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Approved Minutes — original pdf
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 30, 2022 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at the Permitting and Development Center (PDC) Room 1405, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Commissioners attending in person: Perry Bedford Rachel Scott Kevin Ramberg Jen Bristol Colin Nickells Commissioner attending remotely: Ana Aguirre Rick Brimer Audrey Barrett Bixler Pam Thompson Commissioners absent: Haris Qureshi Staff in Attendance: Morgan Byers Kaela Champlin Katie Coyne Anupa Gharpurey David Hillers Sara Hartley Amy Hunter Rick Holloway Liz Johnston Pam Kearfott Mike Kelly Keith Mars Angela Means Jorge Morales Naomi Rotramel Eric Ugalde Annie Van Zandt Jennifer Verhulst Erin Wood 1 CALL TO ORDER Chair Ramberg called the meeting to order at 6:04 P.M. 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 1. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Watershed Protection Department’s Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Forecast and Capital Improvement Program Plan—Anupa Gharpurey, Financial Manager, Erin Wood, Planner, and Annie Van Zandt, Capital Program Consultant, Watershed Protection Department (1 hour) A motion to recommend Watershed Protection Department’s Fiscal Year 2022- 2023 Forecast and Capital Improvement Program Plan was approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Thompson’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Qureshi was absent. Chair Ramberg called a 5-minute recess at 7:26 P.M. Chair Ramberg called the meeting to order at 7:34 P.M. b. Development Services Department’s Fiscal Year 2023-2027 Financial Forecast— Denise Lucas, Director; Angela Means, Assistant Director; Eric Ugalde, Financial Manager; David Hillers, Financial Manager; and Amy Hunter, Financial Manager, Development Services Department (1 hour) A motion to recommend Development Services Department’s Fiscal Year 2023- 2027 Financial Forecast was approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Ramberg’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Qureshi was absent. ADJOURNMENT Chair Ramberg adjourned the meeting at 9:00 P.M. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please call Kaela Champlin at Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 974-3443 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For …
Agenda — original pdf
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission February 16, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 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) Vacant (D-4) Vacant (D-6) Audrey Barrett Bixler (D-5) Linda Guerrero (D-9) Chair _________________________________________________________________________________ Jennifer Bristol (D-7) Secretary Perry Bedford (Mayor) Richard Brimer (D-10) Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Vice-Chair Agenda CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN 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 February 2, 2022 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) STAFF BRIEFINGS a. 87th State Legislature Update—Brie Franco, City of Austin Intergovernmental Relations Officer (30 minutes) ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Recognize Linda Guerrero for six years of service on the Environmental Commission (10 minutes) PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Name: Violet Crown Water and Wastewater Service Extension Requests #5111 & #5112 Applicant: Jim Wittliff, Land Answers, Inc. Location: 10649 SH 71 Austin, Texas 78736 Council District: Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Watershed: Barton Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: Water and Wastewater Service Extension Staff Recommendation: Staff does not recommend approval of the water and wastewater service extension requests (30 minutes) b. Name: 7715 1/2 West State Highway 71, C14-85-288.23(RCA) Applicant: Amanda Swor, Drenner Group Location: 7712 Oak Forest Lane, Austin TX 78736 …
20220216-004a: Violet Crown SERs #5111 & #5112 Staff Memo — original pdf
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: February 16, 2022 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Violet Crown Water and Wastewater Service Extension Requests #5111 and #5112 NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Jim Wittliff, Land Answers, Inc. LOCATION: 10649 SH 71 Austin, Texas 78736 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction PROJECT FILING DATE: October 21, 2021 WPD/ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department (512) 974-3443, kaela.champlin@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF DETERMINATION: Barton Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Water and Wastewater Service Extension Staff does not recommend approval of the water and wastewater service extension requests 1 