20260805-003, Great Wave - D Permit, SP-2026-0221D Recommendation — original pdf

Recommendation

. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Environmental Commission Recommendation 20260805-003: Great Wave - D Permit, SP-2026-0221D WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant, John Dailey of Gray AES, PSC, has submitted a variance request located at 3900 W Howard Lane; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Walnut Creek Watershed, the Northern Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone and Council District 7; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends this variance request with conditions. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Environmental Commission recommends the Great Wave D Permit variance request with the following conditions: Staff Conditions: • Tree mitigation requirements will be fully met by planting trees on site instead of paying into the Urban Forest Replenishment Fund • 2.79 acres of riparian area will be enhanced with native, herbaceous plantings • Livestock and any other agricultural uses will no longer be permitted in the detention pond areas of the site • Grading with the proposed consolidated site plan associated with this project will not exceed the cut and fill limits shown on the exhibits provided with this variance request beyond necessary, incidental changes approved by City staff. Environmental Commission Conditions: • Reduction of overall footprint of the manufacturing building by ten percent • Exceed tree mitigation requirements at 150 percent to increase the likelihood of a full 1:1 replenishment of lost trees, given local survival rates; with a minimum of 676 trees planted • Use of solar panels on buildings and parking structures to reduce noxious energy impact and to shade the parking area • All cut and fill limestone and soil products will remain on site • On-site water reclamation for manufacturing efforts, and a rain-barrel catchment system for landscaping maintenance • Ensure a “no-mow zone” within 200 ft of the Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) (along MoPac), to improve water quality and provide habitat for biodiverse species . • 100 percent native planting throughout the site, including trees; walnut trees, live oaks, Ashe juniper, and Maximilian sunflowers will be included in the species list; no ornamental trees will be included • Landscape management plan for the life of the project, in perpetuity, that is both bird friendly and wildfire preventive • Utilization of a “green” company for pest control management • No herbicide or pesticide use on the exterior of the site • Ensure bird-friendly building design best practices and warm tone lighting with bird safe reduced reflectivity glass while staying in compliance with International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) code • Ten percent of parking spots will include electric vehicle charging stations • Trees, bioswales, and rain gardens in the parking lot area and making sure that the trees will create shade along walking paths Inclusion of green outdoor rest and recreational areas for employees • • Use of terraces and retaining walls made of natural building materials that fit the area such as limestone Date of Approval: August 5, 2026 Motioned By: Secretary Qureshi Seconded By: Commissioner Sullivan Vote: For: 8-0 Chair Krueger, Vice Chair Bristol, Secretary Qureshi, Commissioners Fierro, Fleury, Luecke, Morrison, Sullivan Against: None Abstain: Commissioner Brimer Off the dais: None Absent: Commissioner Changsut Attest: _____________________________________________ Mariana Krueger, Chair