ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240501-005 Date: May 1st, 2024 Subject: Home 2, reduced compatibility standards, higher density housing near future light rail lines, and site development standards for EV charging Motion by: Second by: WHEREAS, evidence produced by researchers at the University of California at Berkeley1 (https://coolclimate.berkeley.edu/ ) indicates that higher population density in urban areas leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions per household, based on energy savings from shared walls in duplexes, townhomes, apartments, and condominiums, and based on better walkability, more mass transit use, and more trips made with bikes and scooters, AND WHEREAS, low-density urban sprawl consumes valuable grassland prairies, tree covered hill country, and other rural landcapes, AND WHEREAS, the Austin City Council is considering changes to the City Code Title 25 Land Development Code to: • Allow smaller lot sizes (2,000 square feet) in single-family zoning districts, • Create regulations that allow properties to be used for charging electric vehicles, • Create regulations, including a density bonus program that modifies height and compatibility in exchange for community benefits, for properties that are located within a half mile of the planned Phase 1 Light Rail and Priority Extensions (also known as the Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) overlay), • Revise regulations that apply to flag lots and small lots, • Revise height, building placement, and other related regulations that apply to property and are in addition to the base zoning regulations (also known as Compatibility Standards), reducing the extent of compatibility regulations to 75 ft. All of these will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions directly or subsequently with higher population density. THEREFORE, The Environmental Commission recommends endorsing these changes to the City Code Title 25 Land Development Code and offers the following additional recommendations: 1 Christopher M. Jones and Daniel M. Kammen, Spatial Distribution of U.S. Household Carbon Footprints Reveals Suburbanization Undermines Greenhouse Gas Benefits of Urban Population Density. Environ. Sci. Technol., 2014, 48 (2), pp 895–902. 1 of 2 • Loosening development restrictions to allow denser housing could lead to the involuntary displacement of low-income renters, and the City should track this displacement and take steps to assist in relocating displaced tenants. If possible, the City should take steps to incentivize new higher density housing in high opportunity neighborhoods near jobs and existing mass transit. • • Over time, the City should track changes in transit use, micromobility use, walkability in new higher density developments to verify …
Population Density and Greenhouse Gas Emissions per Household Dr. David W. Sullivan The University of Texas at Austin Center for Energy and Environmental Resources Cell 512-914-4710; Email sullivan231@mail.utexas.edu Details • Researchers at Univ. California at Berkeley have published studies on greenhouse gas emissions per household in the U.S. • They maintain a Website at https://coolclimate.berkeley.edu. • Coolclimate maps show that the inner city areas of big cities have the lowest greenhouse gas emissions per household, owing to lower energy consumption & shorter/fewer motor vehicle trips. • In their analysis of the U.S. by zip code, the researchers found lower emissions per household in denser areas, but the relationship was weak (R2 = 0.04). Emissions / Household vs Zip Code Population Density Problem • As the graph shows there is a wide range of emission rates at low population densities. This is because there are many small towns where trips may be shorter and consumption lower so emissions are low, whereas there are also many suburbs with low density but lots of driving and high consumption with high emissions. • I downloaded the data and averaged the zipcodes with similar densities and got better results. • I selected the zip codes in the Austin 5-county MSA and also got better results. Emissions / Household vs Zip Code Population Density bins at 10,000 person increments (R2 = 0.26) Emissions / Household vs Zip Code Population Density 80 Austin MSA Zip Codes (R2 = 0.39) (R2 = 0.34), excluding UT West Campus
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20240501-002 Date: May 1, 2024 Subject: Bridle Ridge at Wildhorse Ranch C8-2023-0259 Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Perry Bedford WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting two variances 1) 25-8-341 to allow cut over four (4) feet, to 15 feet. 2) 25-8-342 to allow fill over four (4) feet, to 15 feet. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Gilleland Creek Watershed, Suburban Classification; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the variance with conditions. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following conditions: Staff Conditions: 1. Slope stabilization for areas of existing erosion adjacent to the lots, will be provided with grouted rip-rap or approved equivalent method. 