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: Linda Guerrero, Chair, and Members of the Environmental Commission Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department February 16, 2022 DATE: SUBJECT: Violet Crown Water and Wastewater Service Extension Requests #5111 and #5112 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 Violet Crown Water and Wastewater Service Extension Requests and recommend denial of the requests. Site Overview The site consists of multiple tracts comprising a total of approximately 70.95 acres, located at 10649 SH 71, within the City of Austin’s 2-mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction. The project proposes a mixed-use development, including multifamily residential, office, an amphitheater, and other uses. See the chart provided below that summarizes the proposed uses within the development and the associated Land Use Equivalents (LUEs) that are proposed. The project is currently in site plan review with the City of Austin (Case number: SP-2021-0262D). Proposed Development Intended Uses (Residential) Multi- Family Proposed Development Intended Uses (Commercial) Office (sq. ft.) Office Warehouse (sq. ft.) Retail (sq. ft.) Restaurant (sq. ft.) Amphitheater (persons) Units 513 Units 40,000 25,808 49,813 23,422 17,000 LUE Conversion (LUE per Unit) 0.5 LUE Conversion (LUE per Unit) 3,000 4,000 1,660 200 50 Total LUEs LUEs 257 LUEs 14 7 30 118 340 766 2 Environmental Impacts The property is in the Barton Creek Watershed, the Barton Springs Zone, the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, and the Drinking Water Protection Zone. The site is also subject to the Save Our Springs Ordinance. The property does not contain any known critical environmental features, critical water quality zone, or water quality transition zone. The site does not …
20220216-004a: Violet Crown SERs #5111 & #5112 Staff Presentation — original pdf
Violet Crown Water & Wastewater Service Extension Request #5111 & 5112 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. Request Summary • 70.95 acres • 2-Mile ETJ • Barton 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. SER #5111 & 5112 Site Location Austin City Limits Austin ETJ Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Site Location Site Location Limited Purpose 2 Mile ETJ Barton Creek Habitat Preserve SER #5111 & 5112 Environmental Impacts • No known CEFs, CWQZ, or WQTZ • Does not drain to occupied salamander habitat • Significant slopes greater than 15% that will require Land Use Commission variances for cut and fill • Located in the Barton Springs Zone • Adjacent to Barton Creek Habitat Preserve SER #5111 Proposed Water Extension Map provided by Austin Water SER #5111 Proposed Water Extension, continued Map provided by Austin Water SER #5112 Proposed Wastewater Extension Map provided by Austin Water SER #5112 Proposed Wastewater Extension, continued Map provided by Austin Water SER #5112 Alternative Wastewater Service • Net site area impervious cover = 20% • If service is not extended to the site and wastewater disposal is required, the applicant would likely apply for a Texas Land Application Permit (TLAP) issued by the Texas Commission on …
20220216-004b: 7715 1/2 W. SH 71, C14-85-288.23(RCA) Staff Memo — original pdf
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: February 16, 2022 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: 7715 ½ W State Highway 71 Restrictive Covenant Amendment, C14-85-288.23(RCA) NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Drenner Group (Amanda Swor) LOCATION: 7715 ½ W. SH 71 COUNCIL DISTRICT: 8 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Liz Johnston, Deputy Environmental Officer Liz.johnston@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: Williamson Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Contributing Zone REQUEST: To amend a Restrictive Covenant Staff recommended with conditions STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: 1. This application completes the project established by the Restrictive Covenant such that any further development or redevelopment is subject to current code at the time of site development permit application. 