SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 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 Elizabeth Funk, (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@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. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Name: South Shore PUD Addition, C814-2008-0087.02 Applicant: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Michael Whellan) Location: 1705 South Lakeshore Blvd, Austin, Texas 78741 Council District: 3 Staff: Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, 512-963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.com Applicant request: The applicant proposes to amend a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD). This is amendment #2. Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion, and action on an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Austin and Round Rock Independent School District. Presentation by Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Austin Watershed Protection. 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 Elizabeth Funk at Austin Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Elizabeth Funk, (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: January 7th, 2026 Round Rock ISD Interlocal Agreement Round Rock Independent School District COUNCIL DISTRICT: 6, 10 & ETJ ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512)535- 8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: Suburban & Water Supply Suburban Watersheds / Buttercup Creek, Lake Creek, South Brushy Creek Watersheds REQUEST: School district requests approval of new Interlocal Agreement (ILA) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Recommended STAFF CONDITIONS: None Commented [LJ1]: All D6? None in ETJ? Commented [LL2R1]: good call! I even found on in district 10 also.
Round Rock ISD Interlocal Agreement Austin Watershed Protection | January 7, 2026 Leslie Lilly Interlocal Agreements (ILAs) with School Districts ▪ Agreements between municipalities and local schools which define site development regulations are authorized by state law Section 212.902 of the Texas Local Government Code ▪ Original agreement with RRISD was approved in 1994 and has expired ▪ ILAs with Austin Independent School District and others set precedent for new or amended school ILAs 2 RRISD Properties ▪ Only applicable to schools in COA Planning jurisdiction ▪ Travis and Williamson counties ▪ Suburban and Water Supply Suburban Watersheds ▪ 21 of 56 RRISD properties in Austin 3 RRISD within Austin RRISD within COA limits Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone 4 RRISD: Landscape Standards ▪ City code except as modified ▪ Administrative variances for heritage tree removal ▪ Remove screening requirements ▪ No parking lot medians or islands required if perimeter trees are planted ▪ AISD standards 5 RRISD: Impervious Cover ▪ Section 10.2 & 10.3 ▪ AISD standards ▪ Nature trails and natural surface tracks exempt from impervious cover calculations ▪ Suburban ▪ 50% gross site area ▪ Water Supply Suburban ▪ 50% net site area ▪ Conditions for impervious cover transfer 6 RRISD: Cut/Fill and Slopes ▪ Cut/Fill Requirements ▪ 4’-8’ of cut/fill maybe administratively approved ▪ Any cut/fill over 4’ must be structurally contained ▪ AISD requirements ▪ Slope Requirements ▪ Construction on slopes of 25% to 35% permitted for construction of a building or parking area if the site was owned by the district on January 1, 1994 ▪ Similar provision to previous expired ILA 7 RRISD: Water Quality and Artificial Turf ▪ Current code water quality treatment – GSI ▪ Artificial turf fields are allowed and may be exempt from site IC calculations if ▪ WQ is met ▪ Gravel layer ▪ No PFAS 8 Staff Recommendations Staff support recommendation of approval for the RRISD ILA for the following reasons ▪ State law allows school districts to enter into agreements with municipalities to define site development regulations ▪ Precedents set by previously approved school ILAs must be provided to other schools seeking ILAs if desired and without discrimination. ▪ Environmental protections are still applicable and meet the specific needs of the school district. 9 Proposed Timeline Boards and Commissions Date Environmental Commission January 7th, 2026 Planning Commission January …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: January 7th, 2026 South Shore PUD Addition, C814-2008-0087.02 Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Michael Whellan) LOCATION: 1705 South Lakeshore Blvd, Austin, Texas 78741 COUNCIL DISTRICT: 3 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, 512-963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.com WATERSHED: Urban Watershed, Lady Bird Lake Watershed REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: The applicant proposes to amend a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD). This is amendment #2. Recommended with conditions. Development associated with the addition of 1.4 acres to South Shore PUD (C814-2008-0087.02), located at 1705 South Lakeshore Blvd, shall comply with the following requirements. a. Development will comply with the 2025 City of Austin’s Green Building Program at a 3-star level. b. No new code modifications to environmental regulations will be sought. c. Except as modified by the PUD, the development will develop to current code. Commented [LJ1]: The street is named “South Lakeshore” to distinguish from Lakeshore Dr. so you have to spell out South. Commented [LJ2]: D3, no?