2. Slope stabilization in area of cut over 8 feet will be provided by terracing, 25 feet at 15% grade and 20 feet at 5% grade, and revegetation with native grasses and forbs (per Standard Specifications Manual 609S.5). 3. Fill over 8 feet will be contained with engineered walls. 4. The water quality ponds will be biofiltration ponds. 1. Environmental Commission Conditions:Review the carrying capacity of water/ electric/ sewer to accommodate additional units per lot in reference to Home-2 Code changes if that Code passes City Council. 2. Reduce the impervious cover and reduce the need for the cut and fill by removing or reducing the houses in the dark green / steepest slopes area. 3. Utilize the HOA guidelines to insure the native plants are utilized throughout the property not just on the terracing. 4. Plant native trees on the housing lots that are naturally found in the blackland prairie. 5. Increase the native flowers and shrubs that support pollinators. 1 6. Provide home owners education or signage that helps them understand when it is best to mow or not mow to better support pollinators and migratory birds. VOTE: 9-0 For: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Peter Einhorn, Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Against: None Recuse: None Absent: Hanna Cofer Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair Attest: 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20240501-003 Date: May 1, 2024 Subject: Infill Plat and Site Lite Part 2 Amendments Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Mariana Kruger WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the Code Amendments related to Home-2 known as Infill Plats and Site Lite Part 2 are a compilation of directives from City Council; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission has been given a presentation from Staff on Infill Plats and Site Plan Lite; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends these amendments. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the code amendments with the following Environmental Commission recommendations and comments: 1. Request that the City Council recognize that the Environmental Commission was not involved in the review and recommendation of the Code changes. 2. The Environmental Commission was not provided a copy of the Code to review before or 3. The Environmental Commission is concerned that these Code changes inequitably may at the meeting. impact low-income neighborhoods. 4. The Environmental Commission was only presented watershed and drainage information and not how this impacts tree protections, tree canopy reduction, light pollution, or increase to utilities, including wastewater. 5. The Environmental Commission is concerned about how this impacts homes in the local flooding areas or homes that are on the edge of the floodplains. 6. The Environmental Commission is concerned about neighbor-to-neighbor flooding due to poor drainage, including “ghost drainage” that is done without permits. 7. The Environmental Commission was not presented the study that surveyed the size of lots in the neighborhoods and what areas would be impacted the most. 8. How was the community involved in the Code changes? 9. Request that the public is well informed in multiple ways about the new changes, how that will impact them, and how they can utilize the Code legally. 10. Request that the public is made aware of the process for adjacent homeowners to protest or improve changes to a neighbor’s lot. 11. The Environmental Commission is concerned about the increase of administrative approval rather than citizen-driven boards and commissions. 12. The Environmental Commission is in favor of increasing access to affordable homes and increasing density where possible. 1 For: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Peter Einhorn, Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera Against: None Abstain: David Sullivan Recuse: None Absent: Hanna Coffer VOTE: 8-0 Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240501-005 Date: May 1st, 2024 Subject: HOME-2 and Population Density and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Motion by: David Sullivan Second by: Peter Einhorn WHEREAS, researchers at the University of California at Berkeley1 (https://coolclimate.berkeley.edu/) indicate that higher population density in urban areas leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions per household, based on energy savings from shared walls in duplexes, townhomes, apartments, and condominiums, improved walkability, more mass transit use, and more trips made with bikes and scooters, AND WHEREAS, low-density urban sprawl consumes valuable grassland prairies, tree-covered hill country, farmland, and other rural landscapes, and encroaches on wildlife habitat, AND WHEREAS, the Austin City Council is considering changes to the City Code Title 25 Land Development Code to: • Allow smaller lot sizes (2,000 square feet) in single-family zoning districts, • Create regulations that allow properties to be used for charging electric vehicles, • Create regulations, including a density bonus program that modifies height and compatibility in exchange for community benefits, for properties that are located within a half mile of the planned Phase 1 Light Rail and Priority Extensions (also known as the Equitable