Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission May 18, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. Permitting and Development Center, Events Center, Room 1406 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register to speak remotely, call or email the board liaison Kaela Champlin, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi (D-1) Rachel Scott (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Melinda Schiera (D-4) Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Chair Audrey Barrett Bixler (D-5) Ana Aguirre (D-9) Colin Nickells (D-6) Richard Brimer (D-10) Jennifer Bristol (D-7) Secretary Perry Bedford (Mayor) Vice-Chair _________________________________________________________________________________ Agenda CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1 1. 2. 3. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the May 4, 2022 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER UPDATES a. Update on Samsung wastewater spill—Katie Coyne, Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department (5 minutes) ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Discuss and consider an ordinance amending Title 25 of the City Code related to floodplain regulations. City Staff: Kevin Shunk and Jameson Courtney, Watershed Engineering Division Manager, Watershed Protection Department (30 minutes) b. Discuss and consider a recommendation on proposed changes to City Land Development Code Title 25 (§ 25-1, § 25-2, § 25-8) to address challenges to the successful design and construction of public mobility projects in the right-of-way (30 minutes) PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Name: 1881 Westlake Drive, SP-2021-0349D Applicant: Joseph William Lee Location: 1881 Westlake Drive, Austin, Texas 78746 Council District: District 8 Staff: Eric Brown, Senior Environmental Scientist, Watershed Protection Department Watershed: Lake Austin and Bee Creek watersheds, Water Supply …
Atlas 14 – Commercial Redevelopment Exception Watershed Protection Department Environmental Commission | May 18, 2022 Floodplain Regulations Update What floodplain rules did we update? What floodplain rules do we recommend updating now? 2 What floodplain rules did we update? Most significant update to our floodplain rules in their 36-year history Goal of updated rules: Protect our residents from flooding based on a better understanding of flood risk with new rainfall information Updated four basic elements of rules • Floodplain definitions • Residential redevelopment exception • Colorado River exception • Freeboard 3 Floodplain Definitions Regulatory 100-yr floodplain = Current FEMA 500-yr floodplain Regulatory 25-yr floodplain = Old COA 100-yr floodplain • Maintain the City’s level of flood protection • Limit construction of new buildings in areas with known flood risk during re- mapping process • Interim definitions until floodplains are re-mapped in 2 - 3 years 4 Residential Redevelopment Exception Administrative approval process floodplain if: 1. Replacement or modification of an existing residential building 2. Does not increase number of dwelling units 3. Finished floor elevation is at least 2 feet above the 100-year floodplain 4. No adverse flooding impact If these 4 conditions are met, the safe access requirement is waived Purpose • Incentivizes development that decreases flood risk • 80% of buildings in the 100-year floodplain are residential • Doesn’t increase the number of dwelling units at risk of flooding • Opens up opportunity for grant Existing condition Re-developed condition funding 5 Option for Minor Improvements to Residential Buildings Administrative approval process for an addition to a residential building in the floodplain if: 1. Finished floor elevation of the addition is at least 2 feet above the 100-year floodplain 2. Not a substantial improvement 3. No adverse flooding impact If these 3 conditions are met, the safe access requirement is waived 6 Colorado River Exception The previous exception allowed for a building to encroach in the 100-year floodplain if it was: • Downstream of Longhorn Dam • Along Lady Bird Lake New rule expands this exception to include: • Lake Austin • Lake Travis (within COA jurisdiction) Lake Travis Purpose • Provide uniform regulations along Colorado River • Colorado River flooding is not flash flooding like rest of City Lake Austin Lady Bird Lake Colorado River downstream of Longhorn Dam 7 7 Freeboard Increase the minimum height between a building’s finished floor and the 100-year floodplain from 1 ft …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 DRAFT HAS NOT RECEIVED FINAL REVIEW BY LAW DEPARTMENT PART 1. City Code Section 25-7-93 (General Exceptions) is amended to read as follows: § 25-7-93 GENERAL EXCEPTIONS. (A) A development application with a proposed building or parking area that encroaches on the 100-year floodplain may be approved if the encroachment is: (1) a parking area that is smaller than 5,000 square feet or an unoccupied structure that has an area of less than 1,000 square feet, and the director determines that the proposed development: (a) will not have an adverse effect on the 100-year floodplain or surrounding properties; and (b) otherwise complies with the requirements of this title; (2) a new building for residential use that replaces an existing legally constructed building for residential use on the same property and that does not increase the number of legal dwelling units