South Shore PUD Amendment C814-2008-0087.02 Austin Watershed Protection | January 7, 2026 South Shore PUD C814-2008-0087 2 Existing PUD Lady Bird Lake Lakeshore Blvd ▪ Original PUD approved in 2008 for 19.3- acre area ▪ Code modification to allow construction of regional stormwater pond in CWQZ ▪ 100 acres of off-site water quality treatment ▪ 3-star AEGB ▪ Exceed landscaping requirements by 10% ▪ Plant material 80% (native & adapted)/ 20% non-invasive 3 Proposed Addition ▪ 1.4-acre addition ▪ No floodplain, CEFs ▪ Small portion of CWQZ ▪ Applicant requests building height of 180' Lady Bird Lake Proposed Addition Lakeshore Blvd Regional Stormwater Pond In CWQZ 4 Staff Recommendations Staff recommends approval of the PUD with the following conditions ▪ There will be no additional environmental code modifications allowed with the new addition ▪ The development associated with the new addition will use the 2025 3-Star AEGB standards ▪ As otherwise specifically modified by the PUD ordinance, the development will comply with current code. 5 Thank you! Sean Watson Environmental Program Coordinator Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov Austin Watershed Protection
EXHIBIT "A" SCHOOL DISTRICT LAND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT This School District Land Development Standards Interlocal Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into the by the City of Austin (“City”) and Round Rock Independent School District (“School District”). Where required, the provisions of this Agreement shall also be considered ordinances issued by the City in compliance with its general powers and under the Texas Local Government Code (“LGC”). WHEREAS, the City recognizes that the School District owns its Educational Facility where it prepares students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in college, career, and life for decades to come, and that ownership and longevity of use of this Facility are major influential factors in agreeing to the terms contained within this Agreement; WHEREAS, the City and the School District are both political subdivisions of the State of Texas such that certain limits apply to municipal regulation of school district construction of Educational Facility; WHEREAS, Section 212.902 of the Texas Local Government Code provides that a municipality and a school district may enter into an agreement to establish review fees, review periods, land development standards ordinances and to provide alternative water pollution control methodologies for school buildings; WHEREAS, the City and the School District both desire that children living within their mutual jurisdictions should be educated in a high quality Educational Facility; WHEREAS, the City and the School District acknowledge and agree that a uniform set of land development standards applicable to the School District Educational Facility both (i) allows for the School District to more effectively construct its Educational Facility in a timely manner at a lower cost of taxpayer dollars, and (ii) provides superior protections for the health, safety, and welfare of City residents. NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the City and the School District, pursuant to the laws of the state, hereto agree as follows: ARTICLE I: ORDINANCE COMPLIANCE AND MODIFICATION 1.1. City Ordinances and Rules. The terms of this Agreement and the exhibits attached hereto shall supersede any conflicting requirements of the City’s code of ordinances and adopted rules (“City Code”). Otherwise, City Code shall apply to School District development, except that no School District Educational Facility complying with prior agreements of City Code shall be considered a nonconforming use of noncomplying structure by the City if it complies with the terms of any such agreement or City Code, including through the granting of any related …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025 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 Elizabeth Funk, (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@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 November 5, 2025. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: Arbor View Subdivision; C8-2025-0085.0A Applicant: Mirza Baig, PE; Terrence Irion Location: 4316 Far West Blvd, Austin, TX 78731 Council District: District 10 Staff: Mike McDougal Environmental Policy Program Manager Austin Development Services 512-974-6380 mike.mcdougal@ausintexas.gov Applicant request: Variance request is as follows: a. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-301 to allow construction of a driveway on slopes over 15% b. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-302 to allow construction of buildings on slopes over 15% c. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-423 to exceed the 30% net site area watershed impervious cover limit and to allow 3900 square feet of impervious cover Staff Recommendation: Staff does not recommend this variance, having determined that the findings of fact have not been met. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 3. Update on the Artificial Turf working group by Chair Brisol. 