Special Called Meeting of the Environmental Commission October 21, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. Environmental Commission to be held October 21, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications. Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (day before the scheduled meeting, October 20, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the October 21, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the commission liaison at: Kaela Champlin (512) 974-3443 or Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start 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. •Residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 1 Reunión del Environmental Commission Fecha de la reunion (21 de octubre de 2020 a las 6:00 P.M.) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social. Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (20 de octubre de 2020 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en (512) 690-6729, Kaela.Champlin@gmail.com a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace …
Via Electronic Filing Founded by Congress, Republic of Texas, 1839 Watershed Protection Department P.O. Box 1088, Austin, Texas 78767 May 20, 2019 Ms. Bridget C. Bohac Office of the Chief Clerk (MC-105) Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) RE: City of Austin Comments on Application No. WQ0015594001 (Sawyer-Cleveland) Dear Ms. Bohac: I write to provide supplementary comments on the Sawyer-Cleveland Partnership application for a Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (No. WQ0015594001). The application requests approval for a discharge up to 92,000 gallons per day to the Long Branch Tributary of Barton Creek. The City of Austin hopes that TCEQ staff will consider and utilize these comments during the technical review of the proposed permit application. The City reserves the right to amend and supplement these comments. As it concerns this permit application, the City of Austin (“City”) is an affected party. The City requests, as an affected party, notice of subsequent correspondence, proceedings, draft permits, or contested case hearings on this permit. Barton Creek provides recharge to the Edwards Aquifer. Barton Creek currently exceeds fishable/swimmable quality. One of the City’s interests is to prevent degradation of the water quality of Barton Creek and the Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer. The City holds a 1,675.7 acre conservation easement in the Barton Creek Watershed downstream of the proposed discharge location, purchased in 1999 using $5,864,950 in voter-approved bond funding. This property has been preserved in perpetuity to protect the integrity of Barton Creek and regional groundwater resources. Additionally, the City is a participant in the Texas Clean Rivers Program and provides water quality monitoring data from Barton Creek to the TCEQ. Attached please find water quality modeling performed by the City of the proposed discharge permit application. The City utilized a Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP) model to evaluate the water quality impacts of proposed discharge on the Long Branch Tributary to Barton Creek, including the detention ponds within the route of the proposed discharge in the Polo Club neighborhood northeast of the intersection of Polo Club Drive and Pemberton Way (Richter 2018). The WASP modeling predicts that total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations downstream of the detention ponds in the Long Branch Tributary will be similar to concentrations exiting the proposed wastewater treatment plant during the majority of the year, and phytoplankton chlorophyll concentrations will be hypereutrophic during algal blooms. a The City of Austin is committed …
Water Quality Impacts from a Proposed Wastewater Discharge to Barton Creek ABEL PORRAS, PE ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT DIVISION WATERSHED PROTECTION DEPARTMENT OCT 21, 2020 The Proposed TPDES Permit The Sawyer-Cleveland Partnership applied for a TPDES permit The permit would allow treated wastewater effluent to be discharged to a tributary of Barton Creek in the Contributing Zone of the Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer Environmental Resource Management Division has modeled this discharge and assessed its impact on the water quality in Barton Creek. The Location of the Discharge The Location of the Discharge The Location of the Discharge The Proposed TPDES Permit The Sawyer-Cleveland Partnership are proposing that their permit: Would authorize a discharge of treated wastewater not to exceed a daily average flow of 92,000 gallons/day; Estimated effluent concentrations of ~22mg/L of Nitrogen and ~4 mg/L of Phosphorus Dripping Springs TPDES permit allowed discharge of treated wastewater not to exceed a daily average flow of 995,000 gallons/day Estimated effluent concentrations of ~6mg/L of Nitrogen and ~0.5 mg/L of Phosphorus The Model We’re interested mostly in the impact on the stream from algae due to N and P. Algae changes the trophic status (or the clarity of the stream). The water quality model looks at flow, light conditions, and nutrient cycling to assess the impacts from nitrogen and phosphorus into algae. We used site-specific data for flow and light. Chlorophyll-a Concentration during Low Flow Conditions Long Branch Barton Creek 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 Stream Length (mi) Chlorophyll-a Concentration during High Flow Conditions The Results Long Branch Barton Creek 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 Stream Length (mi) 250 200 150 100 50 0 ) 2 m / g m ( 250 200 150 100 50 0 ) 2 m / g m ( n o i t a r t n e c n o C a - l l y h p o r l o h C n o i t a r t n e c n o C a - l l y h p o l r o h C Next Steps • We provided a letter of comments to TCEQ • TCEQ is working on a draft permit based on their own modeling …
WUI Code Environmental Commission Conditions AFD inclusion of Environmental Commission Conditions in Wildland-Urban Interface Code (WUIC): Of the 24 conditions on the Environmental Commission’s September 18, 2019 motion recommending support of the WUIC: 7 will be addressed through administrative rules, 4 were addressed by revising the draft code, 6 are clarified by AFD, 2 are part of existing processes, 1 is in existing regulations, and 4 would be part of AFD’s education and outreach campaign. Summary of AFD response to Environmental Commission conditions: 1 Admin rules 4 Existing process 7 Education and Outreach 10 Clarified by AFD 13 Education and Outreach 16 Clarified by AFD 19 Revised draft code 22 Revised draft code 2 Admin rules 5 Admin rules 8 Admin rules 11 Clarified by AFD 14 Admin rules 17 Clarified by AFD 20 Clarified by AFD 23 AFD program 3 Existing process 6 Existing regulations 9 Revised draft code 12 Admin rules 15 Revised draft code 18 Clarified by AFD 21 Admin rules 24 AFD program AFD responses (in red): 1. Within six months from Council approval of an ordinance, develop best management practices for the WUI Code that shall be added to the City’s technical manual through the rules process. Include the public in several working group meetings prior to the standard rules meeting. AFD has begun drafting rules and will include public where appropriate. Timing is contingent on City rules adoption schedule. Emergency rules are expected to be used on January 1, 2021 while permanent rules are adopted with the Development Services Department rules adoption schedule for Quarter 1. 2. Establish a proactive Firewise process where AFD assesses the fire risk on site for new construction or remodels, prior to doing any tree or vegetation work in defensible space. Do not allow tree or vegetation removal to create defensible space or creation of shaded fuel breaks without prior AFD Firewise assessment. AFD will consider this process during administrative rules development. Existing regulations for vegetation clearing and tree removal will apply. 3. Require hardening new or remodeled buildings and structures before removing trees or vegetation in the defensible space. AFD adopted this approach with support from stakeholders including the Environmental Commission. pg. 1 10/07/2020 WUI Code Environmental Commission Conditions 4. Staff shall proactively review site plans and proposed remodels to avoid removing or damaging trees to provide water or access for emergency …