2. This project shall comply with current code, including SOS non-degradation water quality treatment, except for the following exceptions: a. 60% impervious cover on a gross site area calculation shall be allowed rather than the 65% currently allowed, b. Cut and fill shall not exceed 8 feet except for building foundations and storm water control measures and appurtenances, c. Stormwater control facilities will be allowed within the Water Quality Transition Zone, d. LDC 25-8-301 and 25-8-302 does not apply. M E M O R A N D U M TO: Linda Guerrero, Chair, and Members of the Environmental Commission FROM: Liz Johnston, Deputy Environmental Officer Watershed Protection Department DATE: February 2, 2022 SUBJECT: 7715 ½ W State Highway 71 Restrictive Covenant Amendment C14-85-288.23(RCA) This summary is being provided to the Environmental Commission for the 7715 ½ W State Highway 71 Restrictive Covenant Amendment (RCA), a proposed amendment to an existing restrictive covenant from 1985 (executed in 1987). History Restrictive Covenants are legal documents that can establish site development regulations and use limitations for certain properties. Several such Restrictive Covenants have been recorded for certain properties located within the Oak Hill Study Area. The Restrictive Covenant under consideration today includes two such tracts of land which are located in the full purpose zoning jurisdiction, in the Williamson Creek Watershed, and in the Contributing Zone of the Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer. However, only the regulations associated with Tract 1 are under discussion at this time. Restrictive Covenants associated with the Oak Hill Study Area frequently lock in older site development regulations that predate current water quality protections for the Barton Springs Zone established by City Code 25-8, Article 13 (Save Our Springs Initiative). These properties could develop under the terms of the restrictive …
20220216-004b: 7715 1/2 W. SH 71, C14-85-288.23(RCA) Staff Presentation — original pdf
7715 ½ W. SH 71 C 1 4- 8 5- 2 8 8 . 2 3 ( R C A ) R e s t r i c t i v e C o v e n a n t A m e n d m e n t L i z J o h n s t o n , D e p u t y E n v i r o n m e n t a l O f f i c e r 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 o ve n a n t s ( RC s ) a r e l e g a l d o c u m e n t s t h a t c a n s e t f o r t h r e s t r i c t i o n s o n p r o 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. C e r t a i n p r o p e r t i e s l o c a t e d w i t h i n t h e 1 9 8 5 O a k H i l l A r e a S t u d y h a ve a s s o c i a t e d RC s t h a t s e t f o r t h d eve l o p m e n 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 o w s. T h e RC A u …
20220216-004b: 7715 1/2 W. SH 71, C14-85-288.23(RCA) Staff Report — original pdf
C14-85-288.23(RCA) 1 RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AMENDMENT CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C14-85-288.23(RCA) – 7715 ½ West State Highway 71 DISTRICT: 8 ADDRESS: 7715 ½ West State Highway 71 SITE AREA: 13.367 acres EXISTING ZONING: LO-NP PROPERTY OWNER: Stephen Simon, John Simon, Barbara Simon Bierner AGENT: Drenner Group (Amanda Swor) CASE MANAGER: Wendy Rhoades (512-974-7719, wendy.rhoades@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends amending the Restrictive Covenant as outlined in Exhibit D: RCA Redlines. For a summary of the basis of staff’s recommendation, see page 2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: February 16, 2022: February 2, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY THE NEIGHBORHOOD TO FEBRUARY 17, 2022 [K. RAMBERG; BRISTOL – 2ND] (6-0) BARRETT BIXLER, QURESHI, SCOTT – ABSENT; TWO VACANCIES ON THE COMMISSION PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: March 8, 2022: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: To be Scheduled ISSUES RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AMENDMENT RECORDING NUMBER: Interested parties in the area have raised concerns about the proposed development and increasing the impervious cover currently on the site. This property is located within the Williamson Creek Watershed of the Colorado River Basin, which is classified as a Barton Springs Zone Watershed by Chapter 25-8 of the City’s Land Development Code. Due to the existing Restrictive Covenant, this property has additional permitted entitlements for C14-85-288.23(RCA) 2 development than what would be currently allowed under today’s Land Development Code (LDC). Staff has received comments in opposition of this Restrictive Covenant Amendment (RCA) request. For all written or emailed comments, please see Exhibit C: Correspondence Received. CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The proposed Restrictive Covenant Amendment (RCA) area is approximately 13.367 acres and is part of a larger tract currenting being requested to be rezoned to GO-MU-NP, please see Zoning Case No. C14-2021-0130. This undeveloped property is located on the south side of W. SH 71 and is zoned LO-NP. Adjacent zoning consists of LR-MU-CO-NP, LO-MU-CO-NP and RR-NP to the east; SF-6-NP to the south and SF-6-NP, CS-NP and RR-NP to the west. To the north is W. SH 71 right-of-way and is not zoned. Please refer to Exhibit A: Zoning Map and Exhibit B: Aerial Map. The applicant is requesting to amend the permitted site development standards, environmental requirements, and transportation requirements. Please see Exhibit D: RCA Redlines for current RC and proposed revisions. BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the proposed amendments to the RC because much of it allows for development under a previous code and therefore is not up to …
