Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission - Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission June 1, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. 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 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 _________________________________________________________________________________ Revised 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the May 18, 2022 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Briefing on the 517 Lamar PUD Development Assessment—Heather Chaffin, Housing and Planning Department (30 minutes) PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Consider a proposed annexation of approximately 5.03 acres into Travis County Water Control and Improvement District No. 10, C12M-2022-0001—Andrei Lubomudrov, Housing and Planning Department (30 minutes) b. Name: Sky Mountain, SP-2021-0079C Applicant: Reese Hurley, LJA Engineering, Inc. Location: 8722 W SH 71, Austin, TX 78735 Council District: District 8 Staff: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Program Coordinator, Development Services Department and Miranda Reinhard, Watershed Protection Department Watershed: Williamson Creek, Barton Springs Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Requests: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341to allow cut over 4 feet to 16 feet. Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions (15 minutes) c. Name: 8020 Parmer Lane SH 130 NW, C8J-2021-0141.0A Applicant: Pape-Dawson Engineers, Travis Moltz Location: 8106 …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: June 1, 2022 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: 8020 Parmer Lane SH 130 NW C8J-2021-0141.0A NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Pape-Dawson Engineers, Travis Moltz LOCATION: 8106 E PARMER LN, Manor, TX 78653 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Council District does not apply in Extraterritorial Jurisdiction ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Program Coordinator Development Services Department Pamela.abee-taulli@austintexas.gov, 512.974.1879 WATERSHED: REQUEST: Gilleland Creek and Harris Branch Creek Watersheds, Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: 1. Request to vary from LDC 30-5-342 to allow fill over 4 feet to 15 feet. 2. Request to vary from 30-5-261(G) modification in a critical water quality zone buffer. to allow floodplain STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITION: Staff recommends the following conditions: 1. The applicant will pay into the Riparian Zone Mitigation Fund for both the area of Zone 1 (Floodplain outside of the CWQZ) and the area of Zone 2 (Floodplain within the CWQZ) using the appropriate ratios per ECM 1.7.6. 2. Development of the site will be carried out as described in Exhibits 1-6, attached in the staff variance packet. Page 1 of 46 Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: 8020 Parmer Lane SH 130 NW Request to vary from LDC 30-5-342 to allow fill over 4 feet to 15. Include an explanation with each applicable finding of fact. A. City Code: 1. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 30-5-41 of the 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 Two roads border the site, SH 130 and Parmer Ln. SH 130 cannot be used for access, because there is a Restriction of Access recorded for SH 130, which TxDOT will not support lifting or modifying for a full access driveway. Regarding Parmer Ln., the entirety of the Parmer Ln. frontage is located within floodplain and creek buffer. In addition, access is blocked by wetlands. Variances have been granted in similarly restrictive circumstances to allow necessary access to a site. The fill variance is required in order for the applicant to access the site with a bridge spanning wetlands, floodplain, and creek buffer. 2. The variance: a) Is not necessitated by the …
Pamela Abee-Taulli Environmental Program Coordinator Development Services Department SKY MOUNTAIN 8722 W SH 71 SP-2021-0079C PROJECT LOCATION 2 [ PROJECT LOCATION 3 [ PROPERTY DATA • Williamson Creek Watershed • Barton Springs Zone Classification • Drinking Water Protection Zone • Full Purpose Jurisdiction • Council District 8 4 [ SITE CONSTRAINTS Existing slopes from 5 to 15% grade. SITE CONSTRAINTS Existing slopes from 5 to 15% grade. SITE CONSTRAINTS Existing slopes from 5 to 15% grade. Created by fill placed on site around 1980. 1976 SITE CONSTRAINTS Existing slopes from 5 to 15% grade. Created by fill placed on site around 1980. 1984 SITE CONSTRAINTS Existing slopes from 5 to 15% grade. Created by fill placed on site around 1980. 1997 SITE CONSTRAINTS Existing slopes from 5 to 15% grade. Created by fill placed on site around 1980. Fill was not compacted as it was placed and is infeasible to build on. 2021 VARIANCE REQUEST § 25-8-341 - CUT REQUIREMENTS. (A) Cuts on a tract of land may not exceed four feet of depth. 1. The variance request is to allow cut over 4 feet to16 feet. 11 GRADING EXHIBIT 12 VARIANCE RECOMMENDATION Removal of the fill and development of the site will reduce the potential for future erosion on these steep, artificially constructed slopes. Staff recommends the variance, with the following conditions. 1. All grading over 8 feet will be contained with terracing or engineered walls. 2. Around the perimeter of the limits of construction, and in areas where more than 3’ of vertical rise is proposed, 3:1 slopes will have erosion control matting applied immediately after final grade is achieved. 3. Disturbance in the stormwater irrigation fields will be minimized by restricting the LOC and routing the irrigation lines to preserve existing trees to the greatest extent possible. THANK YOU Questions?