Transit- Oriented Development (ETOD) overlay), • Revise regulations that apply to flag lots and small lots, • Revise height, building placement, and other related regulations that apply to property and are in addition to the base zoning regulations (also known as Compatibility Standards), reducing the extent of compatibility regulations to 75 ft. AND WHEREAS, all of these will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions directly or subsequently with higher population density. THEREFORE, The Environmental Commission recommends endorsing these changes to the City Code Title 25 Land Development Code and offers the following additional recommendations: • Because loosening development restrictions to allow denser housing could lead to the involuntary displacement of low-income renters, the City shall track this displacement and take steps to assist in relocating displaced tenants. 1 Christopher M. Jones and Daniel M. Kammen, Spatial Distribution of U.S. Household Carbon Footprints Reveals Suburbanization Undermines Greenhouse Gas Benefits of Urban Population Density. Environ. Sci. Technol., 2014, 48 (2), pp 895–902. 1 of 2 • If possible, the City shall take steps to incentivize new higher-density housing in high- opportunity neighborhoods near jobs and existing mass transit. • The City shall track changes in transit use, micromobility use, and walkability in new higher-density developments to verify the predicted emission savings on an annual basis and report …
in a REGULAR meeting on ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, May 1, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Richard Brimer, Jennifer Bristol, Peter Einhorn, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, and David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Hanna Cofer, Colin Nickells, Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on March 20, 2024 and the Special Called Meeting on March 28, 2024. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on March 20, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger, Qureshi, and Schiera were off the dais. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Special Called meeting on March 28, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner’s Bristol and Nickells abstained. Commissioners Qureshi and Schiera were off the dais PUBLIC HEARINGS Name: Bridle Ridge at Wildhorse Ranch, C8-2023-0259 Applicant: Kimley Horn (Kevin Burks) Location: 10501 ½ Blue Bluff Rd, Austin, TX 78653 Council District: District 1 1 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Staff: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Program Coordinator, Development Services Department Applicant request: Request to vary from a) 25-8-341 to allow cut over four (4) feet, to 15 feet and b) 25-8-342 to allow fill over four (4) feet, to 15 feet. Staff recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the variances with conditions Speakers: Pamela Abee-Taulli Kevin Burks Liz Johnston A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Cofer was off the dais. A motion to approve the requested variances with conditions was approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Cofer was off the dais. Approve a recommendation on an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 related to development regulations applicable to residential re-subdivisions and multi-family residential site development of five to sixteen units – Brent Lloyd, Development Officer, Development Services Department Speakers: Brent Lloyd Liz Johnston Matt Hollon Vice Chair Bedford called a recess at 8:07. Vice Chair Bedford reconvened the meeting at 8:15. Commissioner Bristol made a motion to recommend the Infill Plats & Site Plan Lite, Part 2 code …
Special Called Meeting of the Environmental Commission March 28, 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 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Presentation on Watershed Protection Department's Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, Programs, and Projects Overview and approve recommendations for their FY25 budget — Anupa Gharpurey, Financial Manager, and Pam Kearfott, Managing Engineer, Watershed Protection Department ADJOURNMENT 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 (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, Watershed Protection Department, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Elizabeth Funk, (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, Watershed Protection Department. 2