20220216-004c: Iglesia Pentecostal Emanuel, Inc., SP-2020-0324C variance packet — original pdf
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: February 16, 2022 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Iglesia Pentecostal Emanuel, Inc. SP-2020-0324C NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Bill Graham IT Gonzalez Engineers LOCATION: 6300 Moonglow Dr., Austin, TX 78724 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 1 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Program Coordinator Pamela.abee-taulli@austintexas.gov 512.974.1879 WATERSHED: REQUEST: Walnut Creek Watershed, Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261to allow development of a portion of a driveway in the Critical water Quality Zone. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITION: Staff recommends the following condition: the applicant will provide bollards at appropriate locations adjacent to the drive and parking area to prevent vehicle parking off of the pavement. 1 of 54 Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Iglesia Pentecostal Emanuel, Inc. Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261to allow development of a portion of a driveway in the Critical water Quality Zone. Include an explanation with each applicable finding of fact. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the A. 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 The requirement will deprive the applicant of access to the site. 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 variance is not necessitated by a design decision of the applicant. The variance is necessitated by two conditions of the site that leave it without a code compliant access point. The first site condition is that there is a previously platted open space lot, across which access is prohibited, that fronts Sandshof Dr. and lies between Sandshof Dr. and the subject site. Because of this situation, the site is forced to take its only access from Moonglow Dr. 2 of 54 The second site condition is that Moonglow Dr. is entirely within the Critical Water Quality Zone buffer of the adjacent, unnamed major waterway. Since a driveway is not a permitted use in the Critical Water Quality Zone buffer per LDC 25-8-261, the project is …
20220216-002a: 87th State Legislature Update — original pdf
87TH STATE LEGISLATURE Intergovernmental Relations Office – Brie L. Franco, Officer 87TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION: RECAP • 7,148 bills and joint resolutions filed and reviewed by IGRO • 15% of filed bills & joint resolutions ultimately passed • This is a reduced passage rate of 5% from previous sessions • 67% of passed bills filed by Republicans & 33% filed by Democrats • 21 vetoes by the governor. • IGRO tracked 2,254 bills and joint resolutions 1 87TH SPECIAL SESSIONS: STATISTICS 1st Called Session • July 8 – Aug. 6 • 405 bills & joint resolutions filed & reviewed IGRO • No bills passed 2nd Called Session • Aug. 7 – Sept. 2 • 380 bills & joint resolutions filed & reviewed IGRO • 15 bills & joint resolutions passed 3rd Called Session • Sept. 20 – Oct 19 • 249 bills & joint resolutions filed & reviewed IGRO • 11 bills & joint resolutions passed 2 87TH PASSED BILLS: NEGATIVE FOR CITY City Police Funding HB 1900 (Goldman) Camping Ban HB 1925 (Capriglione) Effective Sept. 1, 2021 Effective Sept. 1, 2021 No Contracts : Firearm Boycott SB 19 (Schwertner) Effective Sept. 1, 2021 Permitless Carry HB 1927 (Schaefer) Effective Sept. 1, 2021 3 87TH PASSED BILLS: POSITIVE FOR THE CITY APRS Pensions HB 4368 (Rodriguez) Cloud Computing SB 58 (Zaffirini) Effective Sept. 1, 2021 Effective June 3, 2021 Local Health Department Medicaid SB 73 (Miles) Effective Sept. 1, 2021 4 87TH BILLS FAILED TO PASS: POSITIVE FOR CITY Super Preemption AE Rates HB 610 (Swanson) SB 566 (Buckingham) Community Advocacy SB 10 (Hall) HB 2775 (Cain) HB 3909 (Harris) Lake Austin Disannexation SB 659 (Buckingham) HB 1653 (Craddick ) West Rim Disannexation HB 2776 (Deshotel) Lost Creek Disannexation SB 1499 (Buckingham) HB 3827 (Wilson) Noise Ordinance Preemption HB 3813 (Harris) Homeless Housing SB 646 & SB 796 (Schwertner) HB 1803 (Wilson) Employment Preemption SB 14 (Creighton) 5 87TH BILLS FAILED TO PASS: POSITIVE FOR CITY ETJ Regulation HB 1885 (Harris) Pandemic Response HB 3 (Burrows) Confederate Monuments HB 2713 (Hefner) MOU Deregulation SB 182 (Schwertner) 6 87TH PASSED BILLS: ENVIRONMENTAL Gas Preemption HB 17 (Deshotel) Effective May 18, 2021 TPWD & TX Water Trust HB 2225 (King, Tracy) Effective Sept. 1, 2021 No State Contracts: Fossil Fuel Boycott SB 13 (Hughes) Effective June 14, 2021 7 87TH BILLS FAILED TO PASS: ENVIRONMENTAL TCEQ Penalties HB 1820 (Zwiener) House Calendar Deadline …
20220216-004c: Iglesia Pentecostal Emanuel, Inc., SP-2020-0324C Staff Presentation — original pdf