on the property; (3) a new building for commercial use that replaces an existing legally constructed building for commercial use on the same property and: (a) (b) does not increase the building square footage on the property; does not include the following uses as they are defined in the International Building Code: (i) E (Educational); (ii) F (Factory); (iii) H (High Hazard); or (iv) I (Institutional); and Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 DRAFT HAS NOT RECEIVED FINAL REVIEW BY LAW DEPARTMENT (c) does not increase the flood level of parking spaces within the 100-year floodplain unless additional parking is required by another section of this title. (4)[(3)] a building authorized by a waterway development permit issued under Chapter 9-10 before September 25, 1983; or (5)[(4)] a building in the 100-year floodplain of: (b) the Colorado River downstream from Longhorn Dam; (a) Lady Bird Lake; (c) Lake Austin; or (d) Lake Travis. (B) To be approved under this section, development must: (1) be no lower than two feet above the 100-year floodplain, as measured from the lowest floor elevation of any proposed building; (2) (3) (4) comply with the requirements in Chapter 25-12, Article 1, Section 25-12-3 Appendix G (Flood Resistant Construction) and Section 1612 (Flood Loads); compensate for the floodplain …
Summary of Proposed Code Changes for floodplain regulations commercial redevelopment exception May 2022 Description 25-7-93 (A), General Exceptions, add a new subsection (3) 25-7-96, Requirements in the 25-year Floodplain, add a new subsection (D) Current Status/Concern Proposed commercial redevelopment likely requires City Council floodplain variance/timely and costly process for small-scale redevelopment Exceptions to floodplain regulations in the 25-year floodplain Proposed Improvement Provide administrative process to approve commercial redevelopment that reduces flood risk compared to existing condition Companion to the proposed revision above for development in the 25-year floodplain Advantage Reduce uncertainty and costs for small- scale commercial redevelopment in the floodplain Same as above
RESOLUTION NO. 20220303-028 WHEREAS, in August 2016, City Council approved Resolution No. 20160818-07 4 that expressed Council's intent to contract with voters for a Mobility Bond election in November 2016 and directed the City Managerto analyze existing capital project delivery systems and processes in order to recommend potential changes and resource requirements to complete the bond program within eight years from initiation; and WHEREAS, in March 2019, City Council approved Resolution No. 20190328-040 that affirmed the City of Austin's desire to construct as many miles of progressive multi-modal mobility infrastructure as quickly as it can to facilitate congestion relief, safety, and environmental stewardship, and encouraged the City Manager to form a steering committee of representatives from relevant departments to align resources, priorities, and policies that support an accelerated timetable for planned bicycle, scooter, transit, sidewalks, and tier one urban trail and, infrastructure projects; WHEREAS, in August 2019, City Council approved Resolution N o. 20190808-081 that directed the City Manager to analyze and report on options for the City to leverage resources to support the creation, operation, and maintenance of a high-capacity transit system; and, WHEREAS, in August 2020, City Council approved Resolution N o. 20200807-003 that expressed Council's intent to contract with the voters for a citywide rapid transit system (to be known as "Project Connect") that will include four MetroRapid lines to be constructed and operational within five years, and two light rail lines to be constructed within and operational ten years; and, Page 1 of 5 WHEREAS, in August 2020, City Council approved Resolution No. 20200812-011 that expressed Council's intent to contract with the voters fora Mobility Bond election in November 2020, and directed the City Manager to analyze existing capital project delivery systems and processes in order to recommend potential changes and resource requirements to accelerate project delivery and maximize the number ofprojects to be completed within six years; and, WHEREAS, in October 2021, City Council approved Resolution No. 20211029-003 that directed the City Manager to review City Code, including, but not limited to, the Land Development Code, Criteria Manuals, and permitting procedures to identify impediments to the design, construction, implementation, and operation of Project Connect, and to present any Code amendments necessary to City Council no later than April 2022; and, WHEREAS, public mobility projects in the right-of-way offer tremendous community benefits, including improved multimodal access and accessibility for individuals with disabilities, enhanced life safety, greater …
