974-2733. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the Final Draft of the Rain to River Strategic Plan. Presented by Jorge Morales, Director, Austin Watershed Protection. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Bird-Friendly Design Working Group regarding the meeting on April 10, 2026. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Nicole Corona at Austin Watershed Protection, at 512-974-3146, Nicole.Corona@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Nicole Corona at 512- 974-3146, Nicole.Corona@austintexas.gov.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026 The Environmental Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Krueger called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Haris Qureshi, Secretary Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut Annie Fierro Justin Fleury Martin Luecke Mar Moretta-Urdiales Allison Morrison David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jennifer Bristol, Chair PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Corbin Graham, Landfill leachate leakage in Walnut Creek watershed Roy Waley, Elon Musk’s data centers APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on March 4, 2026. The minutes from the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on March 4, 2026, were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second, on a 10-0 vote. Chair Bristol was off the dais. 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: 1404 East Riverside PUD, C814-2025-0111 Applicant: Amanda Swor, Drenner Group Location: 1404 East Riverside Drive Council District: 3 Staff: Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, Austin Watershed Protection, 512- 963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov Applicant Request: The applicant proposes a new Planned Unit Development (PUD) Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions The meeting was recessed at 6:38 p.m. until 6:47 p.m. without objection. The public hearing was conducted, and a motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second, on an 11-0 vote. The motion to recommend the project 1404 East Riverside PUD, C814-2025-0111, located at 1404 East Riverside Drive, to Council with conditions and the following amendments was approved on Secretary Qureshi’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on an 11-0 vote. The following amendment was made by Commissioner Fleury and seconded by Chair Bristol. The amendment was to revise the condition “Of the existing parking on site, reserve at least ten parking spaces, including ADA-compliant parking, on the ground level garage floor for public parking and park access” to read: “Of the existing parking on site, reconsider reserving some parking spaces, including ADA- compliant parking, on the ground level garage floor for public parking and park access.” The amendment was approved on a 10-1 vote. Commissioner Brimer voted nay. The following amendment was made by Chair Bristol. The amendment was to remove the condition of maximum allowable height of 120 feet. The amendment was approved on an 11-0 vote without objection. 3. Name: …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: April 15, 2026 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: C20-2026-003 Transit System Projects Ordinance Amendment Sponsor Department: Austin Project Connect City Staff: Donna Galati, Capital Program Consultant, Austin Project Connect, donna.galati@austintexas.gov, 512-974-2733 Description: Amend the 2022 Transit System Projects Ordinance to add additional streamlining elements with a focus on project-specific technical regulation. Background: On October 29, 2021, Council approved Ordinance No. 20211029-003 directing staff to review City Code, criteria manuals, and permitting procedures to identify impediments to the design, construction, implementation, and operation of Project Connect to add streamlining elements with a focus on project-specific technical regulation. The foundational ordinance for Transit System Projects, Ordinance. No. 20221115-048, was approved by Council on November 15, 2022. The Transit System Projects foundational ordinance created a central location for transit- specific regulations, expanded permitting options, clarified uses, and provided a programmatic approach to construction noise mitigation. Summary of Proposed Code Amendment: 1. Modifies site plan requirements to accommodate permitting tools for the light rail permitting process. 2. Recission of obsolete utility ordinance from 2000. 3. Establishes back-of-curb streetscape standards for light rail. 4. Establishes a water quality compliance program for light rail. 5. Establishes administrative review of heritage trees for Transit System Projects. 6. Incorporates administrative rule modifications that proactively address constrained right of way conditions where compliance will be challenging and ensures consistency in expiration of site plan components. Proposed Text Amendment(s): See attached draft ordinance. Staff Recommendation: Recommended Staff supports the proposed amendments to Ordinance No. 20221115-048. The amendments will further support Resolution No. 20211029-003, which directed staff to review City Code, criteria manuals, and permitting procedures to identify impediments to the design, construction, implementation, and operation of Project Connect to add streamlining elements with a focus on project-specific technical regulation. Board and Commission Action: April 15, 2026 – To be considered by the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee. April 15, 2026 – To be considered by the Environmental Commission. April 28, 2026 – Tentatively scheduled for consideration by the Planning Commission. May 21, 2026 – Tentatively scheduled for City Council action.
WORKING DRAFT FOR AMENDMENT TO PROJECT CONNECT ORDINANCE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE CHANGES PART 1. On November 15, 2022, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 20221115-048 (the “Original Ordinance”), approving the Transit System Project Regulations to facilitate the construction of Project Connect (“Project”), the City’s high-capacity transit system expansion. PART 2. The attached exhibits are incorporated into this ordinance in their entirety as though set fully in the text of this ordinance. The exhibits are as follows: Exhibit A and A-1: Transit System Project Map Exhibit C: Preliminary Water Quality Treatment Map PART 3. This ordinance and the attached exhibits amend the Original Ordinance as amended for the Transit System Project Regulations, modifying conditions and replacing any likewise named or identified exhibits in the Original Ordinance as amended. Development of and uses for the Transit System Project shall conform to the limitations and conditions set forth in this ordinance and in the attached exhibits. If this ordinance and the attached exhibits conflict, this ordinance controls. Except as otherwise specifically provided by this ordinance, all other rules, regulations and ordinances of the City of Austin (“City”) apply to a Transit System Project. PART 4. This ordinance repeals Ordinance No. 000309-114. PART 5. Code Modifications. The following code modifications apply to a Transit System Project. (A) General Requirements and Procedures (1) City Code Section 25-1-21(108) (Definitions, Site) is modified to provide that a site can be a noncontiguous area and may cross a public street or right-of-way. (2) The Director of Austin Development Services may allow development to be reviewed and approved in multiple layers within one overall site plan. (B) Transportation (1) City Code Section 25-6-171 (Standards for Design and Construction) is modified to allow Project Connect Design Criteria to supersede any conflicting requirements in Chapter 25-6 (Transportation), subject to final approval by the City Traffic Engineer or Director of Austin Transportation and Public Works. (2) Notwithstanding any provision in Title 25 (Land Development) excluding Chapter 25- 2 (Zoning), the planting of street trees in the right-of-way shall follow the criteria of this subsection. WORKING DRAFT FOR AMENDMENT TO PROJECT CONNECT ORDINANCE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE CHANGES (a) Street trees planted in the right-of-way can have a horizontal clearance from the outer edge of the root barrier to the outer edge of an existing storm drain that is running parallel to the light rail alignment of: (i) five feet; or (ii) three …
2 3 4 Final Environmental Impact Statement/ Record of Decision (FEIS/ROD) The Final Environmental Impact Statement includes: • Responses to each individual public comment received on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement • Design updates in response to community feedback • Analysis of environmental effects and commitments to address potential project impacts • Mitigation Monitoring Plan documenting measures that reduce or avoid potential adverse impacts, noting implementation and monitoring practices The Record of Decision: • Enables us to proceed into the next phase of project work The FEIS/ROD will conclude our NEPA compliance and affirm the preferred project 5 LRT Contractor Preconstruction Overview Pre-Construction Activities 2026 Preconstruction (1A): Design Progression & Construction Planning 2027 2028 … 2/18/2026 Board Authorization Preconstruction (1B): Final Design & Permitting Board Authorization to finish final design Construction Packages Board Authorization for Construction Packages Preconstruction (1A): Design Progression & Construction Planning • Advance design and initiate permitting • Field work and utility coordination Preconstruction (1B): Final Design & Permitting • Advance design and refine construction cost estimates to execute construction packages (may be staggered) • Constructability reviews, innovation, and integrated cost estimating • Advance Right-of-Way acquisition activities • Obtain Third Party approvals and permits • Planning for construction: phasing, sequencing, and schedule • Engage community in design and construction planning • Prepare for FTA requirements 7 Transit System Projects Ordinance Amendment Austin Project Connect | April 15, 2026 Transit System Projects Ordinance Response to: Resolution No. 20211029-003 which directed staff to: • Review City Code, criteria manuals, and permitting procedures to identify impediments to the design, construction, implementation, and operation of Project Connect • Develop new regulations and procedures to address those impediments Foundational ordinance approved by Council on Nov. 15, 2022 Established home for Transit System Project regulations Modified permitting tools to accommodate Austin Light Rail Anticipated additional impediments would be identified as project progressed Amendments address these issues and support the project as it enters final design 9 Components of this Ordinance 1. Site Plan Modification 2. Removal of Outdated Utility Policy 3. Austin Light Rail Streetscape Standards 4. Austin Light Rail Water Quality Compliance Program 5. Administrative Review of Heritage Trees 6. Administrative Rule Modifications 10 1. Site Plan Modifications To facilitate the permitting process for Austin Light Rail, site plans will be allowed to have non-contiguous limits of construction (LOC). Refresher: Site Plan Layers Tool …