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 (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth Funk at …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 5, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Annie Fierro, Justin Fleury, Mar Moretta-Urdiales, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jennifer Bristol Commissioners Absent: Martin Luecke, Allison Morrison PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Anne Oitzinger, 360 expansion and heritage trees Kimery Duda, Exposition School 2025 Public Benefit APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 15, 2025. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 15, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Luecke and Morrison were absent. Commissioner Bristol was off the dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the 2025 Texas Legislative Session. Presentation by Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Austin Watershed Protection. Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation, discussion, and action regarding Artificial Turf water quality considerations. Presentation by Liz Johnston, Environmental Officer, Austin Watershed Protection. Speakers: Liz Johnston, Environmental Officer Bobby Levinski, Save Our Springs Roy Waley, Sierra Club A recommendation related to Artificial Turf water quality considerations, including creating a working group with Commissioners Bristol, Fleury, Krueger, Moretta-Urdiales, and Sullivan, passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Changsut’s second, on an 8–0 vote. Commissioner Fleury abstained. Commissioners Luecke and Morrison were absent. Approve the creation of a working group to develop recommendations for the 2026- 2027 City of Austin Budget. A motion to create a working group on the 2027 city budget as it relates to the Environmental Commission purview with Commissioners Changsut, Brimer, Qureshi, and Sullivan, passed on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Luecke and Morrison were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Fierro requested a staff presentation on the renovations at Northwest Park duck pond and the short and long term solutions. Commissioner Brimer seconded. Commissioner Fleury requested a presentation on noise pollution, particularly as related to roadways. Commissioner Krueger seconded. ADJOURNMENT Chair Bristol adjourned the meeting at 8:21 pm without objection. 2
November 17, 2025 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION VARIANCE APPLICATION FORM PROJECT DESCRIPTION Applicant Contact Information Name of Applicant Street Address City State ZIP Code Work Phone E-Mail Address Terry Irion 13215 Bee cave Parkway, Suite A-230 Austin, Texas 78738 512-615-6653 Terry.irion@sprouselaw.com Variance Case Information Case Name Case Number Address or Location Environmental Reviewer Name Environmental Resource Management Reviewer Name Applicable Ordinance Watershed Name Watershed Classification Arbor View Subdivision C8-2025-0085.0A 4316 Far West Blvd., Austin, Texas 78731 Mohamad Abdulkader Liz Johnston 25-8-301 Bull Creek Watershed ☐Urban ☐Water Supply Rural ☐ Suburban █ Water Supply Suburban ☐ Barton Springs Zone City of Austin | Environmental Commission Variance Application Guide 1 November 17, 2025 Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone ☐ Barton Springs Segment ☐ Northern Edwards Segment █ Not in Edwards Aquifer Zones Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Distance to Nearest Classified Waterway ☐ Yes █ No 1,300 lineal feet Water and Waste Water service to be provided by City of Austin Request The variance request is as follows (Cite code references: Variance 25-8- 301 Impervious cover square footage: acreage: percentage: Existing 0 0 0 Proposed 3,900 0.09 15.98 % 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 parcel is a 0.56-acre parcel that fronts on a curbed and guttered public street. All utilities necessary to serve the tract are already built underground in public right-of -way or PUE. There is a storm sewer inlet on the western end of the parcel that discharges storm water from Far West Blvd onto the parcel. The ERI identifies a potential seep in the NW corner of the parcel that will be isolated in a Lot 2 “no build” conservation and drainage easement lot and further protected by a 75’ CEF buffer zone. There is no classified waterway or floodplain on the parcel. The nearest classified waterway and FEMA floodplain is Bull Creek, which is 1,300 lineal feet from the subject Property, as depicted in Exhibit 9. No water quality is proposed for this one lot single family residence because there will be less than 5,000 sqft of proposed impervious cover. The parcel has steep slopes which fall somewhere over 50’ from the front of the parcel to the rear of the parcel. Accordingly, net site area as calculated in Section 25-8-62 is …