Summary of Proposed Changes Type of Change Clarify (Exemptions) of City Code Chapter 25-2, amend Subchapter E 3 25-8-211 (Water Quality Control Requirement) 4 25-8-214 (Optional Payment Instead of Structural Controls in Urban Watersheds) Description Current Status/Concern Proposed Improvement Advantage 1 25-1-112 Fiscal Security, add a new Subsection (F) Fiscal security is primarily intented for private development. The City has other existing mechanisms in place to accomplish the intent of this section for public projects. Clarify that a public project is not required to post fiscal security under this title. Provides clarity for project sponsors, design teams, and Code reviewers. 2 Section 1.2.4. Clarify Public right-of-way is not zoned land. Provides clarity for project sponsors, design teams, and Code reviewers. Clarify that roadway rights-of-way are not subject to zoning and land use rules. Policy Current requirements for calculating impervious cover do not allow a credit for removal of existing impervious. Calculations are done on a "site" basis, translation of site to linear projects in the right-of-way needed. A single mobility project may cross multiple watersheds. Policy Roadway projects have limited land area available to provide space for water quality controls within the right-of-way and vacant land is not always available for purchase. Revise procedure for water quality calculations to be determined on a watershed basis rather than for the total mobility project area and to allow for a credit for the removal of existing impervious cover. Removes barriers to the delivery of critical safety and mobility improvements. Reduces reliance on waivers and variances. Translates code written for commercial development to mobility projects in the right-of-way. 5 25-8-262 (Critical Water Quality Zone Street Crossings) Clarify Current requirements are not clear that rail lines, like roadways, are able to cross critical water quality zones. Creates a Public Mobility Projects Structural Control Fund for payment-in-lieu of built improvements in all watersheds of the City except the Barton Springs Zone. The payment shall be based on a formula established by the Council. As funds accumulate, they City can best direct the use of funds for the design and construction of water quality control facilities. Clarify definitions of types of roadways and that railways have the same ability to cross critical water quality zones as roadways. 6 25-8-341 (Cut Requirements) Clarify Current requirements are not clear that rail lines, like roadways, are able to cross critical water quality zones. Clarify that railways have the …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: May 18, 2022 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: 1881 Westlake Drive SP-2021-0349D NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Joseph William Lee LOCATION: 1881 Westlake Drive COUNCIL DISTRICT: District #8 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Eric Brown, Senior Environmental Scientist Watershed Protection Department, Eric.Brown@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: Lake Austin and Bee Creek watersheds, Water Supply Rural, Drinking Water Protection Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) to allow the construction within 150-foot of a rimrock Critical Environmental Feature (CEF). Staff recommends this variance with conditions, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. Remove existing boat dock and access path as specified on plans; restore disturbed areas per City Standard Specification 609S. All construction to occur via barge. Staff Findings of Fact Watershed Protection Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name & Case Number: 1881 Westlake Drive SP-2021-0349D Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) - To allow construction within 150 feet of a Rimrock Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) . Include an explanation with each applicable finding of fact. A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. 2. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes. A variance from 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) allowing for construction of a boat dock and shoreline access has been granted for similarly situated properties with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code. The variance: a) Is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance; Yes. No disturbance of the rimrock CEF is proposed, all proposed construction activities are to occur downgradient of the rimrock CEFs, and construction is to occur from the lakeside by barge. The proposed construction to be performed from a barge provides greater overall environmental protection. b) Is the minimum deviation from the code requirement necessary to allow a reasonable use of the property; Yes. The variance is the minimum deviation from the code requirement to allow for a reasonable use of the property. The code requires a 150-foot critical environmental feature buffer. This buffer is not being reduced. The scope of the variance is limited to allowing construction activities …
1881 WESTLAKE DRIVE – BOAT DOCK REPLACEMENT SP-2021-0349D Eric Brown Hydrogeologic Reviewer Watershed Protection Department PROPERTY DATA • LAKE AUSTIN AND BEE CREEK WATERSHEDS • WATER SUPPLY RURAL CLASSIFICATION • CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES ON SITE • COUNCIL DISTRICT 8 BACKGROUND • • • BOAT DOCK ON THE LAKE NEAR RIMROCK DEMOLITION AND REPLACEMENT OF EXISTING BOAT DOCK CODE REFERENCE •TITLE 25 – LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 25-8-281(C)(2)(B). VARIANCE REQUEST REQUEST TO VARY FROM LDC 25-8- 281(C)(2)(B) TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION WITHIN 150-FOOT OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURE (CEF) BUFFERS. Rimrock 1 Rimrock 2 Rimrock 3 Rimrock 4 VARIANCE RECOMMENDATION FINDING OF FACTS HAVE BEEN MET. STAFF RECOMMENDS THE APPROVAL OF THIS VARIANCE WITH THE CONDITION THAT ALL CONSTRUCTION BE COMPLETED BY BARGE. QUESTIONS?