Watershed Protection Department FY24 Budget, Programs, and Projects 1 Overview ◦ Mission & Organizational Structure ◦ FY24 Budget Highlights ◦ Programmatic Activities ◦ Capital Improvement Program ◦ Project Highlights ◦ Resources 2 Mission & Organizational Structure 3 Our Department & Mission Established in 1991, Watershed Protection Department was charged with the goal of managing the City’s creeks, drainage systems and water quality programs. Our Mission: “…to protect the lives, property, and environment of our community by reducing the impact of floods, erosion, and water pollution.” Our Funding: Primary Source: Drainage Charge - >94% Other sources: Bonds (for Capital Projects), Development Fees, Interest Income, Grants 4 WPD Organizational Structure Watershed Protection Total FTEs: 442.5 Planning, Monitoring, & Compliance FTEs: 105.5 Project Design & Delivery FTEs: 62 Field Operations FTEs: 173 Support Services FTEs: 102 5 FY24 Budget Highlights 6 FY 2024 Budget Expenses by Program Total Budget: $114.7 Million Other Transfers 19.2 Projects Design and Delivery 8.6 Planning, Monitoring, & Compliance 14.6 Transfer to CIP 28.0 Support Services 15.8 Field Operations 28.5 7 Programmatic Activities 8 Funding Sources • Operations ◦ Drainage Utility Charge Based on Amount and Percent of Impervious cover ◦ Other Fees and Interest Income Site plans, subdivisions, MUD, PUDs; Permit Fees • Capital Projects ◦ Cash transfer from operations ◦ GO bonds ◦ Grants ◦ Tax Increment Financing ◦ RSMP and USCF Payments 9 FY24 Funding Source and Uses Funding Sources Revenue Source Drainage Utility Charge Development, licenses and permit Fees Interest Income and other misc. revenue Total Funding Uses Funding uses Personnel Cost Other program costs Transfers Total $Millions 104.1 1.4 5.2 110.7 $Millions 48.8 18.7 47.2 114.7 10 Watershed Operational Activities • Drainage infrastructure maintenance • Trash and debris removal • Land management & ponds maintenance 11 Watershed Operational Activities • Pollution prevention and response • Floodplain modeling and development review • Environmental policy and planning • Environmental research and data analysis 12 Watershed Operational Activities • Storm event monitoring • Replenishing creek beds • Community education and outreach 13 Capital Improvement Program 14 Capital Improvement Program: Overview ◦ Projects in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) are major improvements to our infrastructure, facilities, and waterways ◦ CIP projects have a higher price tag and longer lifespan than routine maintenance or in-house projects funded through the operating budget Storm drain improvement project 15 Capital Improvement Program: Priorities Flooding in the Onion Creek watershed ◦ …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220330-001 Date: March 28, 2024 Subject: Watershed Protection Department FY 2024-2025 Budget, Programs, and Projects Motion by: Perry Bedford Seconded by: Peter Einhorn WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission was presented the Watershed Protection Department’s (WPD) Fiscal year 2024 budget; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission understands the Watershed Protection Department’s (WPD) annual Financial Forecast is still being prepared and the final plan will be provided to Council in near future; and THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission supports the Watershed Protection Department’s Budget, Programs, and Projects as presented to the Commission with the following recommendations: Continue to support the funding for trash removal and working with profit and nonprofit contracts for trash removal in the community and neighborhoods. Research federal and state funding available to supplement city funding for applicable improvement projects. Replenishing creek beds Pollution prevention and response Personnel and wage increases as appropriate VOTE 7-0 Invest money in water quality monitoring to quantify the impact of the IH-35 expansion. For: Perry Bedford, Rick Brimer, Hanna Cofer, Peter Einhorn, Marianna Krueger, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Against: None Recuse: None Absent: Jennifer Bristol, Kevin Ramberg, Colin Nickells, Haris Qureshi Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Vice Chair
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas 78752. Vice Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Rick Brimer, Peter Einhorn, Melinda Schiera Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Hanna Cofer, Mariana Krueger, David Sullivan Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol, Haris Qureshi, Colin Nickells, Kevin Ramberg PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Presentation on Watershed Protection Department's Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, Programs, and Projects Overview and approve recommendations for their FY25 budget — Anupa Gharpurey, Financial Manager, and Pam Kearfott, Managing Engineer, Watershed Protection Department Speakers: Jorge Morales, Director, Watershed Protection Department Anupa Gharpurey, Financial Manager, Watershed Protection Department Pam Kearfott, Managing Engineer, Watershed Protection Department A motion to make recommendations for Watershed Protection’s Fiscal year 2025 budget was approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Einhorn’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bristol, Qureshi, Nickells, and Ramberg were absent. Vice Chair Bedford adjourned the meeting at 7:11 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the May 1, 2024 meeting on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner’s Bristol and Nickells abstained. Commissioners Qureshi and Schiera were off the dais. 1