WUI Code Defensible Space Rule Overview Section 601 rule describes how fire protection requirements, mainly defensible space, could be required: 101.2, Scope, allows use or occupancy to continue if it was legal at time of adoption of the code and does not constitute a distinct hazard. o Code official can require fire protection requirements, including defensible space, for illegal use or distinct hazard. o Distinct hazard also linked by definition to table 502.1, Fire Hazard Severity, and Appendix C, Fire Hazard Severity Form. 101.4, Retroactivity, says code applies to conditions arising on and after the effective date. 107.2.1, Permits Required, describes conditions that would not allow a permit to be issued. A property owner would therefor need to correct at least one of the conditions to be able to obtain a permit; reduce hazard severity, or provide conforming access, water supply or defensible space. o o If defensible space is chosen then Chapter 6 requirements would apply. If reduction of fire hazard severity is chosen then either a vegetation management plan per 502.2 could be provided or Appendix C could be used to reduce the rating score to below 75. Chapter 6 requirements would apply to both a vegetation management plan as well as the defensible space component of Appendix C if it is used to reduce points. 401.3 references general safety precautions and triggers Appendix A by direct reference. Appendix A covers things that are mostly covered by other City regulations but gives the Fire Marshall added authority for certain activities and uses including provision of defensible space: o Vegetation control for Roadways, 10’ clear either side Electrical transmission and distribution lines o Obstruction of access or defensible space o Clearance requirements for ignition source control o Storage of hazardous materials o Protection of pumps and water supply storage facilities o Land use limitations for temporary uses Section 603, Defensible Space and 604, Maintenance of defensible space: When required or allowed shall be not less than 30’ or to property line and may be increased or decreased by the Fire Marshall based on site specific analysis. Fuel modification distances in table 603.2 are available for increases or decreases but not directly linked since table 503.1 for ignition resistant construction was deleted. Deletion of table 503.1 means defensible space would not be an option to avoid ignition resistant construction. Defensible space …
1112 W. ANNIE ST. SP-2020-0093DS Hank Marley Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 1 PROPERTY DATA • 0.1455 acres • West Bouldin Creek • Urban • Desired Development Zone • Austin Full Purpose • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • No Critical Environmental Features • Current code regulations apply 2 SP-2020-0093DS 1112 W. Annie Street 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. 3 0510Miles[ Vicinity Exhibit N NTS 4 Existing conditions N NTS 5 Northern stream bank 6 Southern stream bank 7 Existing conditions N NTS 8 Proposed Site Plan Enlargement N NTS 9 VARIANCE REQUEST To allow development inside the Critical Water Quality Zone (LDC 25-8-261) • To allow the drive to cross the critical water quality zone. 0 1 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) 1 1 Findings of Fact LDC 25-8-41 • 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. • Staff determination: Yes. The site is located in the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Planning Area and has a single family zoning designation similar to the immediate surrounding areas. The proposed bridge crossing is to gain access to a larger lot located on the other side of West Bouldin Creek. This is the lot where the owner intends to build their home. That lot is 0.5290 acres and the majority of it is outside of the 100 year floodplain and critical water quality zone (Figure 1 next slide). The proposed bridge crossing is the only access point that the owner has to the City ROW, as the lot is entirely enclosed within West Bouldin Creek, other single family lots and the train track that runs the entire length of the Western perimeter. By not allowing the proposed bridge the requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: October 21, 2020 1112 W. Annie St., SP-2020-0093DS NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Mark Zupan LOCATION: 1112 W. Annie Street, Austin, Texas, 78704 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District #9 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITIONS: Hank Marley, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, 512-974-2067, hank.marley@austintexas.gov West Bouldin Creek, Urban, Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261 to allow development inside the Critical Water Quality Zone. Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact have been met. Restore any damage caused during construction to the City erosion control infrastructure up to the standards shown in the West Bouldin Creek at West Annie Street Stream Restoration Project – GP-2014-0593.WPD. Provide a planting plan requiring City standard specification 609S – Native Seeding and Planting within the critical water quality zone. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: 1112 W. Annie Street; SP-2020-0093DS Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: To allow development inside the Critical Water Quality Zone (LDC 25-8-261). 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 site is located in the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Planning Area and has a single family zoning designation similar to the immediate surrounding areas. The proposed bridge crossing is to gain access to a larger lot located on the other side of West Bouldin Creek. This is the lot where the owner intends to build their home. That lot is 0.5290 acres and the majority of it is outside of the 100 year floodplain and critical water quality zone. The proposed bridge crossing is the only access point that the owner has to the City ROW, as the lot is entirely enclosed within West Bouldin Creek, other single family lots and the train track that runs the entire length of the Western perimeter. By not allowing the proposed bridge 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. 2. The variance: a) Is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or …
Wildland-Urban Interface Code Environmental Commission October 21, 2020 Chief Tom Vocke – Austin Fire Marshall Key Stakeholders • Public Safety Commission, Environmental Commission, Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals • Greater Austin Home Builders Association and Real Estate Council of Austin • City, County, State departments, agencies, programs • Neighborhood organizations WUI Risk • Fire Behavior and Built Environment • Fire spread and intensity • Topography • Structure Density Risk Statistics Zones are proximity to Wildlands 1 – within 150 feet 2 – within 400 feet 3 – within 1,000 feet 4 – within 1.5 miles (Ember Zone) 5 – beyond 1.5 miles Three potential types of ignition sources: Ember Attacks (aka Firebrands) • Most home losses in a wildfire are from embers, not by direct contact with flames. Surface Fires ground litter. • Typically small flames burning through grass and • Can reach houses if there’s no interruption in • Use of Shaded Fuel Break to help reduce the risk. • Flames touching a house can cause them to fuel. ignite. Crown Fire • Large flames burning in the tops or canopies of trees. • Radiate heat that can ignite wood walls from up to 100’ away. Firewise USA® • More than 1,500 recognized • Residents reducing wildfire risks • Taking action and ownership • • Preparing Protecting their homes • There are over 100 in Texas • 18 in Austin • Austin Firewise Alliance • Communities coming together to educate and promote FAC • Many more are engaged with AFD Austin Fire Department Effective Fire Fighting • Quick initial response • Continuous training • Proper equipment Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code • Council adopted April 9, 2020 • Implementation January 1, 2021 • Administrative rules in development now WUI Code • Technical Building Code • 2015 ICC Model Code - IWUIC • Ignition resistant construction • Defensible space allowed to mitigate distinct hazard WUI Code Areas • Developable properties near wildlands • 150’ from 40 acre • 1.5 miles from 750 acre • Ignition resistant roofs and vent screening throughout • Ignition resistant walls, doors, windows if within 50’ of wildland WUI Code Ignition Resistant Construction • New and remodeled structures in the WUI area • Ember protection throughout the WUI area • Class A roof, vent screens, decks and fences, underfloor enclosures • Increased requirements closest to wildlands • Ignition resistant exterior walls, doors, windows • Defensible …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20201021-004a Date: October 21, 2020 Subject: SP-2020-0093DS at 1112 West Annie St. Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Peggy Maceo RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from LDC 25- 8-261 to allow development inside the critical water quality zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends this variance with 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. Restore any damage caused during construction to the City erosion control infrastructure up to the standards shown in the West Bouldin Creek at West Annie Street Stream Restoration Project GP-2014-0593.WPD. 2. Provide a planting plan requiring City standard specification 609S Native Seeding and Planting within the critical water quality zone. VOTE 7-0 For: Bedford, Smith, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Ramberg, and Gordon Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel, Nill, Thompson, and Guerrero Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 21, 2020 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Curtis Smith Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Perry Bedford Katie Coyne Peggy Maceo Mary Ann Neely Wendy Gordon Commissioners Absent: Andrew Creel Ryan Nill Pam Thompson Staff in Attendance: Kaela Champlin Chris Herrington Abel Porras Hank Marley Mark Baker CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Coyne called the meeting to order at 6:05 P.M. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the October 7, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) The minutes of the October 7, 2020 Environmental Commission meeting were approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Smith’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioners Creel, Nill, Maceo, and Gordon were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Update on Sawyer-Cleveland Wastewater Treatment Plant—Abel Porras, Supervising Engineer, Watershed Protection Department (15 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 3. 4. 5. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Approve 2021 Environmental Commission schedule (10 minutes) The proposed 2021 Environmental Commission schedule was approved with changes on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Smith’s second on a 7- 0 vote. Commissioners Creel, Nill, Thompson, and Guerrero were absent. b. Update on Wildland-Urban Interface Code—Mark Baker, Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior, Austin Fire Department (1 hour) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: 1112 W. Annie Street; SP-2020-0093DS Applicant: Mark Zupan Location: 1112 W. Annie Street, Austin, Texas, 78704 (District 9) Staff: Hank Marley, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Watershed: West Bouldin Creek Watershed, Urban, Desired Development Zone Request: Variance request is as follows: To allow development inside the Critical Water Quality Zone (LDC 25-8-261) Staff Recommendation: Staff recommend this variance with conditions (15 minutes) A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Gordon’s second on a 7-0 vote. A motion to approve the variance request with conditions was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Maceo’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Creel, Nill, Thompson, and Guerrero were absent. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Growth Policy and Water Quality Protection Committee – Pam Thompson, Kevin Ramberg, Mary Ann Neely, Curtis Smith, and Perry Bedford b. Urban Forestry Committee – Peggy Maceo, Pam Thompson, Linda Guerrero, and Mary Ann Neely c. Report on the Joint Sustainability Committee – Katie Coyne Commissioner …
Urban Forestry Committee Meeting October 19, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. Environmental Commission to be held October 19, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications. Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (day before the scheduled meeting, October 18, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the October 19, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the commission liaison at: Kaela Champlin (512) 974-3443 or Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start 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. •Residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 1 Reunión del Urban Forestry Committee Fecha de la reunion (19 de octubre de 2020 a las 10:00 A.M.) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social. Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (18 de octubre de 2020 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en (512) 690-6729, Kaela.Champlin@gmail.com a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de la …
City Arborist Program Heritage Tree Report July - Sept 2020 Diameter 9-33.5 Issue Date 7/1/2020 7/1/2020 7/1/2020 7/1/2020 7/1/2020 7/1/2020 7/1/2020 7/1/2020 7/1/2020 7/2/2020 7/2/2020 7/2/2020 7/2/2020 7/2/2020 7/2/2020 7/2/2020 7/2/2020 7/2/2020 7/6/2020 7/6/2020 7/6/2020 7/6/2020 7/6/2020 7/6/2020 7/6/2020 7/6/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/7/2020 7/8/2020 7/8/2020 7/8/2020 7/8/2020 7/8/2020 7/8/2020 7/8/2020 7/8/2020 7/8/2020 7/9/2020 7/9/2020 7/9/2020 7/9/2020 7/9/2020 7/9/2020 7/9/2020 7/10/2020 7/10/2020 7/10/2020 7/10/2020 7/10/2020 7/10/2020 Address 3205 CLAWSON ROAD 5304 N SCOUT ISLAND CIR 5304 N SCOUT ISLAND CIR 4204 FLAGSTAFF DR 808 GULLETT ST 808 GULLETT ST 3606 GARDEN VILLA LN 4611 RICHMOND AVE 7104 RYAN DR 4700 ISLAND CV 4700 ISLAND CV 4700 ISLAND CV 4700 ISLAND CV 4700 ISLAND CV 4700 ISLAND CV 3511 PINNACLE RD 3511 PINNACLE RD 4012 AVENUE G 9114 BALCONES CLUB DRIVE 1604 NORRIS DR 3817 MEANDERING CREEK COVE 1704 RABB RD 1704 RABB RD 3710 CEDAR STREET 3401 SPANISH OAK DR 12917 PADUA DR 1505 HOLLY ST 1505 HOLLY ST 2203 TOWER DR 5003 HIGHLAND CT 5003 HIGHLAND CT 5003 HIGHLAND CT 1505 HOLLY ST 1505 HOLLY ST 1505 HOLLY ST 1505 HOLLY ST 1505 HOLLY ST 1505 HOLLY ST 1505 HOLLY ST 307 CEDARBROOK COURT 15 MARGRANITA CRESCENT 1519 W 29TH STREET 3809 SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD EB 12315 BEDROCK TRL 12021 SELMA HUGHES PARK RD 12021 SELMA HUGHES PARK RD 12021 SELMA HUGHES PARK RD 12021 SELMA HUGHES PARK RD 10511 DOERING LANE 2314 WESTROCK DR 4708 RUE ST 4708 RUE ST 9305 CLEAROCK DR 9305 CLEAROCK DR 9305 CLEAROCK DR 2208 S 2ND ST 2208 S 2ND ST 127 BIRNAM WOOD CT 4502 HANK AVENUE 3101 NEAL ST 1628 E CESAR CHAVEZ STREET 9005 CURRYWOOD DRIVE 2007 BLUEBONNET LN 2007 BLUEBONNET LN 1013 E 45TH ST 1013 E 45TH ST 4809 ALF AVE 1000 ELLINGSON LN 3304 BEVERLY ROAD 1902 CULLEN AVE Public No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No Yes No Yes No No Yes No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No Yes Yes No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No Species Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Spanish …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission October 7, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. Environmental Commission to be held October 7, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications. Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (day before the scheduled meeting, October 6, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the October 7, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the commission liaison at: Kaela Champlin (512) 974-3443 or Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start 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. •Residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 1 Reunión del Environmental Commission Fecha de la reunion (7 de octubre de 2020 a las 6:00 P.M.) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social. Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (6 de octubre de 2020 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en (512) 690-6729, Kaela.Champlin@gmail.com a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de …
