1. 2. Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission November 3, 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) Katie Coyne (D-4) Vice Chair 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 October 20, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Name: Park 183 Buildings 6 & 7, SP-2021-0072C Applicant: Nick Brown, P.E., LDC Location: 4201 W Parmer Lane, Suite C – 100, Austin, Texas, 78727 Council District: District 2 Staff: Tunde Daramola, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department 1 Watershed: Onion Creek Watershed, Suburban, Desired Development Zone Request: Variance request is as follows: 1. Request to vary from 25-8-342 to allow fill over 4 feet up to 17 feet. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends this variance with conditions. (30 minutes) b. Name: 4315 City Park Water Service Extension Request #5216 Applicant: Eddy Salazar, A New Hope Investments, LLC (applicant) and Mauricio Quintero-Rangel, PE, Servant Engineering & Consulting, PLLC (engineer) Location: 4315 City Park Road, Austin, Texas, 78730 Council District: Limited Purpose Jurisdiction (Adjacent to Council District 10) Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Watershed: Coldwater Creek Watershed, Water Supply Rural, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: Water Service Extension Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of this water service extension request. (30 minutes) c. Name: 8921 US Hwy 290 West Wastewater Service Extension Request #4796 Applicant: Joe Longaro, P.E., LJA Engineering, Inc. Location: 8921 US 290 Hwy West, Austin, Texas 78737 Council District: Austin 2-mile 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 approval of the wastewater service extension. (30 minutes) 3. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Forestry Committee –Pam Thompson, Richard Brimer, and Linda Guerrero b. Report on the Joint …
PARK 183 BUILDINGS 6 & 7 4800 DISTRIBUTION DR. & 7900 INDUSTRY WAY SP-2021-0072C Tunde Daramola Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 1 OUTLINE • Property Data • Background • Existing Conditions • Topography • Variance Request • Proposed Site Plan and Grading Conditions • Retaining Structures • Variance Recommendation 2 PROPERTY DATA • Onion Creek Watershed Park 183 Buildings 6 & 7 • Suburban Watershed Classification • Desired Development Zone • City of Austin Full Purpose Jurisdiction • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Council District 2 • No Critical Environmental Features NTS North 3 SITE LOCATION AUSTIN FULL PURPOSE AUSTIN ETJ EDWARDS AQUIFER RECHARGE ZONE EDWARDS AQUIFER CONTRIBUTING ZONE North 4 BACKGROUND • • • • The site development proposes two warehousing and distribution facilities approximately 300,000 square feet with associated loading docks, surface parking and utility connections. Property lies within an industrial zone LI-CO with similar warehouse buildings ranging between 115,000 square feet to 160,000 square feet. This site offers a reasonable location for large industrial manufacturing warehouses as it is located in the Desired Development Zone. No critical environmental features, no steep slope. In order to facilitate this type of development, significant levelling is required to enhance maneuverability into the loading docks, allowing trucks to operate safely. 5 BACKGROUND (CONTINUED) • • • • Existing natural ground level grades are as much as 15 feet below the finish floor elevation for the proposed new buildings. Due to the topography of the site and the size of the proposed buildings (each approximately 4 acres in size), in order to accomplish the operational criteria, fill up to 17 feet is necessary. Therefore, staff is agreeing with retaining walls provided to structurally contain the fill and minimize the amount of grading. Accessibility to portions of the building would not be achievable without this variance. 6 EXISTING CONDITIONS • Tall grasses, weeds and tree cover. (Hackberry, mesquite and chinaberry less than 19in) North 7 High Point TOPOGRAPHY • The site mostly slopes from south to north ranging between 525 to 503. Slopes vary but do not exceed 15% in any direction except for manmade drainage swale on the north side of the property. NTS North 8 VARIANCE REQUEST • To allow fill in excess of four feet and up to 17 feet within the Desired Development Zone. (LDC 25-8-342) 9 PROPOSED SITE PLAN & GRADING NTS North …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: 11/03/2021 Park 183 Buildings 6 & 7 (SP-2021-0072C) Nick Brown, P.E., LDC COUNCIL DISTRICT: 4201 W Parmer Lane, Suite C – 100, Austin, TX 78727 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: LOCATION: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: District 2 Tunde Daramola, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, DSD, 512-974-6316, Babatunde.Daramola@austintexas.gov Onion Creek Watershed, Suburban, Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill over 4 feet up to 17 feet Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITION: Provide structural containment of fill with retaining walls. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance / Comprehensive Watershed Park 183 Buildings 6 & 7 Variance Request: Ordinance / Other To allow for fill exceeding 4ft for building construction Include an explanation with each applicable finding of fact. A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. 2. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes. The variance will not be providing a special privilege to the applicant. The proposed buildings are similar in size to similarly situated property. The style of the building proposes a single finished floor building with a 4 -foot loading dock and flat truck court. In order to facilitate this type of development, significant levelling is required to enhance maneuverability into the loading docks, allowing trucks to operate safely on site. The limits of the fill do extend beyond the building as shown in the cut/fill exhibit but is contained with retaining wall structures designed in conjunction with the building walls, so the building is supported. Prior projects in this industrial development zone had a similar situation. A prime example is Crossroads Logistics Center SP-2021-0015D. Land Use Commission variances were granted to LDC 25-8-341 and 342 to allow cut and fill up to 14.3 feet and 16.5 feet, respectively. The variance: a) Is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance; Yes. The industrial use for this project requires level loading docks, parking, and drive aisles. …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA November 3, 2021 4315 City Park Water Service Extension Request #5216 COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Eddy Salazar, A New Hope Investments, LLC (applicant) Mauricio Quintero-Rangel, PE, Servant Engineering & Consulting, PLLC (engineer) LOCATION: 4315 City Park Road, Austin, Texas 78730 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Limited Purpose Jurisdiction (Adjacent to Council District 10) PROJECT FILING DATE: August 31, 2021 WPD/ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator (512) 974-3443, kaela.champlin@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF DETERMINATION: Coldwater Creek Watershed, Water Supply Rural, Drinking Water Protection Zone Water Service Extension Staff recommend approval of this water service extension request. MEMORANDUM October 25, 2021 Linda Guerrero, Chair, and Members of the Environmental Commission Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed Protection Department TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: 4315 City Park Water Service Extension Request #5216 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 4315 City Park Water Service Extension Request (SER) #5216 and recommend approval of the request. Site Overview The site consists of a tract of approximately 8.10 acres, located at 4315 City Park Road, north of Emma Long Metro Park. The property is in the City of Austin Limited Purpose Jurisdiction and Council District 10. The site is in the Coldwater Creek Watershed and classified as Water Supply Rural. The applicant is proposing to develop a single-family home. The lot was subdivided in in 2018 (JN & H Subdivision C8J-2016-0066.0A). The applicant is requesting a water SER with one Living Unit Equivalent (LUE) to serve the proposed single-family home. Development Impacts Water: The applicant is proposing to construct approximately 350 feet of 8-inch water main from the existing 8-inch water main in City Park Road and extend south along City Park Road to the subject tract, as shown on the attached map. Wastewater: The property is proposing to utilize an onsite septic facility for wastewater service and will be subject to Travis County Code and rules for on-site sewage facilities. 1 Environmental Impacts The property is in the Coldwater Creek Watershed and is classified as Water Supply Rural and is in the Drinking Water Protection Zone. The property has three critical environmental feature seeps (CEFs) and contains buffers for four additional CEF seeps …
4315 City Park Water Service Extension Request #5216 What is an SER? • A service extension request, or SER, is an application for City water or wastewater service from a property owner or developer. • SERs are required when a property is located more than 100 feet from an accessible water or wastewater system, or when existing infrastructure isn't adequate for the proposed project demands. • Service may involve construction of a new line or an associated facility or upgrades to existing lines or facilities. • The applicant pays for the associated infrastructure, as outlined in the SER SER Process • Per the Land Development Code, SERs require Council approval if the property is in the Drinking Water Protection Zone and outside of the City's full purpose jurisdiction. • Environmental Commission and Water & Wastewater Commission review and make recommendations on SERs that require Council approval. Request Summary • Request for water service (1 LUE) • 8.10 acres • Development of one single-family home • Limited purpose jurisdiction • Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ) • Coldwater Creek, Water Supply Rural • Limited Purpose Jurisdiction, Council District #10 SER #5216 Site Location Austin City Limits Austin ETJ Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Austin City LimitsETJRechargeContributingAustin City LimitsETJRechargeContributing Site Location 2 mile ETJ Limited Purpose Jurisdiction Full Purpose Jurisdiction SER #5216 Proposed Water Extension Map provided by AWU SER #5126 Description of proposed extension: • Construct 350' of 8-inch water main from existing 8- in water main in City Park Road • Extend along City Park Road to the subject tract. • Property is proposing to utilize an onsite septic facility for wastewater service. Conservation Easement = 7.26 acres Developable area = .84 acre SER Review & Evaluation • Coldwater Creek Watershed, Water Supply Rural, Drinking Water Protection Zone • Property contains three CEFs and buffers for four additional CEFs on adjacent property to the south • No critical water quality zone or water quality transition zone Staff Recommendation Staff recommends approval. Basis for recommendation: Staff review determined that due to the protections on the conservation easement, there are no significant environmental risks to extend water service to the site. Contact Information Kaela Champlin Watershed Protection Department City of Austin (512) 974-3443 kaela.champlin@austintexas.gov