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission March 20, 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on March 6, 2024 Presentation on the South Central Waterfront Combining District with a Density Bonus – April Geruso of the City of Austin Planning Department. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consider a recommendation on the budget recommendations from the Joint Sustainability Committee – Presented by Haris Qureshi and David Sullivan, Environmental Commission Members COMMITTEE UPDATES Update from the Urban Forestry Committee on adding a discussion on ghost trees to the March 28th agenda – Richard Brimer Update from the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board on the status of the Combining District & Density Bonus Program and Planned Unit Development applications – David Sullivan FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT 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 …
South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program Environmental Commission March 20, 2024 History Combining District Density Bonus Program - Bonus Program Opt-in Requirements - Fees-in-Lieu - Additional On-Site Community Benefits Timeline & Ways to Provide Feedback South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan Adopted June 6, 2016 3 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Directed Planning Staff to create regulations supporting implementation of the 2016 South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan. Increased development only available through the Density Bonus Maximize community benefits: affordable housing, open space, and Maximize infrastructure investments: new streets, parks, bikeways, Program. public art, etc. and trails. Program to be re-evaluated/updated at least every five years. 4 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Create a Density Bonus Program “akin” to Downtown. Support Project Connect transit investment. Allow entitlements significant enough to achieve required infrastructure and community benefits. Ensure entitlements meet market demand to account for increased costs and avoid continual requests to amend the code. Create enhanced environmental standards and protections. 5 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Create a connected, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use district where “thousands more Austinites can live, work, and play.” 6 Updates / Changes since Council Resolution The SCW regulations will be implemented by: – Council adoption of an optional set of regulations and bonus program through the creation of a Combining District and a Density Bonus Program (spring 2024). – City-initiated rezoning of properties in the district (summer 2024). – Subsequent rezonings and code amendments will be required to add additional properties at a later date. Regulation review will occur sooner than 5 years to account for updated details from Project Connect and citywide density bonus analysis. 7 District Boundary New parcels added that are affected by Project Connect light rail alignment. Project Connect Rail Alignment 8 Combining District Components General Provisions (Policies, procedures, and who can participate) Land Use Standards (Permitted and conditional land uses) Development Standards (What can be built and where) Design Standards (How it will look) Definitions 9 Density Bonus Components Procedures/Requirements “Gate Keeper” Requirements – Affordable Housing – Environmental Protection – Improved Streetscape and Built Environment In-Lieu Fees and Dedications Onsite Community Benefits Eligible for Bonus Area 10 Streets and Light Rail 11 Subdistricts Council approval is required to exceed FAR maximums Project Connect Rail Alignment 12 Critical Water Quality Zones 13 …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240320-003 Date: March 20, 2023 Subject: Budget Recommendations from the Joint Sustainability Committee Motion by: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the Joint Sustainability Committee has considered these items based on requests for input from the Austin City Council, WHEREAS, these items all would contribute to more sustainable growth and environmental benefits for Austin. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the following budget items, as recommended by the Joint Sustainability Committee. Second by: (est. $150,000) 1. One (1) Climate Equity Plan Project Manager be added to the Office of Sustainability. 2. $320,000 be allocated to the Office of Sustainability for: a. A Community Engagement Specialist (1 FTE) to coordinate community outreach and partnership activities associated with promoting the full suite of City of Austin sustainability incentives (i.e., home weatherization and repair, water conservation, rainwater collection, landscape and green infrastructure programs), with a focus on building relationships with low-income communities, communities of color, and related organizations and service providers. (est. $120,000) b. $200,000 for grants, contracts, and stipends for community leaders and community-based organizations to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs in targeted Austin communities, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability. 