87TH STATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Intergovernmental Relations Office – Brie L. Franco, Officer TEXAS LEGISLATURE INCREASINGLY FOCUSED ON CITIES Total Bills Introduced Total Bills Passed City‐Related bills introduced City‐Related bills passed Year 76th‐1999 77th‐2001 78th‐2003 79th‐2005 80th‐2007 81st‐2009 82nd‐2011 83rd‐2013 84th‐2015 85th – 2017 5,813 5,612 5,633 5,512 6,241 7,464 5,938 5,950 6,476 6,800 1,622 1,601 1,384 1,389 1,481 1,459 1,379 1,437 1,329 1,208 1,230+ 1,200+ 1,200+ 1,200+ 1,200+ 1,500+ 1,500+ 1,900+ 1,900+ 2,500+ 86th – 2019 7,324 1,429 2,300+ 130+ 150+ 110+ 105+ 120+ 120+ 160+ 220+ 220+ 294 338 • 54 % more City- related bills were passed between 2015 and 2019 • 182 % more City – related bills were passed between 2009 and 2019 9/30/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 2 LEGISLATIVE SESSION: IGRO ROLE In the 86th session • 3,970 Bills/JR’s were filed in last 10 business days before filing deadline, March 8th. (54%). • 7,324 bills read and analyzed by IGRO. • Over 2,500 bills were determined by IGRO to affect cities. • 1,296 Bills/JR’s required analysis/action by departments and IGRO. 9/30/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 3 TREND: ANTI-CITY TONE: GOVERNOR ABBOTT "As opposed to the state having to take multiple rifle- shot approaches at overriding local regulations, I think a broad-based law by the state of Texas that says across the board, the state is going to pre-empt local regulations, is a superior approach“ * – Governor Greg Abbott, March 21, 2017 *Source: “Abbott wants "broad‐based law" that pre‐empts local regulations” Texas Tribune, March 21, 2017 Governor Greg Abbott in 2017 9/30/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 4 TREND: ANTI-CITY LEGISLATION: POST 85TH SPECIAL SESSION "Our cities are still controlled by Democrats…And where do we have all our problems in America? Not at the state level run by Republicans, but in our cities that are mostly controlled by Democrat mayors and Democrat city council men and women. That's where you see liberal policies. That's where you see high taxes. That's where you see street crime." * -Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, 2017 *Source: “Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick blames city governments for "all our problems in America" Texas Tribune, AUG. 4, 2017 9/30/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 5 Lt Governor Dan Patrick in 2016. Photo by Gage Skidmore. TREND: ANTI-CITY TONE: POST 86TH SESSION “Any mayor, county judge that was dumb ass enough to come meet with me, I told them with great clarity, my goal is for this to be the …
Ecoregion context: east and west Austin Edwards Plateau Austin Blackland Prairie Social context: east and west Austin http://projects.statesman.com/news/economic‐mobility/ Lake Austin, Barton Creek, and Williamson Creek Watershed Ordinances Comprehensive Watersheds Ordinance Drainage Criteria Manual Floodplain Ordinance Waterway Ordinance 1974 1977 1980 1981 1983 1986 1991 1992 1997/98 2001 2012 2013 2015 2019 Urban Watersheds Ordinance Watershed Protection Ordinance Land Development Code Revision Atlas 14 floodplain ordinance Save Our Springs Ordinance Lower Watershed ordinance What is a Riparian Area? Soil Water Vegetation Soil Water Vegetation Why protecting and restoring creeksides? community‐centric Urban Heat Island mitigation Access to nature to explore, learn, relax, breath Greenbelt connectivity Air quality Shade Why protecting and restoring creeksides? system‐focus Summarize watershed health Higher moisture and tree survival than uplands Wildlife habitat corridors Natural networks Healthy creeksides, healthier creeks (water quality and quantity, erosion protection) Why restoring creeksides? community and resiliency In tending to nature, can we heal? Is the resiliency in creeksides a story that speaks to us as communities? Existing protections Gaps Critical Water Quality Zones Floodplain Modification Provisons Substantial development restrictions in floodplains No restoration triggered when CWQZ or creek are in poor condition (except when floodplain modification) Current stormwater management allows bypassing of creek
2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 7, 2020 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Curtis Smith Pam Thompson Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Perry Bedford Katie Coyne Peggy Maceo Mary Ann Neely Wendy Gordon Commissioners Absent: Andrew Creel Ryan Nill Staff in Attendance: Kaela Champlin Brie Franco Ana Gonzalez Chris Herrington CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Guerrero called the meeting to order at 6:06 P.M. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the September 16, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) The minutes of the September 16, 2020 Environmental Commission meeting were approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Thompson’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Creel, Nill, Maceo, and Gordon were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Briefing on 87th State Legislative Agenda—Brie Franco, Officer, Intergovernmental Relations Office (30 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 b. Briefing on riparian zone protection—Ana Gonzalez, Environmental Scientist Senior, Watershed Protection Department (30 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Update on remote meeting schedule—Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department (5 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 4. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Growth Policy and Water Quality Protection Committee – Pam Thompson, Kevin Ramberg, Mary Ann Neely, Curtis Smith, and Perry Bedford b. Urban Forestry Committee – Peggy Maceo, Pam Thompson, Linda Guerrero, and Mary Ann Neely c. Report on the Joint Sustainability Committee – Katie Coyne Commissioner Katie Coyne gave an update on the Joint Sustainability Committee. d. Report on the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Citizen’s Advisory Committee – Mary Ann Neely e. Report on the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and Parks and Recreation Board – Mary Ann Neely, Peggy Maceo, Linda Guerrero, and Pam Thompson f. Report on the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board – Linda Guerrero Commissioner Linda Guerrero gave an update on the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Guerrero adjourned the meeting at 7:02 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. For additional information, please call Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission September 16, 2020 at 3:00 P.M. Environmental Commission to be held September 16, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications. Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (day before the scheduled meeting, September 15, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the September 16, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the commission liaison at: Kaela Champlin (512) 974-3443 or Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start 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. •Residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 1 Reunión del Environmental Commission Fecha de la reunion (16 de septiembre de 2020 a las 3:00 P.M.) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social. Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (15 de septiembre de 2020 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en (512) 690-6729, Kaela.Champlin@gmail.com a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: Sept. 16, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Koenig Lane Commercial SP-2019-0561C NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Caitlin Kuglen Kimley-Horn LOCATION: 1512-1/2 W Koenig Lane Austin, Texas 78757 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District # 7 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: Jonathan Garner, Environmental Program Coordinator Development Services Department (512) 974-1665 Jonathan.Garner@austintexas.gov Shoal Creek Watershed, Urban Classification, Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261 to allow private driveway and parking in a critical water quality zone. Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. Provide ribbon strips in the drive aisle, provide vegetative filter strips throughout the property to capture and treat stormwater runoff, and provide porous concrete for pedestrian paths to reduce overall impervious cover and promote more infiltration on site. Staff Findings of Fact Variance to LDC XX-XX-XXX 1 Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: Koenig Lane Commercial (SP-2019-0561C) Request to vary LDC 25-8-261 to allow a private driveway and parking lot in a critical water quality zone. 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. LDC 25-8-261 will deprive the property owner of a privilege available to owners of other similarly situated property because the surrounding development (and zoning, LO-MU-NP) is all commercial businesses with similar sized lots and development. Additionally, due to the width and traffic volume along Koenig Drive, on-street parking is not an option. If the applicant is deprived of the privilege to develop this property in context with its current zoning and the surrounding uses, the property will remain vacant and unable to be developed or used in its current condition. 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. In order for the property to be developed under current zoning regulations and in context with the surrounding uses, the applicant is required to provide a means of vehicular ingress and …
KOENIG LANE COMMERCIAL 1512 W. KOENIG LANE AUSTIN, TX 78757 SP-2019-0561C Jonathan Garner Environmental Program Coordinator Development Services Department SP-2019-0561C KOENIG LANE COMMERCIAL 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. 2 PROPERTY DATA • Full-Purpose Jurisdiction • Desired Development Zone • Shoal Creek Watershed (Urban classification) • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Current code regulations apply 3 VARIANCE REQUEST 1. To allow development in a CWQZ (LDC 25-8-261) • Private driveway and parking lot 4 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) 5 FINDINGS OF FACT [LDC 25-8-41(A)] • 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. • Staff determination: Yes. • LDC 25-8-261 will deprive the property owner of a privilege available to owners of other similarly situated property because the surrounding development (and zoning, LO-MU-NP) is all commercial businesses with similar sized lots and development, and on-street parking is not an option along W. Koenig Drive (slides 7-9). 6 SITE CONTEXT 7 SITE AERIAL EXHIBIT 8 SITE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS CRITICAL WATER QUALITY ZONE 100-YR FULLY DEVELOPED FLOODPLAIN SITE LOCATION 9 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) • 2a: The variance 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: • Staff determination: Yes. For commercial development the applicant is required to provide a means of vehicular ingress and egress, as well as parking on site. The applicant is proposing vegetated filter strips for on-site water quality (slide 12), reducing the overall proposed impervious cover on the property by providing “ribbon strips” for the driveway and porous concrete (slide 13) for all pedestrian walkways These design decisions result in a total proposed impervious cover amount of 55%, where as much as 70% is allowed, and provides on-site water quality …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: September 16, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: 8921 US Hwy 290 West Wastewater Service Extension Request #4796 NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Joe Longaro, P.E. LJA Engineering, Inc. LOCATION: 8921 US 290 Hwy West, Austin, TX 78737 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction PROJECT FILING DATE: May 18, 2020 WPD/ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department (512) 974-3443, kaela.champlin@austintexas.gov Slaughter Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF DETERMINATION: Wastewater Service Extension Staff recommends approval 1 TO: FROM: MEMORANDUM Linda Guerrero, Chair, and Members of the Environmental Commission Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department September 9, 2020 DATE: SUBJECT: 8921 US Hwy 290 West Wastewater SER #4976 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 staff have completed the review for 8921 US Hwy 290 West wastewater SER #4976 and recommend approval of the request. Site Overview The site consists of one tract of approximately 69.12 acres, located at 8921 W US 290 Hwy. The site is in the City of Austin’s Limited Purpose Jurisdiction, the Slaughter Creek Watershed, the Barton Springs Zone, and the Drinking Water Protection Zone. The site is also within the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone and is subject to the Composite Ordinance due to 245 determination. This property has an approved site plan for the Junction Athletic Complex, SP-2016-0607D, a proposed sports complex that has not been constructed. The applicant is now proposing to develop a 280-unit multi-family project in the same development footprint with 140 Land Use Equivalents (LUEs). A revised site plan has not yet been submitted; however, the applicant will comply with the development requirements of the approved site plan. This site is also adjacent to the Ledgestone Multifamily wastewater SER #4622, located at 9021 W US 290 Hwy, approved by Council on June 11, 2020. Environmental Impacts The eastern portion of the site is within the Devils Pen Creek critical water quality zone and water quality transition zone. There are seven wetland critical environmental features (CEFs) and one seep CEF on the property. The site does not drain to occupied salamander habitat. 2 Development Impacts Water: The site is located in the water service area …
8921 US Hwy 290 West Wastewater Service Extension Request #4796 Request Summary • 69.12 acres • 2-Mile ETJ • Slaughter Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone • Located in the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone • Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ) • Applicant is proposing to develop a 280-unit multi- family project with 14- Land Use Equivalents (LUEs) SER #4622 Site Location Austin City Limits Austin ETJ Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Austin City LimitsETJRechargeContributingAustin City LimitsETJRechargeContributing Site Location Devils Pen Creek Honeycomb Dr Devils Pen Creek Ledgestone Multifamily SER #4622 8921 US Hwy 290 W SER #4976 Devils Pen Creek SER #4796 Proposed Wastewater Extension Map provided by AWU SER #4796 Wastewater Summary • 1,000 feet of 8-inch gravity wastewater main in Circle Dr and extend south along Circle Dr and then west along US 290 to the highest point that can be served by the proposed gravity wastewater main. • 6,000 feet of appropriately sized force main from the proposed lift station and extend north through the subject tract and northeast along US 290 Hwy to the proposed 8-inch gravity wastewater main in US 290 Hwy. • 1,800 feet of 15-inch gravity wastewater main from the existing 15- inch gravity wastewater main along Williamson Creek, and extend west to the existing 12-inch gravity wastewater main located west of Covered Bridge Dr. • 2,250 feet of 12-inch gravity wastewater main (minimum 1.0% slope) from