ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: January 19, 2022 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: HEB Austin No 33 SP-2020-0400D NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Joe York Jones & Carter LOCATION: 12115 US-290, Austin, TX 78737 COUNCIL DISTRICT: NA (Extraterritorial jurisdiction) ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Program Coordinator, Development Services Department, 512.974.1879, pamela.abee-taulli@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: Bear Creek Watershed and Barton Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone REQUEST: Variance requests are as follows: 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut to 12 feet. 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill to 21 feet. 3. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-302(A)(2) to allow construction of a parking area on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent. 4. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-301 to allow construction of a driveway on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends these variances, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITION: 1. Applicant will restore illegal fill that currently exists on the site to 2. Applicant will use native plants appropriate for the Hill Country original grade. location for revegetation. 3. The applicant will provide mitigation in the form of payment or on-site plantings for removed trees with a diameter of 19 inches or greater at a rate of 100 percent. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: HEB Austin No 33 Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet (maximum cut 12 feet). 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 descends from the northern boundary, at an elevation of 1195 feet above sea level, to the south-eastern corner, with an elevation of approximately 1089 feet. The project has a large footprint, comprised of a surface parking lot and grocery store. The size and layout are based on HEB’s standard practice for a suburban store. A development of similar scale, on a similarly situated property, subject to the same code requirements received similar variances. HEB 10, at 7901 US-290, Austin, TX 78736, …
HEB AUSTIN NO 33 Pamela Abee-Taulli Environmental Program Coordinator, Development Services Department 12115 US-290 SP-2020-0400D PROJECT LOCATION [ PROPERTY DATA • Bear Creek Watershed • Barton Springs Zone • Drinking Water Protection Zone • Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (Hays County) • No creeks or creek buffers; two (2) wetland Critical Environmental Features • Council District: NA [ VARIANCE REQUESTS Land Development Code § 25-8-341 - CUT REQUIREMENTS. (A) Cuts on a tract of land may not exceed four feet of depth. 1. The variance request is to allow cut over 4 feet to 12 feet. Land Development Code § 25-8-342 - FILL REQUIREMENTS. (A) Fill on a tract of land may not exceed four feet of depth. 2. The variance request is to allow fill over 4 feet to 21 feet. VARIANCE REQUESTS Land Development Code § 25-8- 302 - CONSTRUCTION OF A BUILDING OR PARKING AREA. (A) A (2) …a person may not construct: parking area on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent. 3. The variance request is to allow construction of a parking area on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent. Land Development Code § 25-8-301 - CONSTRUCTION OF A ROADWAY OR DRIVEWAY. (A) A person may not construct a roadway or driveway on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent unless the construction is necessary to provide primary access two contiguous acres with a gradient of 15 percent or less. 4. The variance request to allow construction of a driveway on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent. (1) at least to: is BACKGROUND 1195 feet at site descends boundary, from the The an northern to the elevation of 1195 feet, corner, with an south-eastern elevation of approximately 1089 feet. 1089 feet [ BACKGROUND 1195 feet The variances are necessitated by the naturally descending and terraced Hill-Country broadly slopes characteristic of the area. 1089 feet [ BACKGROUND the site has had For over a decade, unpermitted fill material, which changed both the topography and hydrology of the area, cutting off flow to a wetland critical environmental feature. Additionally, the Nutty Brown Café & Amphitheater had illegally expanded and increased its cover beyond the allowable limit. impervious NUTTY BROWN CAFÉ WETLAND ILLEGAL FILL AREAS WETLAND [ BACKGROUND the As part of this project, HEB will remove unpermitted development and the illegal fill. Areas outside of the …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210119-004a Date: January 19, 2022 RATIONALE: Subject: Rainey Tower SPC-2021-0129C Heritage Tree Variance Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Perry Bedford WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is seeking removal of a Heritage tree with a stem greater than 30 inches as allowed under LDC § 25-8-643 and § 25-8- 624(A)(2). WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the tree requested to be removed is a 32.5 inch Heritage pecan. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City Arborist rates the pecan as Fair condition; poor structure; and has a history of large previous failures and damage to the present building. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the Environmental Criteria Manual standard is 300% mitigation, and mitigation for the site shall be addressed by further enhancing the streetscape planting conditions required under the UNO Great Streets program. The applicant has proposed a menu of options that support greater tree health and longevity such as structural soil cells, permeable paving, and expanded continuous planting beds. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is proposing a five years tree care plan to provide ongoing maintenance for all new trees, and one-time improvements to additional streetscape trees and tree grates as needed and identified. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the request meets the City Arborist’s approval criteria set forth in LDC 25-8-624(A)(2), and thus the variance is recommended by staff. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the requested variance request with the following: Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. Implement a thorough 5-year tree care and maintenance plan at the cost of approximately $13,600 to increase tree viability over time for the eight (8) planted trees (monitor, water, fertilize, prune, etc.). 2. Implement a 5-year tree care plan for the three (3) preserved Protected and Heritage trees at the cost of approximately $12,900 to increase tree viability through construction and post-construction (monitor, water, fertilize, etc.). 3. Tree #2145 and maintaining for 5 years, which is approximately between $150,000 – $170,000. This cost is in addition to the tree removal mitigation costs in code which are approximately $21,000 1 (depending upon tree health valuation by staff), which we propose be used in on-site streetscape improvements. Therefore, we are proposing to provide an approximate total of $171,000 - $191,000 of improvements in lieu of preserving Tree #2145 for comprehensive and enhanced viability improvements to the pedestrian streetscape and paseo. 4. Ensure perpetual care of the remaining …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210119-004b Date: Jan 19, 2022 Subject: HEB Austin No. 33, SP-2020-0400D Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Perry Bedford RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting the Commission consider the following variance requests: 1. The variance request is to allow cut over 4 feet to 12 feet. 2. The variance request is to allow fill over 4 feet to 21 feet. 3. The variance request is to allow construction of a parking area on a slope with a gradient of more 4. The variance request is to allow construction of a driveway on a slope with a gradient of more than than 15 percent. 15 percent. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes this action concerns land located in the Bear Creek in the Barton Springs Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that City of Austin staff recommends approval of the variance requests with conditions. Therefore, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the request with the following Staff Conditions: 1. Applicant will restore illegal fill that currently exists on the site to the original grade. 2. Applicant will use native plants appropriate for the Hill Country location for revegetation. 3. The applicant will provide mitigation in the form of payment or on-site plantings for removed trees with a diameter of 19 inches or greater at a rate of 100%. 1 VOTE: 7-0 For: Perry Bedford, Haris Qureshi, Rachel Scott, Pam Thompson, Linda Guerrero, Jennifer Bristol, and Audrey Barrett Bixler Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Kevin Ramberg and Richard Brimer Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, January 19, 2022 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 City Hall in Council Chambers at 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701. Commissioners attending in person: Perry Bedford Haris Qureshi Rachel Scott Jennifer Bristol Audrey Barrett Bixler Commissioner attending remotely: Pam Thompson Commissioners absent: Rick Brimer Kevin Ramberg Staff in Attendance: Pamela Abee-Taulli Kaela Champlin Katie Coyne Greg Dutton Liz Johnston Keith Mars Mike McDougal Jorge Morales Anna Lan Naomi Rotramel CALL TO ORDER Chair Guerrero called the meeting to order at 6:09 P.M. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers should sign up to speak prior to the meeting being called to order; you will receive a three-minute allotment to discuss topics not posted on the agenda. Speakers Robert Kleeman 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION 1 2. 3. 