3. Regarding the Sustainable Purchasing Plan: a. $125,000 be allocated to hire a sustainable purchasing contractor and/or purchase needed software and databases to develop a Sustainable Purchasing Plan that sets minimum standards for all products, materials and services purchased by the city; b. A full-time Sustainable Purchasing Director position should be added to the Purchasing Department. If an FTE is determined to be infeasible in this budget cycle, a temporary Sustainable Purchasing Director position should be established and funded. (est. $170,000) 4. $200,000 be allocated to the Office of Sustainability for a Pro-Climate Food Education and Incentive Program. These funds should be spent on a multi-lingual public education and marketing campaign to promote pro-climate/pro-health plant-based meat, dairy and egg alternatives, and identification of opportunities to provide effective incentives for 1 of 3 proclimate/pro-health foods at local restaurants and grocery stores. The Office of Sustainability and Austin Public Health should work together on the public education and marketing campaign. 5. $150,000 be allocated to the Office of the City Engineer division of Austin Transportation and Public Works Department for: a. Field pour demonstrations using concrete containing a total cementitious content that is 50% or more decarbonized relative to a national ordinary Portland cement average embodied carbon intensity …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240320-003 Date: March 20, 2024 Subject: Budget Recommendations from the Joint Sustainability Committee Motion by: David Sullivan WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the Joint Sustainability Committee has considered these items based on requests for input from the Austin City Council, WHEREAS, these items all would contribute to more sustainable growth and environmental benefits for Austin. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the following budget items, as recommended by the Joint Sustainability Committee. Second by: Richard Brimer (est. $150,000) 1. One (1) Climate Equity Plan Project Manager be added to the Office of Sustainability. 2. $320,000 be allocated to the Office of Sustainability for: a. A Community Engagement Specialist (1 FTE) to coordinate community outreach and partnership activities associated with promoting the full suite of City of Austin sustainability incentives (i.e., home weatherization and repair, water conservation, rainwater collection, landscape and green infrastructure programs), with a focus on building relationships with low-income communities, communities of color, and related organizations and service providers. (est. $120,000) b. $200,000 for grants, contracts, and stipends for community leaders and community-based organizations to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs in targeted Austin communities, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability. 3. Regarding the Sustainable Purchasing Plan: a. $125,000 be allocated to hire a sustainable purchasing contractor and/or purchase needed software and databases to develop a Sustainable Purchasing Plan that sets minimum standards for all products, materials and services purchased by the city; b. A full-time Sustainable Purchasing Director position should be added to the Purchasing Department. If an FTE is determined to be infeasible in this budget cycle, a temporary Sustainable Purchasing Director position should be established and funded. (est. $170,000) 4. $200,000 be allocated to the Office of Sustainability for a Pro-Climate Food Education and Incentive Program. These funds should be spent on a multi-lingual public education and marketing campaign to promote pro-climate/pro-health plant-based meat, dairy and egg alternatives, and identification of opportunities to provide effective incentives for proclimate/pro-health foods at local restaurants and grocery stores. The Office of 1 of 3 Sustainability and Austin Public Health should work together on the public education and marketing campaign. 5. $150,000 be allocated to the Office of the City Engineer division of Austin Transportation and Public Works Department for: a. Field pour demonstrations using concrete containing a total cementitious content that is 50% or more decarbonized relative to a national ordinary Portland cement …
in a REGULAR meeting on ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, March 20, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Richard Brimer, Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Colin Nickells, and David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Mariana Krueger Commissioners Absent: Peter Einhorn, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera, and Kevin Ramberg PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Santiago, I35 projects Shiang Lee, How You Can Benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on March 6, 2024 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on March 6, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Sulivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Einhorn, Ramberg, Qureshi, and Schiera were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Presentation on the South Central Waterfront Combining District with a Density Bonus – April Geruso of the City of Austin Planning Department. Speakers: April Geruso, Planning Department Vice Chair Bedford called for a recess at 6:39. Vice Chair Bedford reconvened the meeting at 6:47. 