November 17, 2025 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION VARIANCE APPLICATION FORM PROJECT DESCRIPTION Applicant Contact Information Name of Applicant Street Address City State ZIP Code Work Phone E-Mail Address Terry Irion 13215 Bee Cave Parkway, Suite A-2320 Austin, Texas 78738 512-615-6653 Terry.irion@sprouselaw.com Variance Case Information Case Name Case Number Address or Location Environmental Reviewer Name Environmental Resource Management Reviewer Name Applicable Ordinance Watershed Name Watershed Classification Arbor View Subdivision C8-2025-0085.0A 4316 Far West Blvd., Austin, Texas 78731 Mohamad Abdulkader Liz Johnston 25-8-302 Bull Creek Watershed ☐Urban ☐Water Supply Rural ☐ Suburban █ Water Supply Suburban ☐ Barton Springs Zone City of Austin | Environmental Commission Variance Application Guide 1 November 17, 2025 Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone ☐ Barton Springs Segment ☐ Northern Edwards Segment █ Not in Edwards Aquifer Zones Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Distance to Nearest Classified Waterway ☐ Yes █ No 1,300 lineal feet Water and Waste Water service to be provided by City of Austin Request The variance request is as follows (Cite code references: Variance 25-8- 302 Impervious cover square footage: acreage: percentage: Existing 0 0 0 Proposed 3,900 0.09 15.89 % 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 parcel is a 0.56-acre parcel that fronts on a curbed and guttered public street. All utilities necessary to serve the tract are already built underground in public right-of -way or PUE. There is a storm sewer inlet on the western end of the parcel that discharges storm water from Far West Blvd onto the parcel. The ERI identifies a potential seep in the NW corner of the parcel that will be isolated in a Lot 2 “no build” conservation and drainage easement lot and further protected by a 75’ CEF buffer zone. There is no classified waterway or floodplain on the parcel. The nearest classified waterway and FEMA floodplain is Bull Creek, which is 1,300 lineal feet from the subject Property, as depicted in Exhibit 7. No water quality is proposed for this one lot single family residence because there will be less than 5,000 sqft of proposed impervious cover. The parcel has steep slopes which fall somewhere over 50’ from the front of the parcel to the rear of the parcel. Accordingly, net site area as calculated in Section 25-8-62 is …
November 17, 2025 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION VARIANCE APPLICATION FORM PROJECT DESCRIPTION Applicant Contact Information Name of Applicant Street Address City State ZIP Code Work Phone E-Mail Address Terry Irion 13215 Bee Cave Parkway, Suite A-230 Austin, Texas 78738 512-615-6653 Terry.irion@sprouselaw.com Variance Case Information Case Name Case Number Address or Location Environmental Reviewer Name Environmental Resource Management Reviewer Name Applicable Ordinance Watershed Name Watershed Classification Arbor View Subdivision C8-2025-0085.0A 4316 Far West Blvd., Austin, Texas 78731 Mohamad Abdulkader Liz Johnston 25-8-423 Bull Creek Watershed ☐Urban ☐Water Supply Rural ☐ Suburban █ Water Supply Suburban ☐ Barton Springs Zone City of Austin | Environmental Commission Variance Application Guide 1 November 17, 2025 Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone ☐ Barton Springs Segment ☐ Northern Edwards Segment █ Not in Edwards Aquifer Zones Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Distance to Nearest Classified Waterway ☐ Yes █ No 1,300 lineal feet Water and Waste Water service to be provided by City of Austin Request The variance request is as follows (Cite code references: Variance 25-8- 423 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) Existing 0 0 0 Proposed 3,900 0.09 15.98 % The parcel is a 0.56-acre parcel that fronts on a curbed and guttered public street. All utilities necessary to serve the tract are already built underground in public right-of -way or PUE. There is a storm sewer inlet on the western end of the parcel that discharges storm water from Far West Blvd onto the parcel. The ERI identifies a potential seep in the NW corner of the parcel that will be isolated in a Lot 2 “no build” conservation and drainage easement lot and further protected by a 75’ CEF buffer zone. There is no classified waterway or floodplain on the parcel. The nearest classified waterway and FEMA floodplain is Bull Creek, which is 1,300 lineal feet from the subject Property, as depicted in Exhibit 9. No water quality is proposed for this one lot single family residence because there will be less than 5,000 sqft of proposed impervious cover. The parcel has steep slopes which fall somewhere over 50’ from the front of the parcel to the rear of the parcel. Accordingly, net site area as calculated in Section 25-8-62 is …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: 12/3/2025 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Arbor View Subdivision; C8-2025-0085.0A Mirza Baig, PE; Terrence Irion LOCATION: 4316 Far West Blvd, Austin, TX 78731 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 10 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: Mike McDougal Environmental Policy Program Manager Austin Development Services 512-974-6380 mike.mcdougal@ausintexas.gov Bull Creek Watershed Water Supply Suburban Drinking Water Protection Zone Variance request is as follows: 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-301 to allow construction of a driveway on slopes over 15% 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-302 to allow construction of buildings on slopes over 15% 3. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-423 to exceed the 30% net site area watershed impervious cover limit and to allow 3900 square feet of impervious cover Page 2 of 2 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff does not recommend this variance, having determined that the findings of fact have not been met. STAFF CONDITIONS: 1. Impervious cover shall be limited to 3,900 sq ft for “Lot 1” and 0 sq ft for “Lot 2”. 