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Approval of the December 1, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) A motion to approve the December 1, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes were approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Bixler’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Brimer and Ramberg were absent. STAFF UPDATES a. Recognize Katie Coyne for her service on the Environmental Commission and her appointment as Watershed Protection Department's Environmental Officer and Assistant Director of the Watershed Protection Department over Planning, Monitoring, and Compliance branch of divisions—Jorge Morales, Director, Watershed Protection Department (10 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Presentation on Equitable Transit-Oriented Development strategies for Project Connect—Anna Lan, Principal Planner, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Warner Cook, Senior Planner, Housing and Planning Department (30 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. a. Name: Rainey Tower SPC-2021-0129C Applicant: Lincoln Ventures LLC Location (address): 78-84 Rainey Street Austin, Texas 78701 Council District: District 9 Watershed: Waller Creek and Lady Bird Lake Request: The applicant is seeking the removal of a Heritage tree with a single stem over Staff: Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department 30 inches in diameter. Staff Recommendation: The request meets the City Arborist approval criteria set forth in LDC 25-8-624(A)(2), thus the variance is recommended. (30 minutes) Speakers Dave Anderson A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Scott’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Brimer and Ramberg were absent. A motion to support the variance request with conditions was approved on …
1. 2. Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission December 1, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Environmental Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi (D-1) Rachel Scott (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Vacant (D-4) Vacant (D-6) Audrey Barrett Bixler (D-5) Linda Guerrero (D-9) Chair _________________________________________________________________________________ Jennifer Bristol (D-7) Secretary Perry Bedford (Mayor) Richard Brimer (D-10) Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Vice-Chair Agenda CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers should sign up to speak prior to the meeting being called to order; you will receive a three-minute allotment to discuss topics not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the November 17, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) STAFF UPDATES a. Update on amendments to City Code section 2.1 regarding rules for conducting remote/hybrid Board and Commission meetings—Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department (5 minutes) 1 3. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Presentation on changes to improve issues with erosion-sedimentation controls in the Zilker/Barton Hills neighborhood—David Chapman, Environmental Compliance Supervisor, Development Services Department (30 minutes) b. Briefing on the Sound Ordinance—David Chapman, Environmental Compliance Supervisor, and Brian Block, Program Manager, Development Services Department (30 minutes) c. Make a recommendation regarding the creation, continuation, or termination and status of Lady Bird Lake concessions contained in the 2021 Annual Report of City of Austin/Parks and Recreation Department Managed Concessions on Town Lake— Margaret Stenz, Contract Management Specialist, Parks and Recreation Department (30 minutes) 4. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Forestry Committee –Pam Thompson, Richard Brimer, and Linda Guerrero b. Report on the Joint Sustainability Committee – Audrey Barrett Bixler c. Report on the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Citizen’s Advisory Committee – Kevin Ramberg d. Report on the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and Parks and Recreation Board –Linda Guerrero, Pam Thompson, and Rachel Scott e. Report on the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board – Linda Guerrero f. Other Updates: Update on Building Austin Tougher Strategic Initiative – Rachel Scott 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 …
Environmental Inspections 12/01/2021 David Chapman Environmental Division Manager 1 Objective FY2020: Top 10 Accomplishments • Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) • Types of ESC’s • Inspection & Enforcement • Resources & Reference 2 Erosion & Sediment Controls FY2020: Top 10 Accomplishments What are Erosion and Sediment Controls? • Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) is the practice of preventing or reducing the movement of sediment from a site during construction through the implementation of man-made structures, land management techniques, or natural processes. • ESC’s are installed at the perimeter of the construction site. 3 FY2020: Top 10 Accomplishments Rainfall Design MuniCode 2.3.0 Drainage Criteria Manual 4 Types of ESC’s FY2020: Top 10 Accomplishments Common types of ESC’s used within the City of Austin include (refer to MuniCode for design standards and allowances): 1. Mulch Socks 2. Silt Fence 3. Triangular Sediment Filter Dike 5 FY2020: Top 10 Accomplishments Mulch Socks 6 FY2020: Top 10 Accomplishments Silt Fence 7 FY2020: Top 10 Accomplishments Triangular Sediment Dike 8 FY2020: Top 10 Accomplishments Innovative Designs 9 FY2020: Top 10 Accomplishments Tree Protection 10 Inspection & Enforcement FY2020: Top 10 Accomplishments • • • • • • • Routine Inspections • • Residential = 1201 Commercial = 1285 Called Inspections • Enforcement of Non-Compliance • 311 Complaints • Emails Phone calls Weather Event