ORDINANCE NO. 20221115-048 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE TITLE 25 AND CHAPTER 9-2 TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN TRANSIT SYSTEM PROJECTS AND RELATED TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: Project Connect is the City's high-capacity transit system expansion, PART 1. which will ultimately consist of a light rail network, an expanded bus system, transportation terminals and stations, maintenance facilities, and all associated improvements necessary for operation of the transit system. To facilitate the construction ofthis critical transportation infrastructure, certain modifications and waivers to City Code are necessary to ensure the construction of a high-capacity transit system. This ordinance and the attached Exhibits A and B consist of the PART 2. "Transit System Project Regulations". Development ofthe Transit System Project shall conform to the limitations and conditions set forth in this ordinance. If this ordinance and the attached exhibits conflict, this ordinance controls. Except as otherwise provided by this ordinance, all other rules, regulations, and ordinances of the City apply. PART 3. The attached exhibits are incorporated into this ordinance in their entirety as though set forth fully in the text of this ordinance. The exhibits are as follows: A. Transit System Project Map B. Light Rail Construction Noise and Mitigation Plan Requirements PART 4. Definitions. A. Transit System Project means a transportation project generally depicted on Exhibit A with any related appurtenances, including but not limited to a rail and public transit line, rail station, or a transportation terminal, funded by a public entity. B. Unless otherwise specifically defined, all terms in this ordinance shall have the meaning established in Title 25 of Code of the City of Austin, Texas (the .,Land Development Code"). Page 1 0f 3 A Transit System Project for light rail lines or any associated PART 5. infrastructure necessary to construct the light rail lines must comply with a noise and mitigation plan approved by the City that meets the requirements listed in Exhibit B. To the extent there is a conflict with Chapter 9-2 (Noise and Amplified Soundj, the approved noise and mitigation Plan will control. PART 6. Transit System Uses A. The use of a site for a traction powered substation is a Local Utility Service use as described in City Code Section 25-2-6(28). B. The use of a site for the provision of maintenance, repair, vehicular or equipment servicing, material storage, or similar activities for …
A STRATEGIC PLAN TO PROTECT AUSTIN’S CREEKS AND COMMUNITIES City of Austin | Austin Watershed Protection FINAL DRAFT 2026 A Strategic Plan to Protect Austin’s Creeks & Communities LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT As we introduce the Rain to River Strategic Plan, we ground our work in the recognition that every watershed has a story – one that began long before Austin was a city. By sharing this land acknowledgment, we hope to honor the Indigenous peoples who have cared for these lands and waters for generations while acknowledging the harms that persist today. We acknowledge, with respect, that the land we are on is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Tonkawa, the Apache, the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, the Lipan Apache Tribe, the Texas Band of Yaqui Indians, the Coahuitlecan and all other tribes not explicitly stated. Additionally, we would like to acknowledge and pay respects to the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the Kickapoo Tribe of Texas, Carrizo & Comecrudo, Tigua Pueblo, Caddo, Comanche, Kiowa, Wichita, Chickasaw, Waco nations, and all the American Indian and Indigenous Peoples and communities who have been or have become a part of these lands and territories in Texas, here on Turtle Island. Not all indigenous peoples listed claim Texas as ancestral lands, as many were forcibly relocated to Texas from their ancestral homelands. Though our work is just beginning, the vision and values in this strategic plan call us to care for our watersheds with humility, gratitude, and a deep sense of responsibility for generations to come. This shared purpose is reflected in the plan’s commitments and strategies, which prioritize equity, resilience, and collaborative stewardship. In adopting this new plan, we affirm our responsibility to learn from the land, repair relationships, and build trust as we work toward a future where watershed protection and cultural respect go hand in hand. 1 The clear, flowing water of Barton Creek at Sculpture Falls Scientist evaluating a wetland along Gilleland Creek Crew repairing a tributary of Tannehill Branch Creek Youth educator exploring a cave in the Edwards Aquifer Engineer assessing erosion on a tributary of Walnut Creek WELCOME LETTER I’m pleased to introduce Rain to River, the updated strategic plan for Austin Watershed Protection. This plan represents more than a set of strategies – it reflects a shift in how we approach our work, our partnerships, and our long-term responsibilities to the people and environment of Austin. Our …
FROM RAIN TO RIVER: WORKING WITH WATER’S PROMISE AND PERIL WHY WE’RE UPDATING THE PLAN At Austin Watershed Protection, our work begins with a drop of rain and follows its journey across the land, into our streets and neighborhoods, and through the creeks that shape Austin’s people, places, and ecosystems. Water brings life, offering spaces to swim, fish, and connect with nature, nourishing our neighborhoods and local wildlife. Rain can also bring devastation, flooding streets and homes, endangering lives, and creating stress, uncertainty, and lasting harm. Every storm carries this duality (promise and peril, vitality and risk) and our work is grounded in navigating both sides of that reality. For decades, decisions about how to protect and manage Austin’s creeks, floodplains, and stormwater infrastructure were guided primarily by technical assessments, environmental monitoring, engineering models, and permitting requirements. While essential, these tools often overlooked the equally vital human systems that define watershed health: the social, historical, and cultural contexts of the communities that live alongside these waters and the realities they face every day. The Rain to River Strategic Plan marks a deliberate shift. We cannot do this work with technical expertise alone; we need the wisdom of those who experience flooding, erosion, and water pollution firsthand. By treating lived experience and community knowledge as data, we combine technical expertise with the insights of residents and community leaders to create strategies that are both practical and responsive to community needs. The Rain to River Strategic Plan charts a forward-looking path for the next decade. It responds to Austin’s changing climate, rapid growth, and the pressing need for equity, setting goals and strategies to ensure our watersheds—and the people who rely on them—are protected, resilient, and healthy. When we last updated our strategic plan in 2016, Austin faced many of the same challenges we see today. In the years since, those challenges have grown in scale, urgency, and complexity. Since 2016, our city has experienced severe floods, extreme heat, winter storms, and prolonged drought. These events had devastating impacts, with some Austinites losing their homes and others losing their lives. Population growth has accelerated development, increasing the pressure on our natural systems and aging infrastructure. At the same time, our community’s understanding of environmental justice and climate vulnerability has evolved, bringing a sharper focus on who benefits from public investment and who bears the greatest risks. Our previous plan helped us make …
OUR VALUES | STEWARDS These represent the core values that we, as Watershed Protection staff, aspire to as stewards of Austin’s watersheds. They were formally adopted by leadership in 2025 after extensive conversations with staff across the department about what matters most in how we do our work. As stewards, we care for our watersheds and safeguard our infrastructure to support the communities that rely on them. We recognize the environment’s fundamental connection to protecting health and safety. We address urgent needs while planning for a sustainable and resilient future. We use public funds responsibly and transparently to implement solutions. We are committed to equity, prioritizing efforts to achieve fair outcomes for all. Through shared stewardship, we collaborate with city and community partners, leveraging our collective wisdom and strengths. Staff at the Central Texas Juneteenth Parade SERVICE Show up TEAMWORK Paddle together EQUITY Lifts all boats WISDOM Reflect and listen ACCOUNTABILITY Anchor trust RESILIENCE Ride the waves DEDICATION Dive in SUSTAINABILITY Shape tomorrow Service is at the core of our work, ensuring we provide high quality support and effective solutions to the community. • We hold ourselves to the highest standards of customer service by listening, engaging, and responding in a timely manner. • We provide accurate and consistent service to our internal customers to ensure our staff works safely and effectively while serving the community. We promote teamwork and collaboration, knowing we can rely on each other and that we are stronger when we work together. • We invest time and effort in cultivating effective teams, characterized by mutual support and respect for each other as whole people. • We value collaboration beyond our department, understanding that working across agencies and with community members is essential to achieving our missions. We are committed to equity by acknowledging that different people and environments need different resources to thrive. • We foster a workplace where everyone is valued, empowered, and has the chance to succeed and grow. • We prioritize our work towards achieving equal outcomes for all. We strive for excellence in our work by leveraging the wisdom of our staff, community, and watersheds. • We learn from the knowledge and experiences of our community, ensuring their voices shape our work and guide our decisions. • We foster a culture of creativity, continuous learning, and data- informed decision making. We hold ourselves accountable to each other, our community, and the …
COMMUNITY PRIORITIES Connecting with our community ambassadors The community priorities were developed through several years of listening, surveying, and working directly with Austin residents, especially those historically left out of city planning. Input was gathered through a multi-year community engagement process. Across these efforts, residents consistently raised concerns about flooding, water quality, equity, access to natural spaces, and the need for clearer communication and proactive action from the City. These findings were synthesized into draft themes and priorities. The Community Activation Group (CAG) then refined and validated these priorities to ensure they reflected community needs and values. While these priorities highlight areas where the community sees the greatest opportunities for improvement, they do not encompass the full scope of our work. Our core services and functions remain the foundation of what we do, and we will continue delivering them reliably. The recommendations identified here are intended to build on that foundation, addressing gaps and strengthening the programs that matter most to residents. Some of the community recommendations outlined in this section may go beyond what our department can directly lead. To address these priorities, we will need to rely on strong partnerships and connections with other city departments, community organizations, and residents. Through collaboration on initiatives such as parks, trails, and housing, we can expand our impact and work together to make meaningful progress. The community priorities and our department values share a common focus on equity, resilience, sustainability, and collaboration. Acting as stewards, we draw on the wisdom of the community to guide decisions, prepare for challenges, and shape solutions. By grounding our work in these values, we aim to deliver results that are measurable and enduring. 47 Community Priorities: 1. EQUITY & INCLUSION 2. FLOOD MITIGATION & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 3. CLIMATE RESILIENCE & SUSTAINABILITY 4. NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION & RESTORATION 5. ACCESSIBILITY & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT 6. TRUST & COLLABORATION 7. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & GROWTH 8. SUPPORT FOR UNHOUSED & VULNERABLE POPULATIONS 9. EDUCATION & YOUTH ENGAGEMENT 10. INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP Students showing their #creeklove at Barton Springs University Rain to River: A Strategic Plan to Protect Austin’s Creeks & Communities | FINAL DRAFT 1. EQUITY & INCLUSION Ensure historically underserved communities have equitable access to resources and decision-making processes. S S E N D E R A P E R P Y C N E G R E M E I I & N O T A G …