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: November 3, 2021 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, Texas 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 WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF DETERMINATION: Slaughter Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Wastewater Service Extension Staff recommends approval of the wastewater service extension 1 TO: FROM: MEMORANDUM Linda Guerrero, Chair, and Members of the Environmental Commission Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department October 26, 2021 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 located in the City of Austin’s 2-mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, the Slaughter Creek Watershed, the Barton Springs Zone (Contributing Zone), and the Drinking Water Protection Zone. Due to vesting rights granted per Chapter 245 of the State of Texas Local Government Code, all site development is subject to regulations in effect in 1995, which does include creek buffers, structural water quality treatment requirements, critical environmental feature (CEF) protections, and other environmental regulations, but the site is not subject to the Save Our Springs Ordinance. 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 submitted a proposal to revise the previously approved site plan to develop a 280-unit multi-family project in the same development footprint with 140 Land Use Equivalents (LUEs). The proposed revised site plan was submitted for completeness check to the City of Austin on September 10, 2021 (SP-2016- 0607D(R1)). This property is also adjacent to the Ledgestone Multifamily wastewater SER #4622, located at 9021 W US 290 Hwy, and approved by City Council on June 11, 2020. The lines associated with the Ledgestone Multifamily SER …
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 140 Land Use Equivalents (LUEs) SER #4796 Site Location Austin City Limits Austin ETJ Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Site Location Devils Pen Creek Honeycomb Dr Devils Pen Creek Ledgestone Multifamily SER #4622 8921 US Hwy 290 W SER #4976 SER #4796 Environmental Impacts • Contains Devils Pen Creek and associated critical water quality zone (CWQZ) and water quality transition zone (WQTZ) • Seven wetland critical environmental features • One seep critical environmental feature • Does not drain to occupied salamander habitat. Devils Pen Creek SER #4796 Lift Station & Force Main Improvements • Due to the approved Ledgestone Multifamily SER on the adjacent property, there are two possible scenarios for development: – Scenario 1: Both developers build one lift station & force main to serve both properties • Due to cost & limited allowable space in ROW, this is the most likely scenario. – Scenario 2: Developer builds lift station & force main for this property only. Ledgestone Multifamily development will be responsible to upgrade existing lift station & force main or build their own on the adjacent property. SER #4796 Water Service • The site is in the water service area of the West Travis County Public Utility Agency (PUA). SER #4796 Proposed Wastewater Extension Map provided by AWU Map provided by Austin Water Ledgestone SER #4622 Approved Wastewater Extension Map provided by Austin Water SER #4796 Development Impacts • Construction of the wastewater main and lift station are required to be located outside of the WQTZ and CWQZ. • The layout of the proposed lift station will be reviewed when the project is submitted for site plan review and must comply with City Code. SER #4796 Alternative Wastewater Service • If service is not extended to the site and wastewater disposal is required, the applicant would likely apply for a Subsurface Area Drip Dispersal System (SADDS) issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) • Net site area impervious cover = 25% • An estimated 8.3 acres would be deducted from the net site area calculations for the impervious cover limits for …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20211103 002a Date: November 3, 2021 Seconded by: Perry Bedford Subject: Park 183 Buildings 6 & 7 (SP-2021-0072C) Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from 25-8-342 to allow fill over four feet to seventeen feet, and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends these variances (with one condition) having determined the required Findings of Fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following Staff Conditions: 1. Applicant will provide structural containment of fill with retaining walls. For: Bedford, Qureshi, Scott, Barrett Bixler, Bristol, Ramberg, Guerrero, and Brimer Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Thompson VOTE 8-0 Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20211103 002b Date: November 3, 2021 Seconded by: Perry Bedford Subject: 4315 City Park Water Service Extension Request #5216 Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the Water Service Extension Request (SER) is located in the Coldwater Creek Watershed, Water Supply Rural, and Drinking Water Protection Zone. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Watershed Protection Department staff have completed the review and recommend approval of the request. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the above noted water service extension request. VOTE 8-0 For: Bedford, Qureshi, Scott, Barrett Bixler, Bristol, Ramberg, Guerrero, and Brimer Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Thompson Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20211103 002c Date: November 3, 2021 Seconded by: Rick Brimer Subject: 8921 US Hwy 290 West Wastewater Service Extension Request #4796 Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the Wastewater Service Extension Request (SER) is located in the Slaughter Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, and Drinking Water Protection Zone. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission encourages the applicant to coordinate with the adjacent landowner with approved wastewater SER #4622 to minimize the redundancies of wastewater infrastructure onsite; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Watershed Protection Department staff have completed the review and recommend approval of the request. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the above noted water service extension request. VOTE 8-0 For: Bedford, Qureshi, Scott, Barrett Bixler, Bristol, Ramberg, Guerrero, and Brimer Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Thompson Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 3, 2021 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, November 3, 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 Rachel Scott Commissioner attending remotely: Audrey Barrett Bixler Commissioners absent: Pam Thompson Staff in Attendance: Pamela Abee-Taulli Kaela Champlin Tunde Daramola Katie Frazier Liz Johnston Colleen Kirk Mike McDougal Brett Ueno 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 Reese Glusing Frank Fletcher Jonathan Woldenberg William Dehlinger Gabriela Monsalve 1 1. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the October 20, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) A motion to approve the October 20, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Scott’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioner Thompson was absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Name: Park 183 Buildings 6 & 7, SP-2021-0072C Applicant: Nick Brown, P.E., LDC Location: 4800 Distribution Drive & 7900 Industry Way, Austin, Texas, 78727 Council District: District 2 Staff: Tunde Daramola, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Watershed: Onion Creek Watershed, Suburban, Desired Development Zone Request: Variance request is as follows: 1. Request to vary from 25-8-342 to allow fill over 4 feet up to 17 feet. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends this variance with conditions. (30 minutes) Speakers Nick Brown A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Ramberg’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioner Thompson was absent. A motion to recommend the variance with conditions was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioner Thompson was absent. b. Name: 4315 City Park Water Service Extension Request #5216 Applicant: Eddy Salazar, A New Hope Investments, LLC (applicant) and Mauricio Quintero-Rangel, PE, Servant Engineering & Consulting, PLLC (engineer) Location: 4315 City Park Road, Austin, Texas, 78730 Council District: Limited Purpose Jurisdiction (Adjacent to Council District 10) Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Watershed: Coldwater Creek Watershed, Water Supply Rural, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: Water Service Extension Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of this …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission October 20, 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) Katie Coyne (D-4) Vice Chair 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 October 6, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) (10 minutes) 1. 2. 3. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Approve the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Schedule for 2022 PUBLIC HEARINGS Name: COA Fire & EMS Station - Davenport Village, SP-2021-0121D Applicant: Anna Merryman, Garza EMC LLC 1 Location: 4601 Westlake Dr., Austin, TX, 78746 Council District: Council District does not apply in Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Environmental Review Staff: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Program Coordinator, Development Services Department Watershed: St. Stephens Creek Watershed, Water Supply Rural Classification, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: Variance request is as follows: 1. Vary 25-8-302(A)(2) to allow construction of a parking area on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent. 2. Vary 25-8-341 to allow cut over four feet to 17 feet. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends these variances 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 – Katie Coyne 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 …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: October 20, 2021 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: COA Fire & EMS Station - Davenport Village SP-2021-0121D NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Anna Merryman, Garza EMC LLC LOCATION: 4601 Westlake Dr., Austin, TX, 78746 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Council District does not apply in Extraterritorial Jurisdiction ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Program Coordinator, Development Services Department, 512.974.1879, pamela.abee- taulli@austintexas.gov. WATERSHED: REQUEST: St. Stephens Creek Watershed, Water Supply Rural Classification, Drinking Water Protection Zone Variance request is as follows: Vary 25-8-302(A)(2) to allow construction of a parking area on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITION: Applicant will provide landscape plan, including mitigation for removed trees, to provide enhanced soil stabilization and water quality for the site. Page 1 of 8 Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: COA Fire & EMS Station - Davenport Village Vary 25-8-302(A)(2) to allow construction of a parking area on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent. 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 surrounding area does not have adequate access to emergency 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 facilities. This development will provide fire and EMS access that the community currently lacks. In similar situations, where development is deemed appropriate for the location but is constrained by the natural condition of the site (slopes exceeding 15 percent) as well as requirements related to the type of development (emergency vehicle accommodation), applications that have minimized the placement of development on slopes have been granted similar variances. 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 This variance is for building a surface parking lot to be constructed on an area with slopes greater than 15 percent. The parking lot is minimally sized to accommodate the number of employees that will be at this station. Alternative layouts were considered. However, …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20211020 003a Date: October 20, 2021 Subject: COA Fire & EMS Station - Davenport Village, SP-2021-0121D Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Perry Bedford RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from 25-8-302(A)(2) to allow construction of a parking area on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from 25-8-341 to allow cut over four feet to 17 feet. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the St. Stephens Creek Watershed, Water Supply Rural Classification, Drinking Water Protection Zone. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends these variances (with conditions) having determined the required Findings of Fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following Staff Condition: Applicant will provide landscape plan, including mitigation for removed trees, to provide enhanced soil stabilization and water quality for the site. For: Bedford, Qureshi, Scott, Thompson, Barrett Bixler, Bristol, Ramberg, Coyne, and Brimer Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Guerrero VOTE 9-0 Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
