Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission February 7, 2024 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov no later than noon, the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Peter Einhorn Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary Kevin Ramberg, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Vice Chair PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES PUBLIC HEARINGS Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on January 17, 2023 Name: Sunset Ridge 290 C14-85-288.166(RCA) Applicant: Armbrust & Brown (Richard Suttle) Location: 8401 Southwest Pkwy, Austin, Texas, 78735 Council District: District 8 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512)535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Restrictive Covenant Amendment Staff recommendation: Recommended with conditions DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consider a recommendation requesting that the City of Austin work with a qualified research partner to study the environmental impacts of different vehicle parking options to determine if there are certain levels of parking at which one option might be more than another. Presenter: Hanna Cofer, Environmental environmentally friendly Commission Member Consider a recommendation requesting funds to restore the Polo Field at Zilker Park. Presenter: Richard Brimer, Environmental Commission Member Consider a recommendation concerning updates to the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, Climate Equity Plan, and Austin Equity Plan related to City Council’s resolution 20231109-029 regarding telework policies and resolution 20231102-002 regarding disposal rate goals. Presenter: Haris Qureshi, …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: LOCATION: February 7, 2024 Sunset Ridge 290 C14-85-288.166(RCA) Armbrust & Brown (Richard Suttle) 8401 Southwest Pkwy COUNCIL DISTRICT: 8 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512)535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov Williamson Creek & Barton Creek Watershed/Barton Springs Zone Restrictive Covenant Amendment Staff recommended with conditions. Development associated with C14-85-288.166(RCA), located at 8401 Southwest Pkwy, shall comply with the following requirements. a. Impervious cover limited to 55% gross site area b. Except for impervious cover, the site will comply with current environmental code including SOS non- degradation water quality treatment requirements c. Development will achieve a one-star Austin Energy d. A minimum of 4 public EV charging spaces will be Green Building rating provided on site e. Invasive species will be managed to result in less than 5% cover of any particular species within environmentally superior areas. f. Development will comply with Austin Energy Green Building ST7 Light Pollution Reduction criteria g. Development will comply with Austin Energy Green Building STEL5 Bird Collision Deterrence criteria C14-85-288.166(RCA) 1 RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET DISTRICT: 8 CASE: C14-85-288.166(RCA) – Sunset Ridge ADDRESS: 8401 and 8401 ½ Southwest Parkway SITE AREA: 9.606 acres EXISTING ZONING: GO-CO-NP PROPOSED ZONING: Amendment to Restrictive Covenant PROPERTY OWNER: Los Indios Ventures, Inc. AGENT: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Richard T. Suttle, Jr.) CASE MANAGER: Jonathan Tomko (512-974-1057, jonathan.tomko@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommendation is pending the Affordability Unlocked determination. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: ISSUES: Multifamily residential is not permitted in the general office (GO) district zoning category. However, if Affordability Unlocked is approved, then the Restrictive Covenant may be reviewed under the current (GO) district zoning. CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: Comments are pending until the Affordability Unlocked process has been completed. Site North South East West C14-85-288.166(RCA) 2 EXISTING ZONING AND LAND USES: Zoning Land Uses GO-CO-NP Not applicable Undeveloped Southwest Parkway SF-2-CO-NP; SF-3-NP Single-family residences SF-2-CO-NP Single-family residences; Undeveloped GO-MU-CO-NP; RR-NP Single-family residences NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING AREA: Oak Hill Combined (West Oak Hill) WATERSHED: Williamson Creek – Barton Springs Zone (Contributing Zone) SCHOOLS: Oak Hill Elementary RELATED CASES: SPC-2023-0448C.SH – Site plan is currently in review. ADDITIONAL STAFF COMMENTS: Comprehensive Planning Small Middle School Austin High School Imagine Austin The initiation, termination or amending of a Restrictive Covenant is not under the purview …
Sunset Ridge 8401 Southwest Parkway C 1 4- 8 5- 2 8 8 . 1 6 6 ( R C A ) R e s t r i c t i ve C o ve n a n t A m e n d m e n t L e s l i e L i l l y, E n v i r o n m e n t a l C o n s e r va t i o n P r o g r a m M a n a g e r E n v i r o n m e n t a l C o m m i s s i o n S t a f f P r e s e n t a t i o n F e b r u a r y 7 t h , 2 0 2 4 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Restrictive Covenant Amendments • Re s t r i c t i ve C ove n a n t s ( RC s ) d e f i n e r e s t r i c t i o n s o n p ro p e r t i e s r e l a t e d t o z o n i n g o r o t h e r l a n d d eve l o p m e n t s t a n d a r d s. • O l d e r RC s o f t e n s e t s t a n d a r d s t h a t a r e l e s s r e s t r i c t i ve t h a n c u r r e n t c o d e a l l ow s. • O a k H i l l RC s e s t a bl i s h e d p r i o r t o t h e a d o p t i o n o f t h e …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-004 Second by: Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Environmental Impact Study for Parking in Austin Motion by: Hanna Cofer WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes Austin is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in the United States; and WHEREAS, the most common transportation means remains to be the motor vehicles, either personal or commercial, which require vehicle parking at end destinations; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission understands that hotels, hospitals, cluster or tower housing, schools, shopping centers, parks, sports centers, and businesses still need parking options for their workers and clients to conduct business; and WHEREAS, cities across the United States are turning to sustainable solutions to reduce