Rain to River: Austin Watershed Protection Strategic Plan Review and Adoption Environmental Commission Austin Watershed Protection | April 15, 2026 What is Rain to River? Austin Watershed Protection’s Strategic Plan to Protect Austin’s Creeks and Communities Guiding Blueprint for Department Communication Resource – Establishes our mission, – Helps explain our vision, and values – Sets strategies and direction for the next 10 years work and priorities to staff, policymakers, and the community Note: Rain to River will update and replace the current Watershed Protection Strategic Plan 2 Guiding Principles for the Plan • • • • • • Center the needs of vulnerable populations Engage the community through clear and open communication Align our aspirations with community priorities Strengthen partnerships for greater impact Empower our leaders to advocate for our mission Create a dynamic and inclusive framework 3 Plan Highlights • Our mission remains unchanged to reduce the impacts of flooding, erosion, and water pollution • Reflects how we will strengthen and adapt our work to center community and build resilience • Expands our focus to include community voices, lived experience, and shared stewardship as essential components of our infrastructure • Holistic and proactive approach that balances immediate needs with our long-term vision • Equity not as a one-time initiative, but as an ongoing practice rooted in accountability and trust 4 Our Challenges • Climate change is driving more extreme weather, including more intense storms and prolonged drought • Historic inequities have left some neighborhoods more exposed to flooding and degraded waterways • Urbanization and development add pressure to our natural environment and infrastructure • Housing costs are driving displacement of residents and an increase in people experiencing homelessness 5 Community Engagement • Robust and inclusive process that spanned multiple years • We identified stakeholder groups that have been historically underrepresented in our past planning efforts and worked to engage with them more directly • We partnered with local organizations, community ambassadors, and advocacy groups to reach residents in every district • Engagement took many forms—surveys, interviews, focus groups, neighborhood meetings, and community events 6 Community Activation Group The Community Activation Group (CAG) helped shape the content of the plan and ensured that the diverse voices of our community are integral to the Rain to River planning process and Austin Watershed Protection’s work. • Diverse community leaders with expertise in the environment, community health, and disaster preparedness and recovery • …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Environmental 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, 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, contact Nicole Corona, 512-974- 3146, Nicole.Corona@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jennifer Bristol, Chair Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Haris Qureshi, Secretary Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut Annie Fierro AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Justin Fleury Martin Luecke Mar Moretta-Urdiales Allison Morrison David Sullivan 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 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on March 4, 2026. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. 3. Name: 1404 East Riverside PUD, C814-2025-0111 Applicant: Amanda Swor, Drenner Group Location: 1404 East Riverside Drive Council District: 3 Staff: Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, Austin Watershed Protection, 512-963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov Applicant Request: The applicant proposes a new Planned Unit Development (PUD) Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions Name: Rundberg Multifamily, SP-2024-0381C.SH Applicant: Sydney Barre, WGI Location: 204 East Rundberg Lane Council District: 4 Staff: John Clement, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Austin Watershed Protection, 512-974-1475, John.Clement@austintexas.gov Applicant Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261 (G) to allow floodplain modification in a Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ); Request to vary from LDC 25-8-263(C)(3) to allow floodplain modification outside of a CWQZ in an area determined to be in good condition. Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the impact of data centers and their energy consumption and water usage. Sponsors: Commissioners Fleury and Sullivan. Conduct officer elections for the Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026 The Environmental Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Krueger called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 06:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Haris Qureshi, Secretary Richard Brimer Justin Fleury Martin Luecke Allison Morrison Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: David Sullivan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Special Called Meeting on February 19, 2026. The minutes from the Environmental Commission Special Called Meeting on February 19, 2026, were approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Secretary Qureshi’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Sullivan was off the dais. Chair Bristol and Commissioners Changsut, Fierro, and Moretta-Urdiales were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Austin Watershed Protection’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget, Programs, and Projects Overview and approve recommendations for their FY27 budget. Presentation by Albert Castro, Financial Manager, and Janae Spence, Assistant Director, Austin Watershed Protection. 1 The motion to approve the recommendation to Council to support Austin Watershed Protection’s budget, programs, and projects was approved on Secretary Qureshi’s motion, Vice Chair Kruger’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Chair Bristol and Commissioners Changsut, Fierro, and Moretta-Urdiales were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. Name: Circuit of the Americas (COTA) Planned Unit Development Amendment (PUD), C814- 2018-0122.03 Applicant: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Michael Whellan) Location: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard, Austin, Texas Council District: 2 Staff: Leslie Lilly, 8914, Leslie.Lilly@austintexas.com Applicant request: The applicant proposes to amend a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD). This is amendment #3. Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions The public hearing was conducted, and a motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Luecke’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Chair Bristol and Commissioners Changsut, Fierro, and Moretta-Urdiales were absent. Program Manager, Environmental Conservation 512-535- There was a motion to recommend the project Circuit of the Americas Planned Unit Development Amendment, C814-2018-0122.03, located at 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard, to Council, with Staff conditions and the following conditions: • Restrict administrative cut/fill approvals to 15’ throughout the PUD • Remove the “fee in lieu” option for parkland • Require each cut/fill approval exceeding 15’ to be reviewed and specifically approved by the Environmental Commission throughout the PUD • …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C814-2025-0111 (East Riverside PUD) DISTRICT: 3 ADDRESS: 1404 East Riverside Drive ZONING FROM: ERC- CMU TO: PUD SITE AREA: approximately 2.6069 acres (approximately 113,556 square feet) PROPERTY OWNER: South Shore Apartments Owner LP AGENT: Drenner Group, PC (Amanda Swor) CASE MANAGER: Jonathan Tomko 512-974-1057, jonathan.tomko@austintexas.gov STAFF RECOMMEDATION: Pending PLANNING COMMISSION / OTHER COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: March 10, 2026: Small Area Joint Planning Commission approved unanimously April 1, 2026: Case is scheduled to be heard by the Environmental Commission April 14, 2026: Case is scheduled to be heard by the Planning Commission CITY COUNCIL ACTION: TBD ORDINANCE NUMBER: TBD ISSUES: None CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The subject tract is approximately 2.5 acres of cleared land from the former Acton School north of East Riverside Drive just east of Manlove Street. It fronts Lady Bird Lake to the north, four multifamily apartments to the west, single family commercial to the south across East Riverside Drive (up a steep embankment) and older two-story multifamily buildings to the east. The site is approximately ¼ mile from the proposed Project Connect rail stop at East Riverside Drive and South Lakeshore Boulevard. Ther are several power lines and an easement along the front of the property, as well as a gravel off- street trail separate from the existing sidewalk. As a result, the building will have to be set back from East Riverside Drive further to the north. There is a substantial amount of tree cover on the northern and eastern portions of the tract. This site is within the Riverside Stations Imagine Austin Activity Center, along Riverside Drive which is an Imagine Austin Activity Corridor, an ASMP level 3 corridor, and part of the ASMP transit priority network. BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION: Site North (across Lady Bird Lake) South (across East Riverside Drive) East C814-2025-0111 TBD EXISTING ZONING AND LAND USES: 2 LAND USES ZONING ERC-CMU Undeveloped land P-NP Undeveloped parkland/trail ERC-NMU Office/retail in a two-story single family constructed in approximately 1951 ERC-CMU Several multifamily apartment buildings of 2 stories constructed in approximately 1963 West ERC-CMU Four apartment buildings were constructed in approximately 2012. The buildings are approximately 11, 9, 6, and 4 stories each. NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING AREA: East Riverside/Oltorf (Riverside) Combined Neighborhood Planning Area WATERSHED: Lady Bird Lake and Harpers Branch Watersheds SCHOOLS: A.I.S.D. Sanchez Elementary School Martin Middle School Austin High School COMMUNITY REGISTRY LIST: Austin Independent School District, …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: April 1, 2026 1404 East Riverside PUD, C814-2025-0111 Amanda Swor, Drenner Group LOCATION: 1404 East Riverside Drive COUNCIL DISTRICT: 3 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, 512-963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov Urban Watershed, Lady Bird Lake Watershed, Harpers Branch Watershed, Desired Development Zone REQUEST: The applicant proposes a new Planned Unit Development (PUD). STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITIONS: Recommended with conditions. Staff recommends approval of the PUD with the environmental superiority elements as conditions. • PUD will provide for additional off-site water quality capture of currently untreated stormwater from Manlove Street of a minimum of 7,000 square feet using innovative Jellyfish filter • A 54-inch live oak heritage tree will be relocated to rear of property per approved SP-2021-0451C • PUD will achieve a 3-star Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) rating, at a minimum • The project shall collect condensate from air conditioning units to support 100% of ground level irrigationThe project will be compliant with the LEED pilot Bird Collision Deterrence credit, ST7 Light Pollution Reduction and comply with Dark Sky regulations • All required tree plantings shall utilize native tree species selected from Appendix F of the Environmental Criteria Manual • Project shall utilize methods to support local Austin biodiversity through innovative native plant landscaping and/or rooftop installations • 100% of required stormwater will be treated using on-site water quality methods • This project will include several landscape solutions that will be achieved with the installation of raised terrace green roof media to be planted with a focus on pollinator-friendly species. 100% of rooftop plantings shall be native to the Edwards Plateau and Blackland Prairie ecoregions. A minimum of 10% of the roof terrace shall be dedicated to landscape installations • The Critical Water Quality Zone will remain free from all development except approved storm drain outfalls and restoration • 100% of all non-turf plant materials will be native or adapted • Shade trees that are not influenced by utility constraints shall be upsized to 4” caliper within the PUD • 1.17 acres of the property is dedicated to the City of Austin as parkland which constitutes approximately 44% of the property. As otherwise specifically modified by the PUD ordinance, the development will comply with current code. 1404 East Riverside PUD C814-2025-0111 Austin Watershed Protection | April 1, 2026 1404 East …
February 4, 2026 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION VARIANCE APPLICATION FORM PROJECT DESCRIPTION Applicant Contact Information Name of Applicant Street Address City State ZIP Code Work Phone E-Mail Address Sydney Barre 4700 Mueller Blvd, Suite 300 Austin, Texas 78723 512-669-5560 Sydney.Barre@wginc.com Variance Case Information Case Name Case Number Address or Location Environmental Reviewer Name Environmental Resource Management Reviewer Name Applicable Ordinance Rundberg Multifamily SP-2024-0381C.SH 204 E. Rundberg Lane David Michael John Clement LDC 25-8-261 (G) and LDC LDC 25-8-263(C)(3) Watershed Name Little Walnut Creek Watershed Classification X Urban ☐ Suburban ☐ Water Supply Suburban ☐Water Supply Rural ☐ Barton Springs Zone City of Austin | Environmental Commission Variance Application Guide 1 February 4, 2026 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 ☐ Yes X No The centerline of Little Walnut Creek is located north of the subject property and clips the property boundary at the northeast corner of the parcel according to COA GIS. Water and Waste Water service to be provided by Austin Water Utility (AWU) Request Impervious cover square footage: acreage: percentage: 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 variance request is as follows (Cite code references: Floodplain modification in the COA fully developed floodplain and CWQZ (LDC 25-8- 261(G)) and floodplain modification outside of the CWQZ with a FAFH score of good (LDC 25-8-263(C)(3)). Existing ____0____ ____0____ ____0____ Proposed ____185,173 SF__ _____4.251 ac___ ____65.01%_____ The proposed development for the site is a 199-unit affordable multifamily development located at 204 E. Rundberg Lane. The total site area is +/- 6.54 acres and is currently undeveloped. The existing topography ranges from roughly 688 to 664 and there is one heritage tree located on site that is being preserved. There are primary Cedar and Hackberry trees located on site that are being preserved where feasible for development. There are no CEFs identified on the project site. While there is no FEMA delineated floodplain on site, there is City of Austin 25-yr and 100-yr full developed floodplain that crosses the northern border of the site due to the offsite contributing area greater than 64 acres immediately upstream. The offsite contributing area is routed along the northern …
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE INVENTORY City of Austin March 8, 2024 PE Project No.: 202402082 Approximately 6.54 Acres 204 East Rundberg Lane Austin, Texas 78753 Travis County Prepared for: Elmington Capital 1030 16th Avenue South Suite 500 Nashville, TN 37212 Prepared by: Phase Engineering, LLC 5524 Cornish Street Houston, Texas 77007 Case No.: (City use only) Environmental Resource Inventory For the City of Austin Related to LDC 25-8-121, City Code 30-5-121, ECM 1.3.0 & 1.10.0 The ERI is required for projects that meet one or more of the criteria listed in LDC 25-8-121(A), City Code 30-5-121(A). 1. SITE/PROJECT NAME: Rundberg Lane 2. COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT PROPERTY ID (#’s): 814678 3. ADDRESS/LOCATION OF PROJECT: Approx. 6.54 acres at 204 East Rundberg Lane, Austin, Travis County, Texas 78753 4. WATERSHED: Little Walnut Creek 5. THIS SITE IS WITHIN THE (Check all that apply) Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone* (See note below) .................. ☐YES ☒ No Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone*.................................. ☐YES ☒ No Edwards Aquifer 1500 ft Verification Zone* ....................... ☐YES ☒ No Barton Spring Zone* .......................................................... ☐YES ☒ No *(as defined by the City of Austin – LDC 25-8-2 or City Code 30-5-2) Note: If the property is over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge zone, the Hydrogeologic Report and karst surveys must be completed and signed by a Professional Geoscientist Licensed in the State of Texas. 6. DOES THIS PROJECT PROPOSE FLOODPLAIN MODIFICATION?.......☐YES** ☒ NO If yes, then check all that apply: (1) The floodplain modifications proposed are necessary to protect the public health and safety; (2) The floodplain modifications proposed would provide a significant, demonstrable environmental benefit, as determined by a functional assessment of floodplain health as prescribed by the Environmental Criteria Manual (ECM), or (3) The floodplain modifications proposed are necessary for development allowed in the critical water quality zone under LDC 25-8-261 or 25-8-262, City Code 30-5-261 or 30-5-262. (4) The floodplain modifications proposed are outside of the Critical Water Quality Zone in an area determined to be in poor or fair condition by a functional assessment of floodplain health. ** If yes, then a functional assessment must be completed and attached to the ERI (see ECM 1.7 and Appendix X for forms and guidance) unless conditions 1 or 3 above apply. 7. IF THE SITE IS WITHIN AN URBAN OR SUBURBAN WATERSHED, DOES THIS PROJECT PROPOSE A UTILITY LINE PARALLEL TO AND WITHIN THE CRITICAL WATER QUALITY ZONE? …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: April 1, 2026 Rundberg Multifamily, SP-2024-0381C.SH Sydney Barre, WGI LOCATION: 204 East Rundberg Lane COUNCIL DISTRICT: 4 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: John Clement, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Austin Watershed Protection, 512-974-1475, John.Clement@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: Little Walnut Creek REQUEST: • Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261 (G) to allow floodplain modification in a Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) • Request to vary from LDC 25-8-263(C)(3) to allow floodplain modification outside of a CWQZ in an area determined to be in Good condition. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Recommended with conditions. STAFF CONDITIONS: Staff recommends the following conditions: • Restoration of 0.67 acres of floodplain to include: o Native seeding throughout the restoration area Invasive plant removal throughout the restoration area o o Planting of 0.22 acres of the restoration area with native trees and shrubs to improve canopy cover Installation of a bunchgrass hedgerow at the stormwater outfall to reduce erosion risk and facilitate infiltration o • Payment of $119,403 into the Riparian Zone Mitigation Fund Rundberg Multifamily SP-2024-0381C.SH Austin Watershed Protection | 4/1/26 John Clement Rundberg Multifamily Property Data • Little Walnut Creek Watershed • Urban Watershed Regulation Area • No Critical Environmental Features on site • Council District 4 2 Rundberg Multifamily Project Background • Currently undeveloped • Proposes 199 units of affordable housing through the Affordability Unlocked and SMART Housing programs, with more than 50% of units having 3 or more bedrooms • The site is on an Imagine Austin Corridor and adjacent to an elementary school • The site is constrained by parking needs of the development and total lack of nearby street parking • Variance would allow full build-out of the site by permitting modification of a portion of the floodplain 3 Rundberg Multifamily Variance Request 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261 (G) to allow floodplain modification in a Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-263(C)(3) to allow floodplain modification outside of a CWQZ in an area determined to be in Good condition. 4 Rundberg Multifamily Location 5 Rundberg Multifamily Site Plan 6 Rundberg Multifamily Floodplain Modification 0.72 acres 7 Rundberg Multifamily Floodplain Health • Floodplain is in “Good” condition due to high canopy/understory cover • However, much of that cover is invasive and the creek typically has little to no base flow • The modification and …