Inspections • Hot Spots Average 5 more inspections per month from last year Average 550 Residential Tree Inspections Monthly • Average 801 Residential EV Inspections Monthly • Average 492 more inspections per month from last year 496 Total Complaints (117 Complaints lower then last year) 11 FY2020: Top 10 Accomplishments Enforcement of Non-Compliance 1. MuniCode Section 25-1-441, city inspector is responsible for environmental regulations and can take enforcement action for non-compliance with erosion and sedimentation requirement on a project site. 2. Enforcement Process: 1. Verbal – projects with required development permit/site plan where routine inspections reveal inadequacies in the controls, a verbal warning to the responsible personnel at the site is issued. – 1238 FY21 , 874 FY20 2. Written – 24 hours from the verbal warning, the deficiencies are not corrected, the inspector may deliver a written notice of non-compliance. – 134 FY21, 182 FY 20 Stop Work Order –24 hours, the deficiencies are not corrected, the inspector can issue a Stop Work Order to stop work on the project until the deficiencies are corrected. – 15 FY21, 33FY20 3. …
Amplified Sound Process 12/01/2021 Brian Block Entertainment Services Manager David Chapman Environmental Division Manger 1 Welcome FY2020: Top 10 Accomplishments • Chapter 9-2 Noise & Amplified Sound • General Restrictions • Outdoor Amplified Sound Permit Types • Review Process • Enforcement Process • Resources & Reference 2 FY2020: Top 10 Accomplishments Chapter 9-2 Noise & Amplified Sound General Restrictions • Noise may not be audible to an adjacent business or residence between 10:30pm-7:00am • At a business, sound equipment is limited to 85dB between 10:00am-2:00am, and may not be audible at the property line of the business between 2:00am-10:00am • In a residential area, sound equipment is limited to 75 dB from 10:00am-10:00pm and may not be audible beyond the property line from 10:00pm-10:00am • Businesses and Events can get a permit for the use of sound equipment that exempts them from the general restrictions 3 FY2020: Top 10 Accomplishments Outdoor Amplified Sound Permit Types • Outdoor Music Venue Permit (OMV) • Outdoor Amplified Sound at commercial establishments on a regular or recurring basis • Annual operating permit issued for outdoor amplified sound • Temporary Use of Sound Equipment • Outdoor Amplified Sound at commercial establishments on an event-by-event basis • Temporary permit for events and activities with outdoor amplified sound at permanent establishments that don’t require a Special Event Permit • Outdoor Amplified Sound at Special Events • Outdoor amplified sound at events is typically approved through the special event permit required for all special events • City Code Chapter 4-20 (Special Events) 4 Review Process FY2020: Top 10 Accomplishments (Entertainment Services Group) The purpose of the Outdoor Music Venue (OMV) permit is to assess and limit impacts to the surrounding community and to support both outdoor amplified sound at establishments and residential quality of life Every OMV permit includes a sound impact plan that specifies the allowances and restrictions for decibel limits and operating hours, as well as other details that the establishment must comply with City code sets maximum sound level and hours for different locations and contexts, and the criteria for the review. Staff conducts the review and customizes allowances and restrictions in a customized and context sensitive way based on the review criteria 5 Review Process FY2020: Top 10 Accomplishments (Entertainment Services Group) 1. Review for potential impacts to surrounding community may include a) On-site inspections, sound measurements, discussions with nearby residents and business owners; …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20211201 003a Date: December 1, 2021 Subject: Development Services Department’s changes and improvements to erosion and sedimentation controls Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission appreciates the Development Services Department’s (DSD) changes and improvements to erosion and sedimentation controls citywide and in the Zilker Barton Hills Neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission appreciates the inspection report and presentation. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends: Seconded by: Linda Guerrero 1) DSD continue to improve erosion and sedimentation control types and implementation, tree inspection training, and arborist collaboration and certifications; 2) DSD continue to brief the Environmental Commission (at a minimum annually) on inspections and improvements related to erosion and sedimentation and tree protection citywide; and 3) DSD continue public outreach to communicate the best process to report concerns. VOTE 8-1 Approved By: For: Bedford, Qureshi, Scott, Barrett Bixler, Bristol, Ramberg, Guerrero, and Brimer Against: Thompson Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20211201 003c Date: December 1, 2021 Subject: 2021 Annual Report of City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department Managed Concessions on Lady Bird (Town) Lake Motion by: Jennifer Bristol RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission has received a staff briefing of the 2021 Annual Report of City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) Managed Concessions on Lady Bird (Town) Lake. Seconded by: Perry Bedford THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends continuation of the concession contracts on Lady Bird Lake Park with the following Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. Consistent with the Environmental Commission’s previous recommendations: in the 2022 Annual Report, PARD staff will verify that three years of records for marine waste disposal have been maintained for any entity that pumps waste on Lady Bird Lake, and that these monthly records are included in the public record going forward. 