2. Prior to issuance of the COA building permit, the applicant must have an approved COA exemption for detention of 3,900 sq ft of impervious cover and an easement. 3. The detention will be maintained in accordance with COA requirements. 4. Slab-on-grade foundation construction is not allowed. The foundation and driveway must be constructed using piers. Any grading exceeding four feet of depth or construction on slopes exceeding 15% will require Land Use Commission variances in accordance with applicable Land Development Code regulations. 5. The design and construction of structures on the lot must be based on the recommendations from a slope stability analysis performed by a licensed geotechnical engineer, as verified by the City. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Arbor View Subdivision Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance (current Code) Variance Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-301 to allow construction of a driveway on slopes over 15%; and Request to vary from LDC 25-8-302 to allow construction of buildings on slopes over 15% A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements; Yes - current Code generally restricts development to slopes of 15% or less. All applicants …
ARBOR VIEW SUBDIVISION 4316 FAR WEST BLVD C8-2025-0085.0A Mike McDougal Environmental Policy Program Manager Austin Development Services OUTLINE 2 Vicinity Map Variance Requests Property Data Variance Recommendation Synopsis Additional Considerations Site Constraints Variance Conditions VICINITY MAP North of the river Located between Loop 360 and Mopac 3 North NTS 4 North NTS PROPERTY DATA Bull Creek Watershed Water Supply Suburban Watershed Classification Drinking Water Protection Zone Located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone 5 PROPERTY DATA Council District 10 Steep topography Predominantly slopes over 25% Currently undeveloped PROPERTY DATA 6 SYNOPSIS 7 0.56-acre subdivision located approximately 0.4 miles west of the Far West Blvd and Mesa Dr The property is unplatted North NTS SYNOPSIS 8 The applicant proposes to plat a two lot subdivision One lot will be a Critical Environmental Feature lot and will not be developed The other lot will be a single family lot North NTS Critical Environmental Feature Lot Single Family Lot SITE CONSTRAINTS The property slopes to the north (away from the Right of Way) The majority of the slopes are greater than 25% (50% to 80%) 9 North NTS Drainage Drainage SITE CONSTRAINTS LDC 25-8-301 limits the construction of driveways on slopes over 15% The applicant proposes to construct a driveway on slopes over 15% 10 North NTS Drainage Drainage SITE CONSTRAINTS LDC 25-8-302 limits the construction of buildings on slopes over 15% The applicant proposes to construct a building on slopes over 15% 11 North NTS Drainage Drainage SITE CONSTRAINTS LDC 25-8-423 limits watershed impervious cover to 30% of net site area Net site area = ~775 sq ft 30% x 775 sq ft = ~232 sq ft 12 North NTS The watershed impervious cover limit is ~232 sq ft Drainage Drainage The applicant proposes 3900 sq ft of impervious cover VARIANCE REQUESTS Variance requests are as follows: 13 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-301 to allow the construction of a driveway on slopes over 15% 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-302 to allow the construction of buildings on slopes over 15% 3. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-423 to exceed the 30% net site area watershed impervious cover limit and to allow 3900 square feet of impervious cover VARIANCE RECOMMENDATION 14 Staff does …
. RECOMMENDATION TO LAND USE COMMISSION Environmental Commission Recommendation Number: 20251203-002: Arbor View Subdivision; C8-2025-0085.0A WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is seeking variance requests from LDC 25-8-301 to allow construction of a driveway on slopes over 15%, LDC 25-8-302 to allow construction of buildings on slopes over 15%, and LDC 25-8-423 to exceed the 30% net site area watershed impervious cover limit and to allow 3900 square feet of impervious cover; and WHEREAS, the property is located in the Bull Creek Watershed, in the Drinking Water Protection Zone, and the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff does not recommend this variance, having determined that the findings of fact have not been met; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that approval of these variances could set a precedent on how slopes and other environmental features can be built upon in the future. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Environmental Commission recommends denial of the requested variance. If these variances are granted by the Zoning & Platting Commission, the Environmental Commission recommends that the following conditions be adopted: Staff conditions: 1. Impervious cover shall be limited to 3,900 sq ft for “Lot 1” and 0 sq ft for “Lot 2”. 2. Prior to issuance of the COA building permit, the applicant must have an approved COA site plan exemption for detention of 3,900 sq ft of impervious cover and an easement. 3. The detention will be maintained in accordance with COA requirements. 4. Slab-on-grade foundation construction is not allowed. The foundation and driveway must be constructed using piers. Any grading exceeding four feet of depth or construction on slopes exceeding 15% will require Land Use Commission variances in accordance with applicable Land Development Code regulations. 