Austin Watershed Protection Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Rundberg Multifamily, SP-2024-0381C.SH Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance (current code) Variance Request: • Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261 (G) to allow floodplain modification in a Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) • Request to vary from LDC 25-8-263(C)(3) to allow floodplain modification outside of a CWQZ in an area determined to be in Good 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 project proposes 199 units of affordable housing facilitated through the SMART Housing and Affordability Unlocked programs. The site is uniquely situated on an Imagine Austin growth corridor and adjacent to a public elementary school. The on-site parking needed to serve the high density of affordable housing proposed necessitates expanding the development footprint into the floodplain and further modification of the floodplain, including a small portion of Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ), to compensate for the displaced flood volume. The site is further constrained by fire lane requirements for the adjacent shared private driveway which prohibits street parking on the driveway. 2. The variance: a. Is not based on a condition caused by the method chosen by the applicant to develop the property, unless the development method provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance; Yes The project will reduce the total width of the floodplain but improves environmental protection by 1) benching a portion of the remaining floodplain, 2) increasing the density and diversity of native vegetation, 3) removing the dominant invasive understory vegetation, and 4) provide additional protection by installing a native bunchgrass hedgerow at the stormwater outfall. b. Is the minimum change necessary to avoid the deprivation of a privilege given to other property owners and to allow a reasonable use of the property; and Yes The project proposes 199 units of affordable housing facilitated through the SMART Housing and Affordability Unlocked programs. The site is uniquely situated on an Imagine Austin growth corridor and adjacent to a public elementary school. The on-site parking needed to serve the high density of affordable housing proposed necessitates expanding the development footprint into the floodplain and further modification of the floodplain, including a small portion of Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ), to compensate for the displaced …
AI, Data Centers, Electricity, and Water Dave Sullivan, Ph.D. The University of Texas Center for Energy and Environmental Resources March 2026 3/26/2026 AI, Data Centers, Electricity, and Water 1 Ironically…. • WASHINGTON – On February 4, 2025, U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the agency’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, to achieve the agency’s mission while energizing the greatness of the American economy. • Pillar 4: Make the United States the Artificial Intelligence Capital of the World • “As we rapidly advance into this new age of AI, it is important that the United States lead the world in this field. Those looking to invest in and develop AI should be able to do so in the U.S., while we work to ensure data centers and related facilities can be powered and operated in a clean manner with American-made energy. Under President Trump’s leadership, I have no doubt that we will become the AI capital of the world,” said Administrator Zeldin. 3/26/2026 2 Ezra Klein, NYT, 3/4/2025 • “If you’ve been telling yourself this isn’t coming, I really think you need to question that. It’s not web3. It’s not vaporware. A lot of what we’re talking about is already here, right now. • I think we are on the cusp of an era in human history that is unlike any of the eras we have experienced before. And we’re not prepared in part because it’s not clear what it would mean to prepare. We don’t know what this will look like, what it will feel like. We don’t know how labor markets will respond. We don’t know which country is going to get there first. We don’t know what it will mean for war. We don’t know what it will mean for peace. • And while there is so much else going on in the world to cover, I do think there’s a good chance that, when we look back on this era in human history, A.I. will have been the thing that matters.” 3/26/2026 3 Ezra Klein… • “What’s fascinating to me is that this is the first revolutionary technology that is not funded by the Department of Defense, basically. And if you go back historically, over the last hundred years or so, nukes, space, the early days of the internet, the early days of the microprocessor, the early days of large-scale aviation, radar, the global positioning system …
AI, Data Centers, Electricity, and Water Dave Sullivan, Ph.D. The University of Texas Center for Energy and Environmental Resources March 2026 4/1/2026 AI, Data Centers, Electricity, and Water 1 Ironically…. • WASHINGTON – On February 4, 2025, U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the agency’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, to achieve the agency’s mission while energizing the greatness of the American economy. • Pillar 4: Make the United States the Artificial Intelligence Capital of the World • “As we rapidly advance into this new age of AI, it is important that the United States lead the world in this field. Those looking to invest in and develop AI should be able to do so in the U.S., while we work to ensure data centers and related facilities can be powered and operated in a clean manner with American-made energy. Under President Trump’s leadership, I have no doubt that we will become the AI capital of the world,” said Administrator Zeldin. 4/1/2026 2 Ezra Klein, NYT, 3/4/2025 • “If you’ve been telling yourself this isn’t coming, I really think you need to question that. It’s not web3. It’s not vaporware. A lot of what we’re talking about is already here, right now. • I think we are on the cusp of an era in human history that is unlike any of the eras we have experienced before. And we’re not prepared in part because it’s not clear what it would mean to prepare. We don’t know what this will look like, what it will feel like. We don’t know how labor markets will respond. We don’t know which country is going to get there first. We don’t know what it will mean for war. We don’t know what it will mean for peace. • And while there is so much else going on in the world to cover, I do think there’s a good chance that, when we look back on this era in human history, A.I. will have been the thing that matters.” 4/1/2026 3 Ezra Klein… • “What’s fascinating to me is that this is the first revolutionary technology that is not funded by the Department of Defense, basically. And if you go back historically, over the last hundred years or so, nukes, space, the early days of the internet, the early days of the microprocessor, the early days of large-scale aviation, radar, the global positioning system …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Environmental Commission Recommendation 20260401-004: Data Center Environmental Management WHEREAS, Data Centers are changing every sector of society and economy; and, WHEREAS, Data Centers will provide the City of Austin, Travis County, and Central Texas the opportunity to be a center of technical excellence ; and , WHEREAS, Central Texas has scarce water resources to support an industry requiring substantial water and the existing electrical grid may be challenged by the insertion of new facilities requiring large amounts of electricity; and, WHEREAS, by 2035 Data Centers could account for more than 20% of global electricity use and 56% of the power used to power Data Centers comes from fossil fuels; and, WHEREAS, Texas has a 4.8-million-acres-foot water shortage and US Data Centers consume 66 billion gallons of water/year. WHEREAS, Data Centers with significant environmental impact on the community have a footprint exceeding 20,000 square feet and consume more than 5kW/rack and are typically categorized as Tier II to Tier IV facilities as defined by the Uptime Institute requiring 24x7 availability; and, WHEREAS, the increasing demand for Data Centers in Central Texas requires a coordinated approach by all Central Texas Governments; therefore, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Environmental Commission recommends the City Council adopt the following policies: • Consistent with Council Resolution 20240215-024 and Resolution considered during the April 24, 2025 Council meeting. • Establish working relationships with adjacent counties (Williamson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Blanco, and Burnett) and cities (e.g., Buda, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Round Rock, Taylor, Elgin) to develop consistent policies and procedures to manage the installation and growth data centers within Central Texas. • Publish, via the Environmental Commission, the report from the City Manager, requested in April 2025 of the “projected environmental impact and resource usage of local data centers over the next ten years”. • Require Tier II and higher Data Centers to generate power onsite via renewable resources, which may include, but are not limited to solar, wind, and battery power. The power generated should amount to at least 50% of the amount necessary to operate the data center. • Require Data Centers to curtail operations during periods of electrical emergency as declared by the Governor of the State or Local Authorities. • Recycle water drawn from aquifers, public water systems, rainwater capture. • Require water the Data Center to use reclaimed water. • Comply to “night sky” and “bird friendly” …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Environmental Commission Recommendation 20260401-002: C814-2025-0111 1404 East Riverside PUD WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant, Amanda Swor, Drenner Group, is requesting a Planned Unit Development (PUD) located at 1404 East Riverside Drive; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Urban Watershed, Lady Bird Lake Watershed, Harpers Branch Watershed, Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends this Planned Unit Development. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Environmental Commission recommends the 1404 E Riverside PUD with the following conditions: Staff Conditions: • PUD will provide for additional off-site water quality capture of currently untreated stormwater from Manlove Street of a minimum of 7,000 square feet using innovative Jellyfish filter • A 54-inch live oak heritage tree will be relocated to rear of property per approved SP- 2021-0451C • PUD will achieve a 3-star Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) rating, at a minimum • The project shall collect condensate from air conditioning units to support 100% of ground level irrigation • The project will be compliant with the LEED pilot Bird Collision Deterrence credit, ST7 Light Pollution Reduction and comply with Dark Sky regulations • All required tree plantings shall utilize native tree species selected from Appendix F of the Environmental Criteria Manual • Project shall utilize methods to support local Austin biodiversity through innovative native plant landscaping and/or rooftop installations • 100% of required stormwater will be treated using on-site water quality methods • This project will include several landscape solutions that will be achieved with the installation of raised terrace green roof media to be planted with a focus on pollinator- friendly species. 100% of rooftop plantings shall be native to the Edwards Plateau and Blackland Prairie ecoregions. A minimum of 10% of the roof terrace shall be dedicated to landscape installations • The Critical Water Quality Zone will remain free from all development except approved storm drain outfalls and restoration . • 100% of all non-turf plant materials will be native or adapted • Shade trees that are not influenced by utility constraints shall be upsized to 4” caliper within the PUD • 1.17 acres of the property is dedicated to the City of Austin as parkland, which constitutes approximately 44% of the property. Environmental Commission Conditions: • Bird-friendly design best practices that exceed dark sky regulations and LEED Pilot Bird Collision Deterrence Credit; in particular, …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Environmental Commission Recommendation 20260401-003: SP-2024-0381C.SH Rundberg Multifamily WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant, Sydney Barre, WGI, has submitted a variance request located at 204 East Rundberg Lane; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Little Walnut Creek Watershed; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends this variance request. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Environmental Commission recommends the Rundberg Multifamily variance request with the following conditions: Staff Conditions: • Restoration of 0.67 acres of floodplain to include: o Native seeding throughout the restoration area o o Planting of 0.22 acres of the restoration area with native trees and shrubs to Invasive plant removal throughout the restoration area o improve canopy cover Installation of a bunchgrass hedgerow at the stormwater outfall to reduce erosion risk and facilitate infiltration • Payment of $119,403 into the Riparian Zone Mitigation Fund Environmental Commission Conditions: • Reduction of parking spaces by 5% • Use of warm, down-cast lighting, with motion-sensors on all outdoor lighting and other bird- friendly designs Date of Approval: April 1, 2026 Motioned By: Secretary Qureshi Seconded By: Commissioner Luecke Vote: 10-1 . For: Vice Chair Krueger, Secretary Qureshi, Commissioner Brimer, Commissioner Changsut, Commissioner Fierro, Commissioner Fleury, Commissioner Luecke, Commissioner Moretta-Urdiales, Commissioner Morrison, Commissioner Sullivan Against: Chair Bristol Abstain: None Off the dais: None Absent: None Attest: _____________________________________________ Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Environmental Commission Recommendation 20260401-004: Data Center Environmental Management WHEREAS, Data Centers are changing every sector of society and economy; and, WHEREAS, Data Centers will provide the City of Austin, Travis County, and Central Texas the opportunity to be a center of technical excellence; and WHEREAS, Central Texas has scarce water resources to support an industry requiring substantial water, and the existing electrical grid may be challenged by the insertion of new facilities requiring large amounts of electricity; and WHEREAS, by 2035, Data Centers could account for more than 20% of global electricity use, and 56% of the power used to power Data Centers comes from fossil fuels; and WHEREAS, Texas has a 4.8-million-acre-foot water shortage, and US Data Centers consume 66 billion gallons of water/year; and WHEREAS, Data Centers with significant environmental impact on the community have a footprint exceeding 20,000 square feet and consume more than 5kW/rack and are typically categorized as Tier II to Tier IV facilities as defined by the Uptime Institute, requiring 24x7 availability; and WHEREAS, the increasing demand for Data Centers in Central Texas requires a coordinated approach by all Central Texas Governments. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Environmental Commission recommends the City Council adopt the following policies: ● Maintain consistency with Council Resolution 20240215-024 and 20250424-055 and Resolution considered during the April 24, 2025, Council meeting. ● Establish working relationships with adjacent counties (Williamson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Blanco, and Burnet), cities (e.g., Buda, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Round Rock, Taylor, Elgin), and water districts to develop consistent policies, procedures, and strategic plans to manage the construction, operation, and growth of data centers within Central Texas ● Publish the report from the City Manager, requested in April 2025 of the “projected environmental impact and resource usage of local data centers over the next ten years,” and present the report to the Environmental Commission. ● Require Tier II and higher Data Centers to generate power onsite via renewable resources, which may include, but are not limited to solar, wind, and battery power. The power generated should amount to at least 50% of the amount necessary to operate the data center. ● Require Data Centers to curtail operations during periods of electrical emergency as declared by the Governor of the State or Local Authorities. ● Mandate Council approval for large-scale extension requests. ● Define “data center” in City Code. ● Mandate 75% solar …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026, AT 6:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, EVENTS CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Environmental 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 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, contact Nicole Corona, 512-974-3146, Nicole.Corona@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jennifer Bristol, Chair Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Haris Qureshi, Secretary Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut Annie Fierro CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Justin Fleury Martin Luecke Mar Moretta-Urdiales Allison Morrison David Sullivan 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 Special Called meeting on February 19, 2026. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Austin Watershed Protection’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget, Programs, and Projects Overview and approve recommendations for their FY27 budget. Presentation by Albert Castro, Financial Manager, and Janae Spence, Assistant Director, Austin Watershed Protection. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. Name: Circuit Of the Americas (COTA) Planned Unit Development Amendment (PUD), C814- 2018-0122.03 Applicant: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Michael Whellan) Location: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard, Austin, Texas Council District: 2 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, 512-535-8914, Leslie.Lilly@austintexas.com Applicant request: The applicant proposes to amend a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD). This is amendment #3. Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Nicole Corona at Austin Watershed Protection at 512-974-3146, Nicole.Corona@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Nicole Corona, 512-974- 3146, Nicole.Corona@austintexas.gov.
SPECIAL-CALLED MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MINUTES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026 The Environmental Commission convened in a special-called meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Kreuger called the Environmental Commission meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Richard Brimer Justin Fleury Martin Luecke David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Isabella Changsut Annie Fierro Mar Moretta-Urdiales PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Craig Nazor, bird-friendly building construction, watershed restoration, and tree planting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on February 4, 2026. The minutes from the Environmental Commission regular meeting on February 4, 2026, were approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Chair Bristol, Secretary Qureshi, and Commissioner Morrison were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Austin Youth River Watch’s mission and programming. Presentation by Melinda Chow and Fidel Campuzano Gonzalez, Co-Executive Directors, and Jasalyn Franco, Program Specialist, Austin Youth River Watch. The presentation was made by Melinda Chow and Fidel Campuzano Gonzalez, Co- Executive Directors, and Jasalyn Franco, Program Specialist, Austin Youth River Watch. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation, discussion, and action regarding a recommendation to Austin City Council on the creation, continuation, terminations, and status of a concession including issuance for a Request for Proposal for a concession in Town Lake Metropolitan Park for inclusion in the joint report between the Parks and Recreation Board and the Environmental Commission that is provided to City Council annually. Presentation by Karen Charles, Contract Management Specialist, and Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor, Austin Parks and Recreation. There was a motion to approve the recommendation to Council to approve the 2025 concessions report, acknowledging that the reporting requirements were met, and additionally recommend that future joint reports include the following: • • Information from contractors detailing the environmental stewardship initiatives and accomplishments they achieved, in specific qualitative and quantitative terms, and specifically request detailed metrics regarding erosion control, streambed restoration, grassland maintenance, trash pick-up, water quality, and biodiversity Information regarding environmental equity in terms of access and concession usage Include concessions from parks other than Lady Bird Lake • • Delay the implementation of Phase II of the Parks Operations and Maintenance Agreements with the Trail Conservancy until the financial audit is finalized and made public, and until it …
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Overview Austin Watershed Protection Overview ▪ Mission & Organizational Structure ▪ FY26 Operating and Maintenance(O&M) Budget Overview ▪ FY26 O&M Budget Program Activities ▪ Capital Improvement Program(CIP) Budget ▪ CIP Project Overview ▪ Resources 2 Mission & Organizational Structure Mission ▪ Austin Watershed Protection(AWP) protects lives, property, and the environment of our community by reducing the impact of flooding, erosion, and water pollution. ▪ AWP’s mission is achieved through services such as responding to/developing: ▪ Drainage issues ▪ Water pollution ▪ Storm drain item retrieval ▪ Integrated pest management ▪ Floodplain mapping ▪ Storm drain infrastructure. 4 Organizational Structure 5 AustinWatershed ProtectionTotal FTEs: 456.75OperationsFTEs: 182Modeling,Monitoring, and ComplianceFTEs: 89Office of the DirectorFTEs: 69Business EnterprisesFTEs: 61.25Project Design & DesignFTEs: 45.5Environmental Policy & ReviewFTEs: 10 AWP Budget Information FY26 AWP O&M BUDGET BY PROGRAM Total Budget - $127.9M Business Enterprises, $10,045,470 , 8% Environmental Policy and Review, $1,356,811 , 1% Transfers, $48,869,392 , 38% Modeling, Monitoring, and Compliance, $13,433,743 , 11% Office of the Director, $11,988,137 , 9% Project Design and Delivery, $6,858,186 , 5% Operations, $35,311,386 , 28% 7 Funding Sources ▪ Operations ▪ Drainage Utility Charge ▪ Based on the amount and percent of impervious cover ▪ Other Fees and Interest Income ▪ Site plans, subdivisions, MUD, PUDs; Permit Fees ▪ Capital Projects ▪ Cash transfer from operations ▪ GO Bonds ▪ Grants ▪ Tax Increment Financing ▪ RSMP and USCF Payments 8 FY26 Funds Sources and Expense Type FY26 Revenue by Funding Category Drainage Utlility Charge 95% Interest Income and other misc. revenue Development, licenses and permit Fees 4% $5,459,738 1% $887,176 FY26 Budget by Expense Category Personnel Contractuals Transfers 47% 28% 23% $36,026,186 $29,119,257 Non-CIP Capital Expenditures Commodities 3% $3,233,339 0% $157,000 Expense Refunds -$751,608 -1% $118,655,633 $60,078,951 9 AWP Program Activities Operating & Maintenance Activities ▪ Drainage Infrastructure Maintenance ▪ Trash and Debris Removal ▪ Land Management & Ponds Maintenance 11 Operating & Maintenance Activities ▪ Pollution Prevention & Response ▪ Floodplain Modeling & Development Review ▪ Environmental Policy and Planning ▪ Environmental Research and Data Analysis 12 Operating & Maintenance Activities ▪ Storm Event Monitoring ▪ Replenishing Creek Beds ▪ Community Education & Outreach 13 Capital Improvement Program Capital Improvement Program: Overview ▪ Projects in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) are major improvements to our infrastructure, facilities, and waterways. ▪ CIP projects have a higher price tag and longer lifespan than routine maintenance …