IGLESIA PENTECOSTAL EMANUEL, INC. 6300 MOONGLOW DR SP-2020-0324C Pamela Abee-Taulli Environmental Program Coordinator Development Services Department LOCATION Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone This product is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for or be suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. It does not represent an on-the- ground survey and represents only the approximate relative location of property boundaries. This product has been produced by the Watershed Protection Department for the sole purpose of geographic reference. No warranty is made by the City of Austin regarding specific accuracy or completeness. 0 5 10 Miles[ LOCATION Site Location Capitol DECKER LAKE LOCATION Site Location DECKER LAKE PROPERTY DATA • Walnut Creek Watershed • Suburban Classification • Full Purpose Jurisdiction • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Council District 1 • Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) • Wetland Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) VARIANCE REQUEST THE DEVELOPMENT: Applicant proposes to construct a religious assembly with associated improvements. BARRIER TO COMPLIANCE: The only possible site access is through a Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) stream buffer. VARIANCE REQUEST: Vary from LDC 25-8-261 to allow construction of a drive in a CWQZ to provide site access. BACKGROUND SITE CONSTRAINTS Creek Centerlines TCAD Parcels SP-2015-0004C Site BACKGROUND SITE CONSTRAINTS Open space easement parcel – access prohibited SP-2015-0004C Site BACKGROUND SITE CONSTRAINTS Access from Moonglow Dr. SP-2015-0004C Site BACKGROUND SITE CONSTRAINTS CWQZ Stream Buffer (300’) Access from Moonglow Dr. SP-2015-0004C Site BACKGROUND SITE CONSTRAINTS Wetland CEF CWQZ Stream Buffer (300’) Access from Moonglow Dr. SP-2015-0004C Site BACKGROUND BUFFER AVERAGING The critical water quality zone boundaries may be reduced to not less than …150 feet from the centerline of a major waterway if the overall surface area of the critical water quality zone is the same or greater than the surface area that would be provided without the reduction, as prescribed in the Environmental Criteria Manual. [LDC 25-8-92(B)(4)] GOAL: CONSTRAINT: Reshape the CWQZ so that the development is out of the CWQZ. The driveway is within the minimum 150’ buffer width. BACKGROUND BUFFER AVERAGING Wetland CEF CWQZ Stream Buffer (300’) Access from Moonglow Dr. SP-2015-0004C Site Minimum CWQZ buffer width 150’ BACKGROUND BUFFER AVERAGING Parking Building Drainage/water quality pond Wetland CEF CWQZ Stream Buffer (300’) Access from Moonglow Dr. SP-2015-0004C Site Site plan Minimum CWQZ buffer width 150’ BACKGROUND BUFFER AVERAGING Wetland CEF …
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20220216-004a: Violet Crown Water & Wastewater Service Extension Requests #5111 & 5112 Recommendation — original pdf
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220216 004a Date: Feb 16, 2022 RATIONALE: Subject: Violet Crown Water and Wastewater Service Extension Requests #5111 and #5112 Location: 10649 SH 71 Austin, Texas, 78736 Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Pam Thompson WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the Water and Wastewater Service Extension requests (SERs) are located in the Barton Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone, and are subject to the Save Our Springs Ordinance; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Watershed Protection Department staff have completed the review and does not recommend approval of the water and wastewater service extension requests #5111 and #5512 for the following reasons: The impacts from the proposed water and wastewater lines would require significant infrastructure improvements in an environmentally sensitive area that the City of Austin is actively working to protect for water quality and endangered species protection THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission does not recommend approval of the above-noted water and wastewater service extension requests. VOTE 9-0 For: None Against: Bedford, Qureshi, Scott, Thompson, Barrett Bixler, Bristol, Ramberg, Guerrero, and Brimer Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By:
20220216-004c: Iglesia Pentecostal, Inc. SP-2020-0324C Recommendation — original pdf
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20220216 004c Seconded by: Kevin Ramberg Date: Feb 16, 2022 Subject: Iglesia Pentecostal Emanuel, Inc., SP-2020-0324C Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance to vary from LDC 25-8-261 to allow development of a portion of a driveway in the Critical Water Quality Zone to provide site access; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact have been met with conditions. Therefore, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance with the following: Staff Condition: 1. The applicant will provide bollards at appropriate locations adjacent to the drive and parking area to prevent vehicle parking off the pavement. VOTE 9-0 For: Bedford, Qureshi, Bristol, Ramberg, Guerrero, and Brimer Against: Scott, Thompson, and Barrett Bixler Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By:
Approved Minutes — original pdf
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 16, 2022 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 City Hall in Council Chambers at 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701. Commissioners attending in person: Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Commissioner attending remotely: Perry Bedford Haris Qureshi Rachel Scott Pam Thompson Jennifer Bristol Rick Brimer Audrey Barrett Bixler Commissioners absent: None Staff in Attendance: Pamela Abee-Taulli Kaela Champlin Katie Coyne Cole Huggins Liz Johnston Sherri Kuhl Leslie Lilly Mike McDougal Jorge Morales Shwetha Pandurangi Wendy Rhoades CALL TO ORDER Vice-Chair Ramberg called the meeting to order at 6:09 P.M. CITIZEN 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 1 1. 2. 3. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the February 2, 2022 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) The minutes of the February 2, 2022 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting were approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s motion on a 9-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. 87th State Legislature Update—Brie Franco, City of Austin Intergovernmental Relations Officer (30 minutes) Item 2a was postponed until a future Environmental Commission meeting. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Recognize Linda Guerrero for six years of service on the Environmental Commission (10 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Name: Violet Crown Water and Wastewater Service Extension Requests #5111 & #5112 Applicant: Jim Wittliff, Land Answers, Inc. Location: 10649 SH 71 Austin, Texas 78736 Council District: Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Watershed: Barton Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: Water and Wastewater Service Extension Staff Recommendation: Staff does not recommend approval of the water and wastewater service extension requests (30 minutes) Speakers Jim Witliff, applicant’s engineer Steve Ihnen, applicant’s engineer Craig Bryan, applicant Mike Clifford, Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance Nicole Netherton, Travis Audubon Dan Snodgrass, The Nature Conservancy Bill Bunch Roy Waley Bobby Levinski Patti Clark, Austin Zoo Scott Duncan A recommendation to deny Water and Wastewater Service Extension Requests #5111 and #5112 was approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Thompson’s second on a 9-0 vote. 2 b. Name: 7715 1/2 West State Highway 71, C14-85-288.23(RCA) Applicant: Amanda Swor, …
Agenda — original pdf
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission February 2, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 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 To speak remotely at the February 2, 2022 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting, members of the public must: •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). •Once a request to speak has been made to the commission liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. 1 Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission February 2, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 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 COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi (D-1) Rachel Scott (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Vacant (D-4) Vacant (D-6) Audrey Barrett Bixler (D-5) Linda Guerrero (D-9) Chair _________________________________________________________________________________ Jennifer Bristol (D-7) Secretary Perry Bedford (Mayor) Richard Brimer (D-10) Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Vice-Chair Agenda CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers should sign up to speak prior to the meeting being called to order; you will receive a three-minute allotment to discuss topics not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the January 19, 2022 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER UPDATES a. Update on discharge of acidic waste into tributary of Harris Branch Creek, Katie Coyne, Environmental Officer; Assistant Director, Watershed Protection Department 1. 2. 2 3. 4. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Briefing on rule changes to …
Revised Agenda — original pdf