the existing 8-inch gravity wastewater main located north of Towana Trl, and extend south towards Towana Trl, west along Towana Trl, and then south along Mowinkle Dr to the existing 8-inch gravity wastewater main in Mowinkle Dr. SER #4796 Summary Lift station • Construction of the wastewater main and lift station are required to be located outside of the water quality transition zone and critical water quality zone. • The appropriately sized lift station and force main shall be sized to provide service to the subject tract only. • The adjacent tract (Ledgestone SER #4622) also requires a lift station and force main, and the applicant has indicated that it is preferable that only one lift station be constructed to serve both tracts. SER #4796 Summary • Approximately 1,600 feet of the 1,800 feet of 15-inch gravity wastewater main is also proposed to be constructed by Granada Ridge (SP-2018-0138, SER #3299). – If the applicant’s project timeline needs these wastewater improvements prior to the …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 202000916-004a Date: September 16, 2020 Subject: Koenig Lane Commercial, SP-2019-0561C Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Perry Bedford RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from LDC 25- 8-261 to allow private driveway and parking in a critical water quality zone; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the site is located in the Shoal Creek Watershed, Urban Classification, and Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends this variance (with 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. Provide ribbon strips in the drive aisle, 2. provide vegetative filter strips throughout the property to capture and treat stormwater runoff, and 3. provide porous concrete for pedestrian paths to reduce overall impervious cover and promote more infiltration on site. VOTE 9-0 Absent: Smith, Nill Approved By: For: Bedford, Creel, Thompson, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Guerrero, Ramberg, and Gordon Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 16, 2020 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Andrew Creel Pam Thompson Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Perry Bedford Katie Coyne Peggy Maceo Mary Ann Neely Wendy Gordon Commissioners Absent: Curtis Smith Ryan Nill Staff in Attendance: Kaela Champlin Jonathan Garner Chris Herrington Brett Ueno CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Guerrero called the meeting to order at 3:03 P.M. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the September 2, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) The minutes of the September 2, 2020 Environmental Commission meeting were approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Neely’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioner Creel was off the dais. Commissioners Smith and Nill were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Update on 2019 State of Our Environment Report—Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department (10 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 3. 4. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. None b. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: Koenig Lane Commercial, SP-2019-0561C Applicant: Caitlin Kuglen, Kimley-Horn Location: 1512-1/2 W Koenig Lane, Austin, Texas 78757 (District 7) Staff: Jonathan Garner, Environmental Program Coordinator, Development Services Department Watershed: Shoal Creek Watershed, Urban Classification, Desired Development Zone Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261 to allow private driveway and parking in a critical water quality zone. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends this variance with conditions. (30 minutes) A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Creel’s second on a 9-0 vote. A motion to recommend the variance request with conditions was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Smith and Nill were absent. Name: 8921 US Hwy 290 W Wastewater Service Extension Request #4796 Applicant: Joe Longaro, LJA Engineering Location: 8921 US Hwy 290 W, Austin, TX 78737 (Located in Austin Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Watershed: Slaughter Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: Wastewater Service Extension Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends this Service Extension Request. (30 minutes) Item 4b was postponed indefinitely. No action taken. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Growth Policy and Water Quality Protection Committee – Pam Thompson, Kevin Ramberg, Mary Ann Neely, Curtis Smith, and Perry Bedford b. Urban Forestry Committee – …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission September 2, 2020 at 3:00 P.M. Environmental Commission to be held September 2, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications. Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (day before the scheduled meeting, September 1, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the September 2, 2020 Environmental Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the commission liaison at: Kaela Champlin (512) 974-3443 or Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start 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. •Residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 1 Reunión del Environmental Commission Fecha de la reunion (2 de septiembre de 2020 a las 3:00 P.M.) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social. Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (1 de septiembre de 2020 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de (512) 690-6729, Kaela.Champlin@gmail.com a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de la junta, los …
VARIANCE REQUESTS & ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS Appropriateness (Findings of Fact) Findings for Land Commission Variances: (2) development subject to similar code requirements; the variance: (a) (A)(1) the requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous 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; is the minimum deviation from the code requirement necessary to allow a reasonable use of the property; and (b) (c) does not create a significant probability of harmful environmental consequences; and (3) development with the variance will result in water quality that is at least equal to the water quality achievable without the variance. Additional Findings for Stream Buffers: (1) (2) (3) the criteria for granting a variance in Subsection (A) are met; the requirement for which a variance is requested prevents a reasonable, economic use of the entire property; and the variance is the minimum deviation from the code requirement necessary to allow a reasonable, economic use of the entire property. GLOSSARY BSZ CEF CWQZ DDZ Dev’t ERM Barton Springs Zone Critical Environmental Feature Critical Water Quality Zone Desired Development Zone Development Environmental Resource Management (WPD) ETJ Extra Territorial Jurisdiction IC Impervious Cover NSA NSA ROW SFR SOS WQ Net Site Area Net Site Area Right of Way Single Family Residential Save Our Springs Water Quality WQTZ WS Rural Water Quality Transition Zone Water Supply Rural IPM Integrated Pest Management WS Suburban Water Supply Suburban MFR Multifamily Residential Wshed Watershed Revised 2020 Page 1 of 4 VARIANCE REQUESTS & ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS Structural containment (retaining walls) – REQUIRED Similar to Cut & Fill Code Requirements Intent of Code Suggested Conditions Examples Max 4 feet cut & fill allowed (except Encourage design within unlimited under buildings, when constructing a WQ pond, or within a ROW) the land constraints Maintain slope stability Prevent loss of site Structural containment (retaining walls) Restoration and revegetation Terracing (expands footprint, disturbance, and tree removal) Variance Request Cut & Fill 25‐8‐341 25‐8‐342 Construction on Slopes 25‐8‐301 25‐8‐302 (CWQZ & WQTZ) 25‐8‐261 25‐8‐322 25‐8‐452 25‐8‐483 Must restore & stabilize cut & fill areas Up to 8 ft. administrative variance allowed in DDZ if not located on a slope gradient >15% …