1 Chad Sharrad, Planning Department Tyler Tripp, Planning Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consider a recommendation on the budget recommendations from the Joint Sustainability Committee – Presented by Haris Qureshi and David Sullivan, Environmental Commission Members A motion to support the budget recommendations from the Joint Sustainability Committee was approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Nickells abstained. Commissioners Einhorn, Ramberg, Qureshi, and Schiera were absent. COMMITTEE UPDATES Update from the Urban Forestry Committee on adding a discussion on ghost trees to the March 28th agenda – Richard Brimer Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Update from the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board on the status of the Combining District & Density Bonus Program and Planned Unit Development applications – David Sullivan Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Sullivan wanted to discuss IH35 and requested a presentation from staff on the environmental impacts of the IH35 expansion and the benefits of capping, seconded by Commissioner Brimer. Commissioner Bristol requested a presentation from Audubon on bird-safe buildings, which was seconded by Commissioner Bedford. ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Bedford adjourned the meeting at 7:50 P.M. The minutes were approved at the May 1, …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission March 6, 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on February 21, 2024 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS Recognition of Kevin Ramberg for his service on the Environmental Commission – Katie Coyne, Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department Make a recommendation regarding the request for 311-315 South Congress Planned Unit Development (PUD) (C814-2023-0027) located at 311, 313, 315 South Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78704 (District 9). Presenter: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department. Name: Ledgestone Revised Wastewater Service Extension Request #4622R Applicant: Danny Miller, P.E. LJA Engineering, Inc. Location: 9209 Ledgestone Terrace, Austin, Texas 78737 Council District: Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Applicant request: Wastewater Service Extension Revision Staff recommendation: Recommended Name: Northwest Area Lift Station Improvements Great Hills Lift Station No.53 (SP- 2022-0537C) Applicant: Sharon Hamilton, Civil Team Engineers LLC on behalf of the Austin Water Utility Department Location: 9009 ½ Spicebrush Drive, Austin, TX 78759 Council District: District 6 Staff: Brad Jackson, Environmental Compliance Specialist …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA March 6, 2024 311-315 South Congress PUD, C814-2023-0027 Drenner Group (Amanda Swor) 311 South Congress Avenue COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: LOCATION: COUNCIL DISTRICT: 9 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512)535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: Lady Bird Lake & East Bouldin Creek Watersheds REQUEST: Planned Unit Development STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: Staff recommended with conditions. Development associated with C814-2023-0027, located at 311 S. Congress Ave, shall comply with the following requirements. a. The PUD will comply with the City of Austin’s Green Building Program at a 3-star level. b. The project will be compliant with the LEED pilot Bird Collision Deterrence credit in regard to the Bird Collision Threat Rating for reflective glass within the Façade Zone 1 area as defined by LEED. Façade Zone 1 shall not have greater than 15% reflective glass c. The project does not request any exceptions or modifications to environmental regulations and will develop under the current code as of the date of the approval of the PUD. d. 100% of water quality controls required for this site will be treated on-site as opposed to payment of the fee-in-lieu of on-site treatment. e. 1,000 cubic feet of water quality volume will be provided for an off-site area, including a portion of Congress Ave. f. The project will incorporate approximately 250 linear feet of off-site storm improvement in Congress Ave. g. All required tree plantings shall utilize native tree species selected from Appendix F of the Environmental Criteria Manual (Descriptive Categories of Tree Species) and utilize Central Texas Native seed stock. h. All new street trees within the PUD will be a minimum of 5.5 caliper inches and a minimum of 14 feet in height and will contribute to the biodiversity of tree species of the site and this area of South Congress in addition to being of a species that will thrive in the proposed rain gardens. i. The PUD shall comply with the dark skies regulations in conformance with the Austin Energy Green buildings Standards identified in ST7 “Light Pollution Reduction”. j. All irrigation on site will be “off grid” of potential water utilizing either purple pipe, rainwater captured on the site and/or condensate capture. a. Include several landscape solutions that meet the intent of the pending Functional Green requirements. This will be achieved with the installation of …