Pamela Abee-Taulli Environmental Program Coordinator DSD Miranda Reinhard Environmental Scientist Senior WPD 8020 PARMER LANE SH 130 NW 8106 E PARMER LN C8J-2021-0141.0A PROJECT LOCATION 2 PROPERTY DATA • Gilleland Creek & Harris Branch Creek Watersheds • Suburban Classification • Desired Development Zone • Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (Travis County) • Council District: NA 3 PROPERTY DATA • Environmental features: • Critical Water Quality Zone • Wetlands • Wetland Setback • Floodplain 4 SITE CONSTRAINT • Environmental features: • Critical Water Quality Zone • Wetlands • Wetland Setback • Floodplain • The only allowable site access is from Parmer Ln. • A driveway at this location must cross the CWQZ, wetlands, and floodplain in order to access the site. 5 CWQZ Wetlands Wetland Setback Floodplain Access VARIANCE REQUESTS §30-5-342 FILL REQUIREMENTS. Fill on a tract of land may not exceed four feet of depth. 1. The variance request is to vary from LDC 30-5-342 to allow fill over 4 feet to 15 feet. § 30-5-261 (G) – CRITICAL WATER QUALITY ZONE DEVELOPMENT. (G) Floodplain modifications prohibited in the CWQZ unless one of the exemptions is met. 2. The variance request is to allow floodplain modification for development within the CWQZ. 6 VARIANCE REQUEST 1 §30-5-342 Fill over 4 feet to 15 feet. • Access from SH 130 is prohibited by TXDOT. • Access from Parmer Ln. requires a bridge to cross CWQZ, wetlands, & floodplain The fill is the minimum necessary to build the bridge high enough for safe access over the 100-yr. flood elevation. 7 SH 130 Access PROPOSED BRIDGE 100-YR FLOOD ELEVATION EXISTING GRADE FILL 4’-8’ FILL > 8’ VARIANCE REQUEST 2 § 30-5-261(G) • Floodplain modifications are prohibited in the CWQZ Bridge VARIANCE REQUEST 2 § 30-5-261(G) • Floodplain modifications are prohibited in the CWQZ 10 VARIANCE REQUEST 2 Functional Assessment of Floodplain Health (ECM Appendix X): • Floodplain is in “Fair” condition • Excellent Good Fair Poor 11 VARIANCE REQUEST 2 Floodplain Restoration/Mitigation • Not enough area to restore on-site due to highly constrained site • Mitigation fee 12 VARIANCE REQUEST 2 Floodplain Modification ECM 1.7.6 Mitigation Ratios Total Modification Area: 2.69 Acres • • Zone 1 (Floodplain outside the CWQZ) 0.192 acres (Mitigated) • Zone 2 (Floodplain within the CWQZ) • 0.064 acres • Fair 3:1 • • 2.626 acres • Fair 6:1 • 15.756 acres (Mitigated) • Total Mitigation Area: 15.948 Acres 13 …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA June 1, 2022 COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Austin Ready Mix Wastewater Service Extension Request #5313 Danny Miller, P.E., LJA Engineering, Inc. LOCATION: 8738 W US 290 Hwy, Austin, Texas 78736 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction PROJECT FILING DATE: March 29, 2022 WPD/ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department (512) 974-3443, kaela.champlin@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF DETERMINATION: Slaughter Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Wastewater Service Extension Staff recommends the wastewater service extension 1 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: Kevin Ramberg, Chair, and Members of the Environmental Commission Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department June 1, 2022 DATE: SUBJECT: Austin Ready Mix Wastewater Service Extension Request #5313 Service Extension Requests (SER) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone and outside of the City of Austin’s full purpose jurisdiction require Council approval and review by the Environmental Commission. Watershed Protection Department (WPD) staff have completed the review for 8738 US Hwy 290 West wastewater SER #5313 and recommend the request. Site Overview The site consists of one tract of approximately 4.44 acres, located at 8738 W US 290 Highway in the City of Austin’s 2-mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction. The applicant is proposing to build an 82,000 square foot warehouse building with 21 Living Unit Equivalents (LUEs). At the time of this review, a site plan has not yet been submitted to the City of Austin. Environmental Impacts The property is in the Slaughter Creek Watershed, the Barton Springs Zone, the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, and the Drinking Water Protection Zone. The site is subject to the Save Our Springs (SOS) Ordinance. An Environmental Resource Inventory was conducted by the applicant, and no known recharge environmental features or critical environmental features were found on site. The site does not contain a critical water quality zone or water quality transition zone and does not drain to known occupied salamander habitat. Development Impacts Water: The applicant is not requesting a water SER for this site. There is a 12-inch water main on-site to connect to Circle Drive that would meet the fire and domestic needs for the proposed development. 2 Wastewater: The applicant is proposing to construct approximately 810 feet of appropriately size force main from the existing 8-inch gravity wastewater main located in Circle Drive near South Bend Avenue west along …
Austin Ready Mix Wastewater Service Extension Request #5313 What is an SER? • A service extension request, or SER, is an application for City water or wastewater service from a property owner or developer. • SERs are required when a property is located more than 100 feet from an accessible water or wastewater system, or when existing infrastructure isn't adequate for the proposed project demands. • Service may involve the construction of a new line or an associated facility or upgrades to existing lines or facilities. • The applicant pays for the associated infrastructure, as outlined in the SER. SER Process • Per the Land Development Code, SERs require Council approval if the property is in the Drinking Water Protection Zone and outside of the City's full purpose jurisdiction. • Environmental Commission and Water & Wastewater Commission review and make recommendations on SERs that require Council approval. • No conditions can be put on approval of SERs. Request Summary • 4.44 acres • 2-Mile ETJ • Slaughter Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone • Located