Acreage Use Zoning Jurisdition Green Building Water Quality Current Code 1,153 acres Iterim-Rural Residential I-RR Full-Purpose 100% GSI (starting in 2022) Existing PUD 1,153 acres Mixed Use PUD Full-Purpose 2 star 100% GSI + additional WQ treatement for asphalt trail Drainage Floodplain Modification Impervious Cover CWQZ 25-7-93 & 96 25-8-263 80% 25-8-91 & 92 Current code Current code 68% Current code CWQZ Development Critical Environmental Features (CEF) 25-8-261 & 262 specifies and limits trail crossings 25-8-281 & 282 Current code and as defined by wetland mitigation plan Restoration Required in some situations 14.36 acres of Blackland Prairie Restoration native restoration along asphalt trail as shown in Exhibit H Open Space Cut/Fill Current code 25-8-341 & 342 298 acres of public open space up to 20' in Planning Area 4 Construction on Slopes 25-8-301 current code Proposed Amendment 1,153 acres Mixed Use PUD Full-Purpose 2 star 100% GSI + additional WQ treatement for asphalt trail Modification to 25-7-93 & 96 to allow maintenance buildings associated with golf course Current code 68% current code Development allowed in the CWQZ associated with golf course and CWQZ crossing of race track (1:1 mitigation for crossing required) Current code and as defined by wetland mitigation plan Surplus wetland restoration 0.87 CEF / 0.56 CEF Buffer 14.38 acres of Blackland Prairie Restoration native restoration along asphalt trail as shown in Exhibit H Riparian restoration plan for 4.59 areas shown in Exhibit H 100 acres of open space (off site open space provided) up to 20' for Planning areas 4,5,6 For golf course - cut allowed within CWQZ outside EHZ up to XXX Admin variance for over 20ft to match grade in Planning area 4 Admin variance for up to 15 ft outside of Planning areas 4, 5, 6 w/ commensurate mitigation Allowed in Planning Area 8 with commensurate mitigation Admin variance for construction on slopes over 15% Landscape Requirements Current code additional 400 native trees planted minimum 2-in, native Central Texas seed stock, 1000 cubic feet of soil volume for each newly planted tree additional 400 native trees planted minimum 2-in, native Central Texas seed stock, 1000 cubic feet of soil volume for each newly planted tree Tree Protection IPM Current code Native tree species from Appendix F Native and adapted plants per Grow Green Central Texas Native seed stock Beneficial reuse of condensate water for irrigation Current code Required additional 1000 caliper inches of native …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: March 4, 2026 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Circuit of the Americas PUD Amendment #3, C814-2018-0122.03 NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Michael Whellan) LOCATION: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard COUNCIL DISTRICT: 2 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, 512-535-8914, Leslie.Lilly@austintexas.com Suburban Watershed, Dry Creek East Watershed, Desired Development Zone The applicant proposes to amend a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD). This is amendment #3. Recommended with conditions. Circuit of the Americas (COTA) Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment #3 C814-2018-0122.03 Austin Watershed Protection | March 4, 2026 COTA PUD C814-2018-0122 2 History of the Site 1940’s Lady Bird Lake ▪ Clearing and grading activities documented from 1940s on. ▪ Dam built in 1970s ▪ Site development permit for racetrack approved in 2011 ▪ Planned Unit Development (PUD) approved in 2020 1970’s 3 Existing Conditions Lady Bird Lake ▪ 1,153 acres ▪ Suburban Watershed, Dry Creek East ▪ Desired Development Zone ▪ Major Critical Water Quality Zones (CWQZ) ▪ 100-yr Floodplain ▪ Critical Environmental Features (CEF) ▪ Slopes in excess of 15% COTA PUD Wetlands Wetland Buffer CWQZ 100-yr Floodplain 4 5 Proposed Amendment ▪ 3rd Amendment ▪ Hotel / Convention Center in Planning Area 4 ▪ Golf Course in Planning Area 4, 5, & 6 ▪ Practice racetrack in Planning Area 8 ▪ Wetland Mitigation and Riparian Restoration 6 The COTA PUD Existing vs Proposed Lady Bird Lake Requirement Existing Proposed Green Building 2-star 2-star Water Quality Impervious Cover IPM 100% GSI + additional WQ treatment for asphalt trail 100% GSI + additional WQ treatment for asphalt trail 68% Required 68% Required 7 Green Building Basic Requirements Lady Bird Lake ▪ EV Charging Stations requirements ▪ Potable Water Use Reduction (for water features - 100% non-potable water supply) ▪ Bike Parking ▪ Energy Performance ▪ Additional requirements Link to Austin Energy Green Building Guides: Rating Documents 8 The COTA PUD Existing vs Proposed Lady Bird Lake Requirement Existing Proposed Drainage Current code Modification to 25-7-93 & 96 to allow structures associated with golf course Floodplain Modification Current code Current code CWQZ Defined Current code current code CWQZ Development specifies and limits trail crossings Development allowed in the CWQZ associated with golf course and CWQZ crossing of racetrack (1:1 mitigation for crossing required) Critical Environmental Features (CEF) Current code and as …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: March 4, 2026 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Circuit of the Americas PUD Amendment #3, C814-2018-0122.03 NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Michael Whellan) LOCATION: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard COUNCIL DISTRICT: 2 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, 512-535-8914, Leslie.Lilly@austintexas.com Suburban Watershed, Dry Creek East Watershed, Desired Development Zone The applicant proposes to amend a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD). This is amendment #3. Recommended with conditions. ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C814-2018-0122.03 DISTRICT: 2 (Circuit of the Americas PUD Amendment #3) ADDRESS: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard ZONING FROM: PUD TO: PUD* *The applicant is requesting a PUD amendment to change conditions of the approved PUD zoning in Ordinance No. 20201001-042 and Ordinance No. 20231214-105 (Please see Applicant’s Request Letter – Exhibit C and Proposed Redlined PUD Exhibits – Exhibits D - K). SITE AREA: 1,153 acres PROPERTY OWNER: Circuit of the Americas, Inc. (Alyssa Epstein, Secretary) AGENT: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Michael J. Whellan) CASE MANAGER: Sherri Sirwaitis (512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMEDATION: Recommendation Pending PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD: February 23, 2026: ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION: March 4, 2026 PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: ORDINANCE NUMBER: C814-2018-0122.03 ISSUES: N/A CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: 2 The Circuit of the Americas Planned Unit Development is a 1,153 acre property generally located east of State Highway 130 and north of FM 812 on Circuit of the Americas Boulevard. The PUD consists of a mixed-use development and is currently comprised of eight planning Areas with approximately 967 acres of commercial space (Areas 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8) and 186 acres of mixed use (Area 2). The land use plan includes 298 acres of open space that is dispersed throughout Areas 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 on the site. The CS, General Commercial Services District, is the baseline zoning district for the PUD. The property in question was annexed in 2012 through Ordinance No. 20121108-027. The site is surrounded by residential and commercial properties within the City’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) that do not have zoning and are not part of an active or near-future neighborhood planning effort. Although there are residential uses within 540 feet of the project, the majority of the properties are not located within the City of Austin and are not subject to compatibility requirements. …
Circuit of the Americas (COTA) Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment #3 C814-2018-0122.03 Austin Watershed Protection | March 4, 2026 COTA PUD C814-2018-0122 2 History of the Site 1940’s Lady Bird Lake ▪ Clearing and grading activities documented from 1940s on. ▪ Dam built in 1970s ▪ Site development permit for racetrack approved in 2011 ▪ Planned Unit Development (PUD) approved in 2020 1970’s 3 Existing Conditions Lady Bird Lake ▪ 1,153 acres ▪ Suburban Watershed, Dry Creek East ▪ Desired Development Zone ▪ Major Critical Water Quality Zones (CWQZ) ▪ 100-yr Floodplain ▪ Critical Environmental Features (CEF) ▪ Slopes in excess of 15% COTA PUD Wetlands Wetland Buffer CWQZ 100-yr Floodplain 4 5 Proposed Amendment ▪ 3rd Amendment ▪ Hotel / Convention Center in Planning Area 4 ▪ Golf Course in Planning Area 4, 5, & 6 ▪ Practice racetrack in Planning Area 8 ▪ Wetland Mitigation and Riparian Restoration 6 The COTA PUD Existing vs Proposed Lady Bird Lake Requirement Existing Proposed Green Building 2-star 2-star Water Quality Impervious Cover IPM 100% GSI + additional WQ treatment for asphalt trail 100% GSI + additional WQ treatment for asphalt trail 68% Required 68% Required 7 Green Building Basic Requirements Lady Bird Lake ▪ EV Charging Stations requirements ▪ Potable Water Use Reduction (for water features - 100% non-potable water supply) ▪ Bike Parking ▪ Energy Performance ▪ Additional requirements Link to Austin Energy Green Building Guides: Rating Documents 8 The COTA PUD Existing vs Proposed Lady Bird Lake Requirement Existing Proposed Drainage Current code Modification to 25-7-93 & 96 to allow structures associated with golf course Floodplain Modification Current code Current code CWQZ Defined Current code current code CWQZ Development specifies and limits trail crossings Development allowed in the CWQZ associated with golf course and CWQZ crossing of racetrack (1:1 mitigation for crossing required) Critical Environmental Features (CEF) Current code and as defined by wetland mitigation plan Current code and as defined by wetland mitigation plan 9 10 The COTA PUD Existing vs Proposed Lady Bird Lake Requirement Existing Proposed Restoration 14.36 acres of Blackland Prairie Restoration 14.38 acres of Blackland Prairie Restoration native restoration along asphalt trail as shown in Exhibit H native restoration along asphalt trail as shown in Exhibit H Open Space 298 acres of public open space Riparian restoration plan for areas shown in Exhibit H Surplus wetland restoration 0.87 CEF / 0.56 CEF Buffer 100 …