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission February 2, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 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) Vacant (D-4) Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Vice-Chair Vacant (D-6) Audrey Barrett Bixler (D-5) Linda Guerrero (D-9) Chair _________________________________________________________________________________ Jennifer Bristol (D-7) Secretary Perry Bedford (Mayor) Richard Brimer (D-10) REVISED Agenda CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN 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 January 19, 2022 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER UPDATES a. Update on discharge of acidic waste into tributary of Harris Branch Creek, Katie Coyne, Environmental Officer; Assistant Director, Watershed Protection Department STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Briefing on rule changes to Environmental Criteria Manual Section 3.5—Daniel Priest, Naomi Rotramel, and Keith Mars, Development Services Department Community Tree Preservation Division (1 hour) PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Name: 7715 1/2 West State Highway 71, C14-85-288.23(RCA) Applicant: Amanda Swor, Drenner Group Location: 7712 Oak Forest Lane, Austin TX 78736 Council District: District 8 Staff: Liz Johnston, Deputy Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department and Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed: Williamson Creek, Barton Springs Zone (Contributing Zone), Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: Conduct a public hearing and approve a restrictive covenant amendment Staff Recommendation: To grant an amendment to the restrictive covenant (30 minutes) 5. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Forestry Committee –Pam …
20220202-003a: ECM Section 3.5 Rule Change Summary Presentation — original pdf
Rule Change Summary Environmental Criteria Manual Section 3.5 City Arborist, Development Services Department Environmental Criteria Manual Update – Q3 2022 Summary of Changes 1. Delete outdated and inaccurate content 2. Address new technology, construction methods, and urban forestry concerns that have become salient since the last significant update in 2011 3. Reorganize and rewrite existing rules to better align with code Environmental Criteria Manual Update – Q3 2022 Authority in Code § 25-8-603 - ADMINISTRATION. (A) A city arborist, appointed by the director of the Planning and Development Review Department, shall implement this article. (B) The Planning and Development Review Department shall adopt administrative rules for the implementation of this subchapter. (C) The rules shall: (1) describe methods to protect trees against damage during development; (2) identify actions that will constitute removal; (3) identify the root areas that require protection against soil compaction or the effects of impervious paving; and (4) identify mitigation measures and methods of calculation for fiscal security to ensure performance of mitigation measures that may be required under article 1 of this subchapter. Environmental Criteria Manual Update – Q3 2022 ECM Section 3 (Current) 3.1 - General 3.2 - Appeals 3.3 – Tree Survey 3.3.1 – Survey Requirements by Jurisdiction 3.3.2 – General Tree Survey Standards 3.3.3 – RESERVED (previously Survey Standards for Environmental Assessments) 3.3.4 – Tree Survey Standards for Hill Country Roadway Corridors 3.4 – RESERVED (previously Tree Physiology) 3.5 – Design Criteria 3.5.1 – Significant Tree Identification 3.5.2 – Tree Preservation Criteria 3.5.3 – Design Constraints and Alternatives 3.5.4 - Mitigation 3.6 – Tree Protection 3.7 – Public Trees Appendix P-6 – Remedial Tree Care Notes Environmental Criteria Manual Update – Q3 2022 ECM Section 3 (Proposed) 3.1 - General 3.2 - Appeals 3.3 – Tree Survey 3.3.1 – Survey Requirements by Jurisdiction 3.3.2 – General Tree Survey Standards 3.3.3 – RESERVED (previously Survey Standards for Environmental Assessments) 3.3.4 – Tree Survey Standards for Hill Country Roadway Corridors 3.4 – RESERVED (previously Tree Physiology) 3.5 – Design Criteria 3.5.1 – Significant Tree Identification 3.5.2 – Preservation 3.5.3 – Design Constraints and Alternatives 3.5.4 - Mitigation 3.6 – Tree Protection 3.7 – Public Trees Appendix P-6 – Remedial Tree Care Notes Environmental Criteria Manual Update – Q3 2022 ECM Section 3.5 (Current) 3.5 – Design Criteria 3.5.1 – Significant Tree Identification 3.5.2 – Tree Preservation Criteria A. Critical Root Zone Impacts B. Crown Impacts …
20220202-003a: Environmental Criteria Manual Section 3.5 edits — original pdf