2. PARD staff should review the number of public and private boats that are typically on Lady Bird Lake, and if there is a capacity issue, that should be considered, including consultation with the City of Austin rescue teams and the Watershed Protection Department. 3. PARD should continue working on consistent terms and conditions in the various contracts to the extent practicable. 4. Include the waste pump-out data in the 2022 Annual Report. 5. Consider the physical, social, and environmental capacity of Lady Bird Lake Park when anticipating 6. Provide an update on any new concessions, including the Seaholm Power Plant and the Zilker upcoming solicitations. Metropolitan Park Vision Plan. VOTE 9-0 For: Bedford, Qureshi, Scott, Thompson, Barrett Bixler, Bristol, Ramberg, Guerrero, and Brimer Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: None Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission November 17, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Environmental Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi (D-1) Rachel Scott (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Vacant (D-4) Jennifer Bristol (D-7) Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Vacant (D-6) Audrey Barrett Bixler (D-5) Linda Guerrero (D-9) Chair _________________________________________________________________________________ Richard Brimer (D-10) Perry Bedford (Mayor) Secretary Agenda CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers should sign up to speak prior to the meeting being called to order; you will receive a three-minute allotment to discuss topics not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the November 3, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Approve the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Schedule for 2022 b. Hold an emergency election for vacant Environmental Commission officer positions for the May 2021 through April 2022 (10 minutes) 1. 2. 1 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Name: Stillwater - Double Creek Phase 2, SP-2021-0178C Applicant: Lance Rosenfield, Malone Wheeler Inc Location: 10801 Brezza Lane, Austin, Texas, 78748 Council District: District 5 Staff: Mel Fuechec, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, DSD Watershed: Onion Creek, Suburban Watershed, Desired Development Zone Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261 to allow development in the critical water quality zone. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends this variance with conditions. (30 minutes) 4. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Forestry Committee –Pam Thompson, Richard Brimer, and Linda Guerrero b. Report on the Joint Sustainability Committee – Audrey Barrett Bixler c. Report on the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Citizen’s Advisory Committee – Kevin Ramberg d. Report on the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and Parks and Recreation Board –Linda Guerrero and Pam Thompson e. Report on the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board – Linda Guerrero 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 days before the meeting date. Please call Kaela Champlin at Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 974-3443 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Environmental …
STILLWATER - DOUBLE CREEK PHASE 2 10801 BREZZA LN SP-2021-0178C Mel Fuechec Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department SITE LOCATION Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone PROPERTY DATA • Onion Creek • Suburban • Desired Development Zone • Full Purpose • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • No Critical Environmental Features • Council District 5 EXISTING CONDITIONS The lot is currently undeveloped and is bordered to the North and to the South by multi-family developments. The proposed multi-family development is consistent with the applicable zoning and surrounding properties. North BACKGROUND Austin Fire Department requires two points of ingress/egress. The applicant is proposing one access on Brezza Lane leading South to FM 1626 and another access on the private road leading East to IH 35. Brezza Lane dead ends at the North end of the lot, and there are no other points of access for this property. CRITICAL WATER QUALITY ZONE North VARIANCE REQUEST The request is to vary from Land Development Code 25-8- 261 to allow development in the critical water quality zone for a driveway over the critical water quality zone in order to meet the health and safety requirement of having two points of ingress/egress as set by Austin Fire Department. VARIANCE RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval of the variance with the following conditions: 1) Internal, low-traffic pedestrian walkways throughout the site shall be constructed with permeable pavers or porous pavement in accordance with the Environmental Criteria Manual. This will decrease overall impervious cover and increase stormwater infiltration onsite and baseflow in the stream channel. 