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: 5/18/2022 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Crossroads Logistics Center Additions (SP-2021-0169D) Crossroad Logistics Center Additions (Steve Jamison) LOCATION: 8500 East Parmer Lane, Manor, Texas 78653 COUNCIL DISTRICT: ETJ ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Tunde Daramola, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, DSD, 512-974-6316, Babatunde.Daramola@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITIONS: Gilleland Creek Watershed, Suburban, Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill over 4feet up to 17feet Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. Increase setback area by a minimum of 1.09acre for existing CEF. Preserve trees/natural areas. Apply City of Austin Landscaping Ordinance on ETJ site. Increase tree inches on site/mitigation. Provide structural containment of fill with a retaining wall. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: Crossroads Logistics Center Additions To allow for fill exceeding 4 feet up to 17 feet for building construction Include an explanation with each applicable finding of fact. 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 similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes. The variance will not be providing a special privilege to the applicant. The proposed buildings are similar in size to similarly situated property. In order to facilitate this type of development, significant levelling is required to enhance maneuverability into the loading docks, allowing trucks to operate safely on site. The limits of the fill do extend beyond the building as shown in the cut/fill exhibit but is contained with a retaining wall structure designed in conjunction with the building walls, so the building is supported. Prior projects in this industrial development zone had a similar situation. A prime example is Park 183 Buildings 6 & 7, SP-2021-0072C. A Land Use Commission variance was granted to LDC 25-8-342 to allow cut and fill up to 17 feet. 2. The variance: a) Is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance; Yes. The industrial use for this project requires level loading docks, parking, and …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS ORDINANCE NO. Item #94 5/19/22 CPO AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE TITLE 25 RELATING TO REGULATION OF PUBLIC MOBILITY PROJECTS IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY; AND ESTABLISHING AN OPTIONAL PAYMENT RELATED TO WATER QUALITY CONTROLS FOR PUBLIC MOBILITY PROJECTS IN THE RIGHT- OF-WAY. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: PART 1. City Code Section 25-1-21 (Definitions) is amended to add a new definition for “public mobility project” and to renumber the subsequent definitions accordingly: (88) PUBLIC MOBILITY PROJECT means a transportation project, including a multi-use trail, rail or transit line, or street, funded by a public entity and located on publicly owned land or in the right-of-way or a public easement. PART 2. City Code Section 25-1-112 (Fiscal Security) is amended to add a new Subsection (F) to read as follows: (F) A public mobility project in the right-of-way is not required to post fiscal security under this title. PART 3. Section 1.2.4. (Exemptions) of City Code Chapter 25-2, Subchapter E is amended to read as follows: 1.2.4. Exemptions. A. General Exemptions. Except as otherwise provided in this Subchapter, the following types of development are exempt from the requirements of this Subchapter: 1. Development that does not require a site plan under Chapter 25-5, except that Section 2.5 (Exterior Lighting) shall apply; 2. Development in the following zoning districts: Agricultural (AG) district; Aviation (AV) district; and a. b. c. Traditional neighborhood (TN) district; 5/16/2022 5:10 PM Page 1 of 15 COA Law Department 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 3. Development built pursuant to the overlay district provisions of the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) district; 4. Development of a public primary or secondary educational facility; 5. Development built pursuant to the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport Redevelopment Plan; 6. Development of an industrial use or unmanned communication services, construction sales and service, drop-off recycling collection facility, equipment repair or scrap and salvage services use that is not located on a Core Transit Corridor; 7. Interior remodeling of a building. 8. Development for which public access is prohibited due to health, safety and welfare reasons; 9. Development …