the environmental impact of parking; and WHEREAS, technology regarding sustainable parking options has advanced significantly in vertical parking structures which reduce the impervious cover footprint. Some of those advancements; green roofs and walls, solar panels on the roof or walls, rain catchment systems and rain gardens, downcast lighting to reduce light pollution, and shade sails which can help reduce the heat; and WHEREAS, there are improved surface parking practices that include; bioswales to reduce runoff and retain the water for onsite trees and vegetation, solar panels that produce energy and offer shade, downcast lighting that reduces light pollution, tree and vegetation configuration that reduces heat island effects, sound and light pollution; and WHEREAS, there are also advancements in recycling cement from older parking structures or parking lots to be considered; THEREFORE, The Environmental Commission requests that the City of Austin work with a qualified research partner to study the environmental impacts of different vehicle parking options. The report should analyze and determine if what are the most environmentally friendly options. 1 of 2 When assessing environmental impacts, the Commission asks that the study include a Life Cycle Assessment that considers all necessary raw material extraction and processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, and final disposal of materials, as well as other considerations including but not limited to its ability to capture/treat stormwater, associated heat island effects, light pollution, and any other environmental impacts. The study should also reflect what types of parking options people prefer. The Environmental Commission desires this report to be a tool for city staff, public space planners, and developers to determine what parking options are environmentally superior in; reducing impervious cover, reducing pollution from runoff during rain events, reducing heat island effects, reducing light pollution, and increasing solar …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-004 Second by: David Sullivan Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Zilker Park Polo Field Restoration Motion by: Richard Brimer WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board passed Recommendation 20230724-5 on July 24, 2023 to eliminate permanent parking on the Zilker Park Polo Field (with exception for overflow for advance-schedule events) and recommended the Austin City Council approve funding for Polo Field Restoration, alternative parking solutions including free shuttles managed by PARD, multi-modal transportation, and establish loading and no loading zones for shuttles and park users. the Environmental Commission passed Recommendation 20230920-004 WHEREAS, requesting the Austin City Council to add money to the Parks and Recreation Department budget for FY2025 budget for the restoration of the Zilker Park Polo Field, ban regular parking on the Zilker Park Polo Field, and add additional parking elsewhere within or near Zilker Park that protects that natural assets in Zilker Park. WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed Ordinance 20231102-028 amending City Code Title 25 to eliminate minimum motor vehicle parking space requirements except for accessible space parking. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Austin Parks and Recreation Department and Parks and Recreation Board request funding from the Austin City Council to restore the Zilker Park Polo Field by adding top soil, planting native grasses, providing for stormwater diversion, and any other steps to prevent further degredation of the Zilker Park Polo Field and ban regular parking on the Zilker Park Polo Field beginning in FY2025. Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Absent: 1 of 2 Attest: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2 of 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-005 Second by: Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Motion by: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the Austin City Council approved Resolution No. 20190808-078, declaring a climate emergency in the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, the Austin City Council approved Ordinance No. 20190411-033 adopting amendments to the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan as an amendment to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, on September 30, 2021 the Austin City Council approved the adoption of the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which sets a new community-wide goal of equitably reaching net- zero community-wed greenhouse gas emissions by 2040; and WHEREAS, on October 24, 2023 the Planning Commission approved an action making recommendations to the Council to initiate amendments to the Climate Equity Plan and the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan related to the City’s telework policies; and WHEREAS, Joint Sustainability Committee approved Recommendation 2024124-002 to add explicit language supporting telework policies ensuring that, whenever appropriate, all City of Austin telework and remote work policies contribute towards the goal of achieving 25% of Austin residents working from home by 2039 and include a strategy to implement a City of Austin telework policy of no less than 85% of eligible City of Austin employees choose to work from home. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Austin City Council adopt the Recommendation of the Joint Sustainability Committee. Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Absent: 1 of 2 Attest: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2 of 2 Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240124-002 Date: January 24, 2024 Subject: Recommendations on amendments to the Ausitn Climate Equity Plan on telework and disposal rate goals Motioned By: Haris Qureshi Seconded By: Anna Scott Recommendation: The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends and supports the following updates to the Austin Climate Equity Plan: 1. Adding language to explicitly support telework policies as outlined in City Council Resolution No. 20231109-029, including ensuring that, whenever appropriate, all new City of Austin telework and remote work policies contribute towards the goal of achieving 25% Austin residents working from home by 2039 and include a strategy to implement a City of Austin telework policy of no less than 85% of eligible City of Austin employees choose work from home. 2. Equity Plan a. The Joint Sustainability Committee further recommends that the Austin Climate 3. Amend Food and Production Consumption Goal 3 on page 75 to reflect the disposal rate goals in the 2023 Austin Resource Recovery Comprehensive …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-002 Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Sunset Ridge 290 C14-85-288.166 (RCA) located at 8401 Southwest Parkway Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: David Sullivan WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a Restrictive Covenant Amendment; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Williamson Creek & Barton Creek Watersheds and Edward Aquifer Zone and Barton Springs Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the Amendment with the following conditions: THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the amendment request with the following staff and Commission conditions: Staff Conditions: Impervious cover limited to 55% gross site area • • Except for impervious cover, the site will comply with current environmental code including SOS non-degradation water quality treatment requirements • Development will achieve a one-star Austin Energy Green Building rating • A minimum of 4 public EV charging spaces will be provided on-site • Invasive species will be managed to result in less than 5% cover of any particular species within environmentally superior areas. • Development will comply with Austin Energy Green Building ST7 Light Pollution Reduction criteria • Development will comply with Austin Energy Green Building STEL5 Bird Collision Deterrence Environmental Conditions: Increase EV charging stations from 4 to 8 • • Request the City of Austin provide a public transit stop within ¼ mile of the entrance of the housing development. • Request the applicant provide parkland on-site and/ or sidewalks connecting to parkland within ¼ mile walking distance. • Staff shall follow up in regard to the Endangered and threatened species on the property. • The applicant will focus on planting native plants that support native pollinators. • Work with a local group to harvest native seeds and plants prior to development. • Restrict vehicle access to Sunset Ridge to emergency vehicles only. • Reduce impervious cover from 55% to 50%. • Development will use Affordability Unlocked requirements. For: Bedford, Bristol, Cofer, Krueger, Nickells, Qureshi, Ramberg, Sullivan Against: Brimer, Einhorn Abstain: none Recuse: none Absent: Schiera Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair VOTE Attest: 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-003 Second by: Collin Nickells Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Environmental Impact Study for Parking in Austin Motion by: Hanna Cofer WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes Austin is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in the United States; and WHEREAS, the most common transportation means remains to be the motor vehicles, either personal or commercial, which require vehicle parking at end destinations; and WHEREAS, as the City of Austin is actively engaged in making policy decisions concerning the amount and type of parking that should be utilized in new development, understanding the environmental benefits and harms for each option would better inform these decisions; and WHEREAS, cities across the United States are turning to sustainable solutions to reduce the environmental impact of parking; and WHEREAS, technology regarding sustainable parking options has advanced significantly in vertical parking structures which reduce the impervious cover footprint. Some of those advancements; green roofs and walls, solar panels on the roof or walls, rain catchment systems and rain gardens, downcast lighting to reduce light pollution, and shade sails which can help reduce the heat; and WHEREAS, there are improved surface parking practices that include; bioswales to reduce runoff and retain the water for onsite trees and vegetation, solar panels that produce energy and offer shade, downcast lighting that reduces light pollution, tree and vegetation configuration that reduces heat island effects, sound and light pollution; and WHEREAS, there are also advancements in recycling cement from older parking structures or parking lots to be considered; WHEREAS, there is existing parking facilities and infrastructure that have excess capacity or are underutilized during certain times of day. The maximal use of these facilities should be studied. THEREFORE, The Environmental Commission requests that the City of Austin work with a qualified independent research partner to study the environmental impacts of different vehicle parking options. The report should analyze and determine what are the most environmentally friendly options that would advance the City’s goals, including achieving net-zero carbon 1 of 2 emissions in the Climate Equity Plan, Austin’s Strategic Mobility plan, SOS ordinance, and the city ordinance to eliminate parking from commercial developments. When assessing environmental impacts, the Commission asks that the study include a Life Cycle Assessment that considers all necessary raw material extraction and processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, and final disposal of materials, as well as other considerations including but not limited to its ability to …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-004 Second by: Mariana Krueger Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Zilker Park Polo Field Restoration Motion by: David Sullivan WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board passed Recommendation 20230724-5 on July 24, 2023 to eliminate permanent parking on the Zilker Park Polo Field (with exception for overflow for advance-schedule events) and recommended the Austin City Council approve funding for Polo Field Restoration, alternative parking solutions including free shuttles managed by PARD, multi-modal transportation, and establish loading and no loading zones for shuttles and park users. the Environmental Commission passed Recommendation 20230920-004 WHEREAS, requesting the Austin City Council to add money to the Parks and Recreation Department budget for FY2025 budget for the restoration of the Zilker Park Polo Field, ban regular parking on the Zilker Park Polo Field, and add additional parking elsewhere within or near Zilker Park that protects that natural assets in Zilker Park. WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed Ordinance 20231102-028 amending City Code Title 25 to eliminate minimum motor vehicle parking space requirements except for accessible space parking. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Austin Parks and Recreation Department and Parks and Recreation Board request funding from the Austin City Council to restore the Zilker Park Polo Field by adding top soil, planting native grasses, providing for stormwater diversion, and any other steps to prevent further degradation of the Zilker Park Polo Field and ban regular parking on the Zilker Park Polo Field beginning in FY2025. In addition, require the city to ensure that additional parking elsewhere or near Zilker Park is found and allow some waivers to restrictions for special events, conditional on means to remediate for any damages to parkland. In addition, allocate parking within Zilker Park for senior citizens, families with small children, and persons with limited mobility. Vote: 7-1 For: Cofer, Einhorn, Krueger, Nickells, Qureshi, Ramberg, Sullivan Against: Bedford 1 of 2 Abstain: Bristol Absent: Brimer and Schiera Attest: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2 of 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-005 Second by: Mariana Krueger Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: City of Austin Telework Policies Motion by: Haris Qureshi WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the Austin City Council approved Resolution No. 20190808-078, declaring a climate emergency in the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, the Austin City Council approved Ordinance No. 20190411-033 adopting amendments to the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan as an amendment to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, on September 30, 2021 the Austin City Council approved the adoption of the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which sets a new community-wide goal of equitably reaching net- zero community-wed greenhouse gas emissions by 2040; and WHEREAS, on October 24, 2023 the Planning Commission approved an action making recommendations to the Council to initiate amendments to the Climate Equity Plan and the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan related to the City’s telework policies; and WHEREAS, Joint Sustainability Committee approved Recommendation 2024124-002 to add explicit language supporting telework policies ensuring that, whenever appropriate, all City of Austin telework and remote work policies contribute towards the goal of achieving 25% of Austin residents working from home by 2039 and include a strategy to implement a City of Austin telework policy of no less than 85% of eligible City of Austin employees choose to work from home. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Austin City Council increase the share of City of Austin employees who work at home, use mass transport to travel to work, bicycle to work, walk to work, use micro-mobility or assisted mobility devices instead of driving to work and ensure that whenever appropriate city telework, remote work, and green commuting policies contribute to the goal of achieving 20% of Austin residents not driving alone to work by 2039. Additionally, to achieve this goal, implement a city telework policy of no less than 85% of eligible City of Austin employees are allowed to work from home. Vote: 8-1 For: Bedford, Bristol, Cofer, Einhorn, Krueger, Qureshi, Ramberg, Sullivan Against: Nickells 1 of 2 Abstain: none Absent: Brimer and Schiera Attest: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2 of 2
in a REGULAR meeting on ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, February 7, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramberg called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Hanna Cofer, Peter Einhorn, Colin Nickells, Haris Qureshi, Kevin Ramberg, and David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger Commissioners Absent: Melina Schiera PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Diana Prechter, Stratford/Butler Landfill Cap Roy Wayley, Zilker Park and mass transit APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on January 17, 2024 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on January 17, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Schiera was absent. Commissioner Bristol was off the dais. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: Sunset Ridge 290 C14-85-288.166(RCA) Applicant: Armbrust & Brown (Richard Suttle) Location: 8401 Southwest Pkwy, Austin, Texas, 78735 Council District: District 8 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512)535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Restrictive Covenant Amendment Staff recommendation: Recommended with conditions 1 Speakers: Liz Johnston, Watershed Protection Richard Suttle, speaking for the applicant Stuart Goodman, speaking against the RCA Chandler Harris, speaking against the RCA Bobby Levenski, Save Our Springs, Roy Waley, Sierra Club Nancy Estrada, Zoning Department Leslie Lilly, Watershed Protection A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Schiera was absent. A motion to approve the requested Restrictive Covenant Amendment with conditions was approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on an 8-2 vote. Commissioners Brimer and Einhorn voted nay. Commissioner Schiera was absent. Chair Ramberg called for a recess at 7:36. Chair Ramberg reconvened the meeting at 7:47. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Consider a recommendation requesting that the City of Austin work with a qualified research partner to study the environmental impacts of different vehicle parking options to determine if there are certain levels of parking at which one option might be more environmentally friendly than another. Presenter: Hanna Cofer, Environmental Commission Member Speakers: Hanna Cofer Tanya Payne Diana Pretcher Mark May Gail Rothe Mike Cannatti Cedar Stevens Patricia Bobeck Phillip Thomas Roy Waley A motion requesting that the City of Austin work with a qualified research partner to study the environmental impacts of different vehicle parking …