Variance Conditions Briefing to the Environmental Commission Atha Phillips Environmental Officer’s Office Condition: Plant at least 800 trees on-site • What size of tree? • What kind of tree? Shade or ornamental? • Irrigation required? • Maintenance plan? • Can these trees count towards other landscape code requirements? Condition: Demonstrate a black land prairie land restoration • Where? • How many acres? • Irrigation required? • Maintenance plan? • Can this count towards required mitigation on site? Condition: Investigate the restoration of the riparian area of Dry Creek • What is the product of the investigation? • This condition doesn’t require the applicant to produce plans, obtain a permit, or ultimately restore the creek Condition: Perform restoration of the riparian area of Dry Creek by working with partners such as Texas A&M • This condition is adding a complicating factor for the applicant. • What if partners aren't readily available or don’t want to work on this project? • Requiring applicant to work with staff is a more reliable scenario that will produce the same or better results. Unenforceable conditions: • Consider amenities near the trails such as water fountains • The tree care plan shall be increased to five years • Reuse the wood from the removed trees on the site in the form of something other than mulch as a public benefit Tips for Success: Ask yourself: 1. What are you trying to accomplish? 2. Is the goal related to the variance? 3. Has the condition been clearly identified? 4. Is the condition specific? 5. Is the condition enforceable? Ask staff if you need help or want us to review for the condition to meet the five items listed above. Questions? Contact: Atha Phillips (512)974-2132 Atha.Phillips@austintexas.org VARIANCE REQUESTS & ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS Appropriateness (Findings of Fact) Findings for Land Commission Variances: (2) development subject to similar code requirements; the variance: (a) (A)(1) the requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of other similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous 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; is the minimum deviation from the code requirement necessary to allow a reasonable use of the property; and (b) (c) does not create a significant probability of harmful environmental consequences; and (3) development with the …
2020 Aust in Climat e Equit y Plan Sept ember 2020 Summary ● We’ve been updating the Community Climate Plan o First draft has been internally reviewed o Draft for public comment coming out next week – full and summary documents. o Council in October ● What we’re looking for from you: ○ Comments ○ Areas of Interest ○ Pledge of Support 2015 Communit y Climat e Plan Adopt ed by Council in June 2015 Electricity & Natural Gas Transportation & Land Use Materials & Waste Management 135 qualitative actions directed at departments 2017 Travis County Carbon Footprint 12.5 million metric tons carbon dioxide-equivalent Industrial Processes How w as t his plan updat e creat ed? • • • • • • • • 24 City Staff 120 Community Members (NGO, Govt., Business) 12 Ambassadors 4 Equity Trainings 5 Community Workshops (over 250 attendees) 14 Steering Committee Meetings 60+ Advisory Group Meetings 50+ Interviews by Ambassadors St eering Commit t ee Members Co-Chairs Mayuri Raja, AZAAD, Google Shane Johnson, Sierra Club Katie Coyne, Asakura Robinson Susana Almanza, PODER Joep Meijer, Citizen Jim Walker, Univ. of Texas Rocio Villalobos, Equity Office Drew Nelson, Mitchell Foundation Rodrigo Leal, Guidehouse Rene Renteria, Citizen Kaiba White, Public Citizen Lauren Peressini, Sunrise Movement Shawanda Stewart, Huston-Tillotson Univ. Kenneth Thompson, Solar Austin Ben Leibowicz, Univ. of Texas Suzanne Russo, Pecan Street Inc. Pooja Sethi, Sethi Law Darien Clary, AISD Alberta Phillips, Joint Sustainability Committee, ECHO AG Representatives: Nakia Winfield, Brandi Clark Burton, Karen Magid, Kurt Stogdill, and Nick Kincaid A Hist ory of Inequit ies t hat Remains Today • • • • • The Austin 1928 Master Plan divided the city along racial lines, forcibly displacing Black residents into specific, undesirable areas. The Tank Farm fuel storage facility, Eastside Landfill, and the Holly Power Plant exposed people of color to toxic pollution in East Austin neighborhoods. Gentrification is taking place in parts of the city where low-income people and people of color have been forced to live, the African-American share of the Austin population declined from 12% in 1990 to 7.7% in 2010. As of 2015, 52% of white Austin residents were homeowners, only 27% of African-American and 32% of Hispanic/Latinx residents owned homes. Cases of COVID-19, hospitalization and mortality rates are disproportionately affecting Latinx and Black communities W e are Changing t he Eart h’s Climat e could be Warming over 2 catastrophic to …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: September 2, 2020 1010 Clermont; SP-2019-0328C Jim Schissler; Civilitude LLC LOCATION: 1010 Clermont Avenue, Austin TX, 78702 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District # 3 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: Hank Marley, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services, 512-974-2067, hank.marley@austintexas.gov Lady Bird Lake Watershed, Urban, Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-2-735(D) to allow impervious cover greater than 40% in the Festival Beach Waterfront Overlay – outside of the Primary and secondary setback areas – without having met specified criteria for allowing 70% maximum allowable impervious cover. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITION: Provide water quality treatment with the proposed project such that the proposed development pollutant load will be lower than the existing conditions pollutant load. A rain garden will be constructed to provide treatment for the runoff from the building and porous pavement will be constructed to provide treatment for the runoff from the parking lot and the onsite sidewalks. Provide specific window glazing on office building to reduce potential of bird strikes. All trees planted on site will be tree species native to central Texas. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: 1010 Clermont; SP-2019-0328C Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: For exceeding 40% impervious cover in the Festival Beach Waterfront Overlay – outside of the primary and secondary setback areas – without having met specified criteria for allowing 70% maximum allowable impervious cover in accordance with LDC 25-2-735(D). 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 site is a former used car sales lot. This project proposes an administrative and office building use similar to many developments throughout the Urban watershed regulation area where watershed impervious cover limits are defined by zoning. This project site happens to also be located within the Festival Beach Waterfront Overlay – outside of the primary and secondary set back areas – requiring it to be limited to 40% impervious cover in accordance with LDC 25-2-735(D), unless it …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Chair Guerrero and Members, Austin Environmental Commission August 25, 2020 1010 Clermont waterfront overlay variance request, SP-2019-0328C Christopher Herrington, P.E., Environmental Officer Watershed Protection Department FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: The purpose of this memo is to provide additional background information on the request for a variance to exceed allowable impervious cover in the Festival Beach Waterfront Overlay Subdistrict for 1010 Clermont (SP-2019-0328C). Staff are recommending the variance request with conditions, as noted in the backup materials for this item on the September 2, 2020, Environmental Commission meeting agenda. This type of variance is not frequently considered by the Environmental Commission, and the required findings per City Code are different for this type of variance than the more typical environmental variances considered by