5. The design and construction of structures on the lot must be based on the recommendations from a slope stability analysis performed by a licensed geotechnical engineer, as verified by the City. . As well, the Environmental Commission recommends the following conditions: 1. No additional fill or leveling in the future on the property. 2. No future additional grading on the property unless for the use of emergency maintenance to the structure. 3. Current and additional construction cannot harm the groundwater seeps. 4. Any additional future changes to the structure and land use shall come before the Environmental Commission. 5. Additional landscaping on the property will be prohibited. Date …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2025 AT 11:00 AM 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 Elizabeth Funk, (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut Annie Fierro CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Justin Fleury Martin Luecke 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 Urban Forestry Committee Regular meeting on September 16, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Discuss strategies to implement Environmental Commission recommendation 20241204- 004, related to supporting Austin’s Urban Forest– Richard Brimer, Urban Forestry Committee Chair Discuss 2026 Urban Forestry meeting schedule– Richard Brimer, Urban Forestry Committee Chair 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 Elizabeth Funk at Austin Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Elizabeth Funk, (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2025 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 Elizabeth Funk, (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@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 October 15, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion, and action regarding Artificial Turf water quality considerations. Presentation by Liz Johnston, Environmental Officer, Austin Watershed Protection. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Staff briefing regarding the 2025 Texas Legislative Session. Presentation by Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Austin Watershed Protection. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve the creation of a working group to develop recommendations for the 2026-2027 City of Austin Budget. 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 Elizabeth Funk at Austin Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Elizabeth Funk, (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.govDRAFT
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Environmental Commission Recommendation Number: 20251105-002: Artificial Turf Water Quality Considerations WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission received a staff presentation and report from Watershed Protection regarding the impacts of artificial turf grass on water quality, the environment and Austin residents; and WHEREAS, the Watershed Protection staff has identified several concerns regarding the use of artificial turf, including: • worsening the urban heat island effect • polluting the environment with micro-plastics, PFAs, and heavy metals • reversal of perceived water conservation due to the need to clean and cool the turf down with water, particularly on sports fields • high installation costs • public health impacts such as increased concussions or injuries, childhood cancer, etc. • negative effects on soil health • • increased stormwater runoff Increased landfill waste • Hidden maintenance costs • increased erosion • Negative effects on overall tree canopy and soil health • Increased impervious cover; and WHEREAS, the Watershed Protection staff also identified that natural sod requires periodic soil aeration or replacement, irrigation (with or without reclaimed water), and sometimes involves fertilization. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Environmental Commission recommends: • The City of Austin ban the use of artificial turf, with the option to make exceptions in special circumstances where mitigating environmental conditions are met, or artificial turf is the only way to address accessibility issues . • • • • The City of Austin initiate a code amendment to define artificial turf as impervious cover in city code The City of Austin explores conducting an analysis of any commercial spaces and residential lots currently using impervious cover, to assess whether they are out of compliance with their allowed impervious cover limits The City of Austin creates a residential and commercial education campaign about the environmental and health impacts of artificial turf grass, and xeric and native planting alternatives that exist, and explore an opt-in buyback program for artificial turf The Environmental Commission creates a working group to further investigate possible regulations around artificial turf. Date of Approval: November 5, 2025 Motioned By: Mariana Krueger Seconded By: Isabella Changsut Vote: 8-0 For: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Annie Fierro, Mar Moretta-Urdiales, David Sullivan Against: None Abstain: Justin Fleury Off the dais: None Absent: Martin Luecke and Allison Morriso Attest: __________________________________________ Jennifer Bristol, Chair