COTA PUD AMENDMENT #3 Environmental Commission March 4, 2026 PROJECT OVERVIEW • 1,000+ key hotel resort • Golf course • Mid-size conference center (3.5x smaller than downtown CC) • Possible secondary racetrack • Flexible uses for future development at COTA PROJECT IMPACT • $925 million total development costs; $650 million in hard construction costs • $10 billion in total economic activity over 30 years • Hundreds of million in tax revenues going to the City budget • Experience developing in environmentally sensitive areas (Chula Vista, CA) PROJECT IMPACT • Economic anchor in Del Valle and the Eastern Crescent • 1,000s of jobs over project life from construction to operation • Labor peace agreement with hospitality union = first large- scale, privately-owned union hotel in Austin ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS & SUPERIORITY Water Quality & Water Forward Habitat Mitigation & Restoration Trees Open Space 100% green stormwater infrastructure 14.38 acres of Blackland Prairie Restoration 400 new native trees planted (min. 2-in caliper) 100 acres of on-site open space in PUD, with likely add’l 100+ acres for golf course Development Standards AEGB 2-Star Green Building Standard 38,332 sf of enhanced WQ treatment for asphalt trails 4.59 acres of riparian restoration Additional 1,000 caliper inches of native trees Minimum 14 acres if off-site dedication is selected 68% impervious cover maximum Condensate for irrigation; Onsite Water Reuse System (OWRS) 37,897 sf of new CEF 24,393 sf of new CEF buffer 1,000 cubic feet of engineered soil volume for every new tree ~$2 million of improvements (off-site parkland) Integrated Pest Management Comprehensive native restoration along asphalt trail Certified arborist hired on-site to oversee landscaping and tree establishment
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Environmental Commission Recommendation 20260403-003: C814-2018-0122.03 Circuit of the Americas Planned Unit Development Amendment #3 WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant, Armbrust & Brown, PLLC, is requesting an amendment to a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD); and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Suburban Watershed, Dry Creek East Watershed, and the Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends this Planned Unit Development amendment. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Environmental Commission recommends the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) PUD Amendment #3 with the following conditions: Staff Conditions: • An additional 0.87 acres of wetland Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) and 0.56 wetland CEF buffer will be restored above what is minimally required for mitigation • AC condensate and Rainwater will be used for irrigation • 4.59 acres of riparian restoration will be completed • An additional 1000 caliper inches of trees planted in addition to the 400 trees required Environmental Commission Conditions: • Restrict administrative cut/fill approvals to 15’ throughout the PUD • Remove the “fee in lieu” option for parkland • Require each cut/fill approval exceeding 15’ to be reviewed and specifically approved by the Environmental Commission throughout the PUD • Maintain existing requirement for 298 acres of open space in Area 8, including two soccer fields, related amenities, and public access easement • Require construction within the 25-year flood zone to meet current City Code requirements • Require COTA to dedicate 11.38 acres to the City within the PUD • Retain existing Affordable Housing requirements. • Maintain existing bicycle infrastructure requirements • Maintain 30’ easement to parkland • Work with CapMetro to establish bus lines to COTA facilities from downtown Austin and the airport • Prevent construction within Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) without specific approval of the Environmental Commission . • Maintain a 200-foot buffer for CWQZs per City Code • Prohibit CWQZ buffer averaging • Prohibit illuminated signs • Prohibit mobile homes within the PUD • Prohibit short-term rentals within the PUD • Require noise mitigation action be taken around any practice tracks (including, but not limited to, racetracks, kennels, aviation facilities), or any other facilities whose normal operation may exceed noise limits specified in the City’s noise ordinances • Prohibit operation of practice tracks and aviation facilities between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. local time • Erect acoustic monitors around racetracks, kennels, …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026 The Environmental Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Krueger called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 06:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Haris Qureshi, Secretary Richard Brimer Justin Fleury Martin Luecke Allison Morrison Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: David Sullivan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Special Called Meeting on February 19, 2026. The minutes from the Environmental Commission Special Called Meeting on February 19, 2026, were approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Secretary Qureshi’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Sullivan was off the dais. Chair Bristol and Commissioners Changsut, Fierro, and Moretta-Urdiales were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Austin Watershed Protection’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget, Programs, and Projects Overview and approve recommendations for their FY27 budget. Presentation by Albert Castro, Financial Manager, and Janae Spence, Assistant Director, Austin Watershed Protection. 1 The motion to approve the recommendation to Council to support Austin Watershed Protection’s budget, programs, and projects was approved on Secretary Qureshi’s motion, Vice Chair Kruger’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Chair Bristol and Commissioners Changsut, Fierro, and Moretta-Urdiales were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. Name: Circuit of the Americas (COTA) Planned Unit Development Amendment (PUD), C814- 2018-0122.03 Applicant: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Michael Whellan) Location: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard, Austin, Texas Council District: 2 Staff: Leslie Lilly, 8914, Leslie.Lilly@austintexas.com Applicant request: The applicant proposes to amend a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD). This is amendment #3. Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions The public hearing was conducted, and a motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Luecke’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Chair Bristol and Commissioners Changsut, Fierro, and Moretta-Urdiales were absent. Program Manager, Environmental Conservation 512-535- There was a motion to recommend the project Circuit of the Americas Planned Unit Development Amendment, C814-2018-0122.03, located at 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard, to Council, with Staff conditions and the following conditions: • Restrict administrative cut/fill approvals to 15’ throughout the PUD • Remove the “fee in lieu” option for parkland • Require each cut/fill approval exceeding 15’ to be reviewed and specifically approved by the Environmental Commission throughout the PUD • …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026 AT 6:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, EVENTS CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Environmental 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 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, contact Kaela Champlin, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jennifer Bristol, Chair Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Haris Qureshi, Secretary Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut Annie Fierro CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Justin Fleury Martin Luecke Mar Moretta-Urdiales Allison Morrison David Sullivan 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 February 4, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Austin Youth River Watch’s mission and programming. Presentation by Melinda Chow and Fidel Campuzano Gonzalez, Co-Executive Directors, and Jasalyn Franco, Program Specialist, Austin Youth River Watch. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Presentation, discussion, and action regarding a recommendation to Austin City Council on the creation, continuation, terminations, and status of a concession including issuance for a Request for Proposal for a concession in Town Lake Metropolitan Park for inclusion in the joint report between the Parks and Recreation Board and the Environmental Commission that is provided to City Council annually. Presentation by Karen Charles, Contract Management Specialist and Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor, Austin Parks and Recreation. 4. Presentation and Recommendation related to potential City Council action that would authorize larger signs, including wayfinding kiosks, in the public right-of-way that include electronic images, lights, and off-premises advertising. Presentation by Anthony Segura, Deputy Director, Austin Economic Development. 5. Appoint an alternate member to the Joint Sustainability Committee. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A …
Appendix 1 AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION POLICY Subject Section Applicability Director Approval Policy: Policies and Procedures for Concessions in City’s Parks System Finance All Personnel Jesús Aguirre Digitally signed by Jesús Aguirre Date: 2025.12.05 14:02:47 -06'00' Reference Number PR-F-004 Effective Date November 6, 2025 Supersedes Policy Dated March 12, 1998 Signature Date December 5, 2025 It is the policy of Austin Parks and Recreation to maintain the aesthetic and environmental quality of the Parks System, provide positive recreational experiences to park visitors, and ensure a financial return to the City from park concessions. Purpose: To provide a policy for concessions in City of Austin parks. Authority: The Code of the City of Austin Texas, City Charter, Article V Administrative Organization, §4 Directors of Departments. The Director has the authority and responsibility to maintain efficiency within the operation and to determine the methods of operation to accomplish the Department’s mission and objectives. DEFINITIONS Applicable Rules – The applicable provisions of City Code Title 8, the Park Use Rules, and these Policies and Procedures, as they may be amended from time to time. Concession - a business owned by a private citizen or a privately-owned business operating in the Parks System pursuant to an agreement between the City and the citizen or business or a permit issued by the Department. Examples include, but are not limited to, food and beverage stands, boat and watercraft recreation services, bicycle rentals, pushcarts, and souvenir stands. Concessionaire – a private citizen or privately owned business operating a Concession. Director – the Director of the Department or designee. Family Member – means a biological or adoptive parent, biological or adoptive grandparent, spouse (husband, wife, domestic partner), child (biological, adopted, stepchild, foster, legal ward), sibling (biological, adopted, stepsibling), and parent, grandparent, or sibling of a spouse. Effective Date November 6, 2025 Supersedes Policy Date March 12, 1998 Reference Number PR-F-004 Page 1 of 5 Legacy Concession – an existing concession operating in the Parks System pursuant to a concession agreement with the Department that: (cid:120) Has been continuously owned and operated in the same park location by the same person, Local Business, or a Family Member of the person or Local Business for at least 20 years; (cid:120) Has operated under the same or a similar name for the entirety of its existence; (cid:120) Contributes to the City’s history and culture, as determined by the Department in its …