the Environmental Commission. The subject property is within the Festival Beach Subdistrict, but outside of the primary and secondary setbacks. Austin City Code 25-2-735 (Festival Beach Subdistrict Regulations) limits impervious cover to 40% for properties outside of the primary and secondary setbacks and less than 15 acres in size. Austin City Code 25-2-713 (Variances) allows applicants to request approval of the Land Use Commission for a variance to some Waterfront Overlay Subdistrict regulations, including impervious cover limits. Austin City Code 25-2-721 (Waterfront Overlay (WO) Combining District Regulations) requires the Land Use Commission to consider a recommendation from the Environmental Commission on this type of variance request. The Land Use Commission may approve this type of variance request if: • The proposed project and variance are consistent with the goals and policies of the Town Lake Corridor Study, including environmental protection, aesthetic enhancement, and traffic; and • The variance is the minimum required by the peculiarities of the tract. The purpose of the Waterfront Overlay is to implement the goals and policies of the1985 Town Lake Corridor Study, as noted in Austin City Code 25-2-710 (Goals and Policies). The 1985 Town Lake Corridor Study and resulting Waterfront Overlay were intended to promote development near the lake that is “in harmony with protecting the waterfront” and “encourages excellence in urban design.” For your reference, here are links to portions of the 1985 Town Lake Corridor Study most relevant to this case: • Overall Natural and Cultural Resources; Overall Goals and Policy Recommendations: o http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=162481 • Festival Beach Subzone Existing Conditions and Recommendations: o http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=162483 • Summary and Implementation: o http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=162487 …
1010 CLERMONT SP-2019-0328C Hank Marley Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 1 PROPERTY DATA • 0.26 acres • Urban • Lady Bird Lake Watershed • Desired Development Zone • Austin Full Purpose • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • No Critical Environmental Features • Current code regulations apply 2 SP-2019-0328C 1010 Clermont Ave. 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[ 3 Vicinity Exhibit Existing conditions 4 Existing conditions 5 Existing conditions 6 Proposed Site Plan Enlargement 7 VARIANCE REQUEST 1. To exceed allowable impervious cover of 40% in the Festival Beach Waterfront Overlay without having met specified criteria for allowing 70% maximum allowable impervious cover (LDC 25-2-735(D)). 8 FINDINGS OF FACT (LDC 25-8-41) 9 Findings of Fact LDC 25-8-41 • 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. • Staff determination: Yes. The site is a former used car sales lot. This project proposes an administrative and office building use and has a zoning district designation of Community Commercial (GR) which would normally enable a development with up to 90% impervious cover within the City’s zoning jurisdiction that falls within the Urban watershed regulation area. However, this project happens to also be located within the Festival Beach Waterfront Overlay – outside of the primary and secondary set back areas (See slide #11) – requiring it to be limited to 40% impervious cover, unless it can meet certain criteria such as containing congregate care and retail uses on 15 acres or more. Since these requirements are not feasible for this site and since the site is so small (.26 acres) achieving the 40% maximum allowable impervious cover isn’t feasible either and would deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property. Furthermore, there are other factors constraining the developability of the site such …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 202000902-003a Seconded by: Mary Ann Neely Date: September 2, 2020 Subject: Community Climate Plan 2020 Revision Motion by: Katie Coyne RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Austin Community Climate Plan includes a schedule for reporting and updates, with a full plan revision in 2020; WHEREAS, the harmful effects of climate change, including floods, droughts, heat waves and wildfires, are worsening in the Austin area and around the world; WHEREAS, the “Global Warming of 1.5 °C” issued in 2018 by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change illustrates that keeping the average global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius will help to avoid severe effects of climate change, including ecosystems collapsing, that will very likely occur if warming reaches 2 degrees Celsius; WHEREAS, low-income communities and communities of color in Austin and around the world are the most impacted by extreme weather and pollution despite having contributed least to the drivers of climate change and pollution; WHEREAS, harmful land use and the refusal to create or enforce real environmental regulations continue to disproportionately expose communities of color to environmental harms, leading to unjust quality of life outcomes both historically and today; WHEREAS, low-income communities and communities of color must be prioritized to receive the disproportionate benefits of the transition to a pollution-free society to remedy disproportionate harm done historically and presently; WHEREAS, if we design and implement programs to serve low-income communities and communities of color, we will positively impact all residents in the Austin area; WHEREAS, the Paris Agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change set a goal of “keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius”; 1 WHEREAS, current international, federal, state and local commitments to greenhouse gas reduction fall short of what is needed to keep average global warming to either 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius and the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s “Emissions Gap Report 2019” illustrates the significant magnitude in the gap between international commitments and needed emissions reductions; WHEREAS, the City of Austin is a member of C40 Cities, a network of global cities committed to addressing climate change; WHEREAS, C40 Cities has developed guidance for cities on setting greenhouse gas reduction goals that are based in science and equitable in the global context, and according to that methodology, …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 202000902-004a Date: September 2, 2020 Subject: 1010 Clermont Avenue, SP 2019-0328C Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Linda Guerrero RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from City Code 25-2-735(D) to allow impervious cover greater than 40% in the Festival Beach Waterfront Overlay – outside of the primary and secondary setback areas – without having met specified criteria for allowing 70% maximum allowable impervious cover; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the 0.26-acre lot currently contains approximately 81% impervious cover without onsite water quality treatment and has historically been used a used car lot; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends this variance having determined the required Findings of Fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following: Staff Conditions: 1. Provide water quality treatment with the proposed project such that the proposed development pollutant load will be lower than the existing conditions pollutant load. A rain garden will be constructed to provide treatment for the runoff from the building and porous pavement will be constructed to provide treatment for the runoff from the parking lot and the onsite sidewalks. 2. Provide specific window glazing on the office building to reduce potential of bird strikes. 3. All trees planted on site will be tree species native to central Texas. VOTE 9-0 For: Bedford, Smith, Thompson, Nill, Neely, Coyne, Maceo, Guerrero, and Ramberg Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel, Gordon 1 Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