in the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone • Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ) • Subject to Save Our Springs (SOS) Ordinance Request Summary • Living Unit Equivalent (LUE) is the typical flow that would be produced by a single-family residence located in a typical subdivision. Standard conversions are applied depending on the proposed use to determine the number of LUEs a project will generate. • 82,000² ft warehouse building with 21 LUEs SER #5313 Site Location Austin City Limits Austin ETJ Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Austin City LimitsETJRechargeContributingAustin City LimitsETJRechargeContributing Site Location Site Location Limited Purpose 2 Mile ETJ SER #5313 Environmental Impacts • No known Critical Environmental Features • No Critical Water Quality Zone or Water Quality Transition Zones onsite • Does not drain to occupied salamander habitat SER #5313 Proposed Wastewater Extension Map provided by Austin Water Water Service • This SER does not require water service. • There is a 12-inch water main on site to connect to in Circle Drive that would meet the fire and domestic needs for the proposed development. SER #5313 Alternative Wastewater Service If service is not extended: 1. On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) would not be a feasible alternative for the estimated amount of flow. 2. Apply for a Subsurface Area Drip Dispersal System (SADDS) issued by TCEQ. This would require 1.91 acres for a …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220601 003a Date: June 1, 2022 Subject: Proposed annexation of approximately 5.03 acres into Travis County Water Control and Improvement District No. 10, C12M-2022-0001 Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Melinda Schiera RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the annexation into the District will not affect the City of Austin’s annexation plans and staff does not anticipate any negative land use impacts on adjacent property; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff finds that direct water and wastewater service is not feasible given the location of the property in relation to Austin Water’s system with water and wastewater services approximately 1.25 miles away from the site; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the regulations for development will follow the same rules and processes currently in effect if the District annexes the tract. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends consent to the proposed annexation of the 5.03- acre tract into the Travis County Water Control and Improvement District No. 10. VOTE 9-0 For: Scott, Thompson, Schiera, Nickells, Bristol, Ramberg, Aguirre, Brimer, Bedford Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: Note Absent: Qureshi and Barrett Bixler Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 1
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220601 003b Date: June 1, 2022 Subject: Sky Mountain, SP-2021-0079C Seconded by: Kevin Ramberg Motion by: Jennifer L. Bristol RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from LDC 25- 8-341 to allow cut over 4 feet to 16 feet; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Williamson Creek, Barton Springs Zone Classification, Drinking Water Protection Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends this variance, (with three staff conditions) having determined the required Findings of Fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following: Staff Conditions: 1. All grading over 8 feet will be contained with terracing or engineered walls. 2. Around the perimeter of the limits of construction, and in areas where more than 3’ of vertical rise is proposed, 3:1 slopes will have erosion control matting applied immediately after final grade is achieved. 3. Disturbance in the stormwater irrigation fields will be minimized by restricting the LOC and routing the irrigation lines to preserve existing trees to the greatest extent possible. VOTE 8-0 Approved By: For: Thompson, Schiera, Nickells, Bristol, Ramberg, Aguirre, Brimer, Bedford Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Qureshi, Scott, and Barrett Bixler Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220601 003c Date: June 1, 2022 Seconded by: Ana Aguirre Subject: 8020 Parmer Lane, SH 130 NW C8J-2021-0141.0A Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from LDC 30- 5-342 to allow fill over 4 feet to 15 feet and to vary from 30-5-261(G) to allow floodplain modification in a critical water quality zone buffer; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Gilleland Creek and Harris Branch Creek Watersheds, Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends this variance, (with two staff conditions) having determined the required Findings of Fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following: Staff Conditions: 1. The applicant will pay into the Riparian Zone Mitigation Fund for both the area of Zone 1 (Floodplain outside of the CWQZ) and the area of Zone 2 (Floodplain within the CWQZ) using the appropriate ratios per ECM 1.7.6. 2. Development of the site will be carried out as described in Exhibits 1-6, attached in the staff variance packet. VOTE 9-0 Approved By: For: Scott, Thompson, Schiera, Nickells, Bristol, Ramberg, Aguirre, Bristol, Bedford Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Qureshi and Barrett Bixler Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220601 003d Date: June 1, 2022 Subject: Austin Ready Mix Wastewater Service Extension Request #5313 Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Perry Bedford RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a Wastewater Service Extension; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Slaughter Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends the wastewater service extension. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends wastewater Service Extension Request #5313. VOTE 6-3 For: Thompson, Schiera, Nickells, Ramberg, Aguirre, Bedford Against: None Abstain: Scott, Bristol, Brimer Recuse: None Absent: Qureshi, Barrett Bixler Approved By: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair
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 …