3.5.0 - DESIGN CRITERIA The Land Development Code requires the protection of regulated trees during development as well as mitigation for their removal (LDC 25-8-603). Protection during development is necessary to prevent unpermitted removal of trees or damage that constitutes removal (LDC 25-8-602). This section addresses the requirements for both design around regulated trees and mitigation for their removal. The City Arborist must make the initial determination whether trees have been adequately considered in the design process. This requires: • The identification of significant trees; • An assessment of conformance with minimum design criteria for tree preservation; • An analysis of design constraints and alternatives; and • The negotiation of mitigative measures when necessary. A discussion of each of these aspects of plan review follows 3.5.1 - Significant Tree Identification The Land Development Code addresses tree preservation in terms of saving "protected or heritage" trees (Tree Ordinance, 1983), designing around "significant" trees and vegetation (Comprehensive Watersheds Ordinance, 1986) or preserving the "natural landscape character" (Landscape Ordinance, 1979) of an area. In order to provide a standard for defining a significant tree or group of trees an evaluation method has been provided below. Not all "protected" trees are significant due to such factors as their species or condition. Conversely, some smaller trees may have significance due to their rarity, screening potential or other factors. A. Tree Evaluation Method. Whenever there is a question about which trees in a project area should be preserved, the tree evaluation method discussed below can be useful. A designer can walk the project area with these criteria in mind and perform a rough analysis of the tree situation. Some groups of trees as well as individual trees can be identified as potential design constraints early in the process. In situations where it is necessary to choose between two (2) or more significant trees, a more detailed analysis can be performed by competent professionals in order to assign numerical values to each. These relative values can enhance the decision-making process. In addition to the benefits described above, this tree evaluation method can be used as a "finding of fact." This can be submitted to the Planning Commission in the rare situation where no agreement can be reached over the removal of significant "protected" trees, or over the issue of whether the natural character of the site has been adequately preserved. The method for evaluating trees for the …
20220202-004a: 7715 1/2 W. SH 71, C14-85-288.23(RCA) staff memo — original pdf
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: February 2, 2022 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: 7715 ½ W State Highway 71 Restrictive Covenant Amendment, C14-85-288.23(RCA) NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Drenner Group (Amanda Swor) LOCATION: 7715 ½ W. SH 71 COUNCIL DISTRICT: 8 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Liz Johnston, Deputy Environmental Officer Liz.johnston@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: Williamson Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Contributing Zone REQUEST: To amend a Restrictive Covenant Staff recommended with conditions STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: 1. This application completes the project established by the Restrictive Covenant such that any further development or redevelopment is subject to current code at the time of site development permit application. 2. This project shall comply with current code, including SOS non-degradation water quality treatment, except for the following exceptions: a. 60% impervious cover on a gross site area calculation shall be allowed rather than the 65% currently allowed, b. Cut and fill shall not exceed 8 feet except for building foundations and storm water control measures and appurtenances, c. Water quality control facilities will be allowed within the Water Quality Transition Zone. M E M O R A N D U M TO: Linda Guerrero, Chair, and Members of the Environmental Commission FROM: Liz Johnston, Deputy Environmental Officer Watershed Protection Department DATE: January 27, 2022 SUBJECT: 7715 ½ W State Highway 71 Restrictive Covenant Amendment C14-85-288.23(RCA) This summary is being provided to the Environmental Commission for the 7715 ½ W State Highway 71 Restrictive Covenant Amendment (RCA), a proposed amendment to an existing restrictive covenant from 1985. History Restrictive Covenants are legal documents that can establish site development regulations and use limitations for certain properties. Several such Restrictive Covenants have been recorded for certain properties located within the Oak Hill Study Area. The Restrictive Covenant under consideration today includes two such tracts of land which are located in the full purpose zoning jurisdiction, in the Williamson Creek Watershed, and in the Contributing Zone of the Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer. However, only the regulations associated with Tract 1 are under discussion at this time. Restrictive Covenants associated with the Oak Hill Study Area frequently lock in older site development regulations that predate current water quality protections for the Barton Springs Zone established by City Code 25-8, Article 13 (Save Our Springs Initiative). These properties could develop under the terms of the restrictive covenant without achieving compliance with the non-degradation water quality standard …