2) The critical water quality zone shall be crossed with a span bridge design instead of the normal box culvert. This will reduce the bridge’s footprint in the channel and allow for light to penetrate to the natural ground surface and for vegetation to grow thus maintaining a more natural stream channel. QUESTIONS? ADDITIONAL INFO -BRIDGE Example Span Bridge Example Box Culvert ADDITIONAL INFO -TREES 5.56 acres to be dedicated to City of Austin as parkland & 546 inches of native trees are to be planted onsite
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20211117 003a Date: November 17, 2021 Subject: Stillwater - Double Creek Phase 2, SP-2021-0178C Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from 25-8-261 to allow development in the Critical Water Quality Zone. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Onion Creek, Suburban Watershed and Desired Development Zone; and Seconded by: Perry Bedford WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends this variance, (with two staff conditions) having determined the required Findings of Fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following: Staff Conditions: 1. Internal low-traffic pedestrian walkways throughout the site shall be constructed with permeable pavers or porous pavement in accordance with the Environmental Criteria Manual, to decrease overall impervious cover and increase stormwater infiltration onsite and baseflow in the stream channel. 2. The critical water quality zone will be crossed with a span bridge design instead of the normal box culvert. This will allow for light to penetrate to the natural ground surface and for vegetation to grow thus maintaining a more natural stream channel. and the following Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. The project will use biofiltration in both water quality ponds onsite. 2. The pond will not occur in the inner half critical water quality zone. VOTE 8-0 For: Bedford, Qureshi, Thompson, Barrett Bixler, Bristol, Ramberg, Guerrero, and Brimer Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Scott Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 17, 2021 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at City Hall in Council Chambers at 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701. Commissioners attending in person: Perry Bedford Haris Qureshi Rick Brimer Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Jennifer Bristol Commissioner attending remotely: Audrey Barrett Bixler Pam Thompson Commissioners absent: Rachel Scott Staff in Attendance: Mel Fuechec Kaela Champlin Liz Johnston Mike McDougal Sara Hartley CALL TO ORDER Chair Guerrero called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers should sign up to speak prior to the meeting being called to order; you will receive a three-minute allotment to discuss topics not posted on the agenda. None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the November 3, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) A motion to approve the November 3, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioner Scott was absent. 1 2. 3. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Approve the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Schedule for 2022 A motion to approve the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Schedule for 2022 was approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Ramberg’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioner Scott was absent. b. Hold an emergency election for vacant Environmental Commission officer positions for the May 2021 through April 2022 (10 minutes) Commissioner Bedford nominated Commissioner Ramberg for Vice-Chair. Commissioner Bristol nominated herself for Vice-Chair. Those voting for Commissioner Ramberg were: Commissioners Brimer, Ramberg, Guerrero, Qureshi, Bedford, Bixler, and Thompson. Commissioner Bristol voted for herself (7-1). Commissioner Ramberg nominated Commissioner Bristol for secretary. Those voting for Commissioner Bristol for secretary were Commissioners Bristol, Brimer, Ramberg, Guerrero, Qureshi, Bedford, Bixler, and Thompson (8-0). PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Name: Stillwater - Double Creek Phase 2, SP-2021-0178C Applicant: Lance Rosenfield, Malone Wheeler Inc Location: 10801 Brezza Lane, Austin, Texas, 78748 Council District: District 5 Watershed: Onion Creek, Suburban Watershed, Desired Development Zone Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261 to allow development in the critical water Staff: Mel Fuechec, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, DSD quality zone. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends this variance with conditions. (30 minutes) Speakers Michael Whellan Lance Rosenfield A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 8-0 vote. A motion to recommend approval of …