Crossroads Logistics Center Additions 1 8500 East Parmer Lane SP-2021-0169D Tunde Daramola Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 2 OUTLINE • Property Data • Synopsis • Existing Conditions • Variance Request • Grading Exhibit • Retaining Structure • Variance Recommendation Property Data • Gilleland Creek Watershed • Suburban Watershed Classification • Desired Development Zone • ETJ • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • No Critical Environmental Features on property 3 North Synopsis 4 • • • • The project consists of three tracts of land equaling 104.23 acres located at the northeast corner of State Hwy 130 and Parmer Lane. Project proposes the construction of four office/warehouse buildings totaling 1,100,480 square feet including water quality ponds, rain garden, wastewater and drainage improvements. Project is in the 2-mile ETJ and lies within a manufacturing corridor with warehouse buildings ranging from 211,680 square feet to 358,400 square feet. Property slopes from 550 feet in the SW corner to 520 feet in the NE corner. 5 North Existing Conditions 6 Ground vegetation is typical grasses, prairie, elm, mesquite, hackberry/ No CEF/CWQZ Variance Request 7 • To allow fill in excess of 4 feet and up to 17 feet within the Desired Development Zone. (LDC 25-8-342) Proposed Site Plan and Grading 8 NTS North Retaining Structure 200’ CEF setback 9 • To structurally contain fill and minimize the amount of grading • Resist lateral pressure of the soil. • Prevent movement of soil downward. Retaining Walls • Enhancing stability. NTSNorth Variance recommendation 10 Staff recommends the variance, having determined that the required findings of fact have been met. Staff also recommends and supports the following conditions in accordance to approved variance exhibits: • Increase setback area by a minimum of 1.09acre for existing CEF. • Preserve trees (not required in the ETJ) • Apply City of Austin Landscaping Ordinance (not required in the ETJ) • Increase tree inches on site/mitigation (not required in the ETJ). • Provide structural containment of fill with a retaining wall (552lf). 11 THANK YOU
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220518-003b Date: May 18, 2022 Seconded by: Kevin Ramberg Subject: Proposed changes to the City Land Development Code Title 25 (§ 25-1, § 25-2, § 25-8) Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission has reviewed the proposed code amendments for the mobility projects in the right-of-way. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the changes to the code where developed in collaboration with eight city departments. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission understands the purpose code changes. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City staff are requesting changes to City Land Development Code Title 25 (§ 25-1, § 25-2, § 25-8) to address challenges to the successful design and construction of public mobility projects in the right-of-way. THEREFORE, Environmental Commission recommends the proposed changes to the City Land Development Code Title 25 (§ 25-1, § 25-2, § 25-8) to address challenges to the successful design and construction of public mobility projects in the right-of-way with the following Env. Commission conditions. Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. Watershed Protection Department report annually to the Env. Commission on the following: a. the public mobility projects that receive administrative variances from impervious cover b. the public mobility projects (and their respective funds) that contributed to the public project limitations, structural control fund, and c. the waters quality improvement projects designed or constructed with these funds. VOTE: 8-3 For: Qureshi, Scott, Schiera, Ramberg, Bristol, Barrett Bixler, Bedford, Nickells Against: Thompson, Aguirre, Brimer Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220518 003a Date: May 18, 2022 Subject: Proposed changes to the Land Development Code § 25-7-93 and 25-7-96 to include a commercial redevelopment exception Seconded by: Kevin Ramberg Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration completed a study of historical rainfall for Texas in 2018 called Atlas 14 that showed that the Austin area is experiencing heavier rainfall more frequently and that the probability of severe flooding is greater than previously realized. WHEREAS, in response, the City of Austin revised its floodplain regulations and adopted interim floodplain maps until a citywide floodplain study could be completed. As part of the revised floodplain regulations, a Residential Redevelopment Exception was created, among other items, to promote redevelopment that reduces flood risk for development residential properties. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City staff are requesting changes to Land Development Code § 25-7-93 and § 25-7-96 to promote flood risk reduction when redeveloping commercial properties. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the proposed changes to Land Development Code § 25-7-93 and § 25-7-96 with the following Environmental Commission Conditions: Environmental Commission Conditions: • Continue to inform the public through outreach and public comment events • Include the high hazard maps for those outreach events. VOTE: 9-2 For: Qureshi, Schiera, Ramberg, Bristol, Barrett Bixler, Aguirre, Thompson, Bedford, and Nickells Against: Brimer and Scott Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220518 004a Date: May 18, 2022 Subject: 1881 Westlake Drive, SP-2021-0349D Seconded by: Perry Bedford Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to vary from LDC 25-8- 281(C)(2)(b) to allow the construction within 150-foot of a rimrock Critical Environmental Feature (CEF). WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Lake Austin and Bee Creek watersheds, Water Supply Rural, Drinking Water Protection Zone. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends this variance with conditions, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following: Staff Conditions: 1. Remove existing boat dock and access path as specified on plans. 2. restore disturbed areas per City Standard Specification 609S. 3. All construction to occur via barge. VOTE: 11-0 For: Bedford, Qureshi, Scott, Thompson, Schiera, Barrett Bixler, Nickells, Bristol, Ramberg, Aguirre, Brimer Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None 1 Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220518 004b Date: May 18, 2022 Subject: Crossroads Logistics Center Additions, SP-2021-0169D Seconded by: Perry Bedford Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill over 4 feet up to 17 feet. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Gilleland Creek, Suburban watershed, Desired Development Zone. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following: Staff Conditions: Increase setback area by a minimum of 1.09 acres for existing CEF. • • Preserve trees/natural areas. • Apply City of Austin Landscaping Ordinance on ETJ site. • • Provide structural containment of fill with a retaining wall. Increase tree inches on-site/mitigation. VOTE 11-0 For: Bedford, Qureshi, Scott, Thompson, Schiera, Barrett Bixler, Nickells, Bristol, Ramberg, Aguirre, Brimer Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 18, 2022 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at the Permitting and Development Center (PDC) Room 1406, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Commissioners attending in person: Haris Qureshi Rachel Scott Melinda Schiera Jen Bristol Kevin Ramberg Ana Aguirre Rick Brimer Audrey Barrett Bixler Commissioner attending remotely: Perry Bedford Pam Thompson Colin Nickells Commissioners absent: None Staff in Attendance: Eric Brown Kaela Champlin John Clement Jameson Courtney Katie Coyne Susan Daniels Tunde Daramola Shamir Dorsey Donna Galati Joydeep Goswami Liz Johnston Mike McDougal Leslie Lilly Kevin Shunk CALL TO ORDER Chair Ramberg called the meeting to order at 6:03 P.M. 1 1. 2. 3. 4. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. None APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the May 4, 2022 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) A motion to approve the May 4, 2022 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes was approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Scott’s second on a 10-0. Commissioner Barrett Bixler was off the dais. ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER UPDATES a. Update on Samsung wastewater spill—Katie Coyne, Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department (5 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Discuss and consider an ordinance amending Title 25 of the City Code related to floodplain regulations. City Staff: Kevin Shunk and Jameson Courtney, Watershed Engineering Division Manager, Watershed Protection Department (30 minutes) A motion to approve the proposed code changes related to floodplain regulations was approved with conditions on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Ramberg’s second on a 9-2 vote. Those voting aye were Commissioners Qureshi, Schiera, Ramberg, Bristol, Barrett Bixler, Aguirre, Thompson, Bedford, and Nickells. Those voting nay were Commissioners Scott and Brimer. b. Discuss and consider a recommendation on proposed changes to City Land Development Code Title 25 (§ 25-1, § 25-2, § 25-8) to address challenges to the successful design and construction of public mobility projects in the right-of-way (30 minutes) A motion to approve the proposed code changes to City Land Development Code Title 25 (§ 25-1, § 25-2, § 25-8) was approved with conditions on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Ramberg’s second on an 8-3 vote. Those voting …