COA FIRE & EMS STATION - DAVENPORT VILLAGE Pamela Abee-Taulli Environmental Program Coordinator, Development Services Department 4601 WESTLAKE DR SP-2021-0121D PROJECT LOCATION [ PROPERTY DATA • St. Stephens Creek Watershed • Water Supply Rural • Drinking Water Protection Zone • Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (Travis County) • No creeks, creek buffers, or Critical Environmental Features onsite • 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 17 feet. Land Development Code § 25-8-302 - CONSTRUCTION OF A BUILDING OR PARKING AREA. (A) A person may not construct: (2) …a parking area on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent. 2. The variance request is to allow a parking area on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent. BACKGROUND • The two variance requests are necessary because of the slopes on the site. It is located at the foot of a Hill Country hill. • The City regulates development on slopes in order to • Preserve the natural & traditional character of the land, and • Minimize the potential for erosion, which pollutes air and waterways. [ VARIANCE REQUEST 1. Vary Land Development Code 25-8-341 to allow cut over 4 feet to 17 feet. -17.000 VARIANCE REQUEST 2. Vary Land Development Code 25-8-302 to allow a parking area on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends both variances, having determined that the findings of fact required by Land Development Code section 25-8-41 have been met. Staff-recommended Conditions: Applicant will provide landscape plan, including mitigation for removed trees, to provide enhanced soil stabilization and water quality for the site. THANK YOU BACKGROUND • Complication for evaluating the variance request • This site has both natural & artificial slopes. • The variances are related only to the natural slopes. [ BACKGROUND • Site history 1940 Site [ BACKGROUND • Site history 1965 Site [ BACKGROUND • Site history 2000 Site [ BACKGROUND • Site history 2009 Site [ BACKGROUND • Site history 2014 Site [ BACKGROUND • The variances are only related to the natural slopes. 2021 Site [
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 20, 2021 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, October 20, 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 Katie Coyne Jennifer Bristol Rachel Scott Commissioner attending remotely: Audrey Barrett Bixler Pam Thompson Commissioners absent: Linda Guerrero Staff in Attendance: Pamela Abee-Taulli Kaela Champlin Liz Johnston Mike McDougal CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Coyne called the meeting to order at 6:03 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 October 6, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) A motion to approve the minutes of the regular Environmental Commission Regular meeting was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Scott’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Guerrero was absent. 1 2. 3. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Approve the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Schedule for 2022 (10 minutes) A motion to postpone the approval of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Schedule for 2022 was approved on Commissioner Scott’s motion, Commissioner Ramberg’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Guerrero was absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS Name: COA Fire & EMS Station - Davenport Village, SP-2021-0121D Applicant: Anna Merryman, Garza EMC LLC Location: 4601 Westlake Dr., Austin, TX, 78746 Council District: Council District does not apply in Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Environmental Review Staff: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Program Coordinator, Development Services Department Watershed: St. Stephens Creek Watershed, Water Supply Rural Classification, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: Variance request is as follows: 1. Vary 25-8-302(A)(2) to allow construction of a parking area on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent. 2. Vary 25-8-341 to allow cut over four feet to 17 feet. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends these variances with conditions (30 minutes) A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Guerrero was absent. A motion to approve the variances with conditions was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Guerrero was absent. 4. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Forestry Committee –Pam Thompson, Richard Brimer, and Linda Guerrero b. Report on the …
1. 2. Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission October 6, 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) Katie Coyne (D-4) Vice Chair 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 September 15, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Introduction with Councilwoman Fuentes and flood resilience priorities (25 minutes) b. Briefing on the Village of Webberville’s request to release approximately 31 acres of Austin’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) to be included in Webberville's ETJ— Andrei Lubomudrov, Senior Planner, Housing and Planning Department (30 minutes) 1 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Name: 305 South Congress Planned Unit Development (PUD), C814-89-0003.02 Applicant: Richard Suttle, Armbrust & Brown, PLLC Location: 305 South Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78704 Council District: District 9 Environmental Review Staff: Atha Phillips, Environmental Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department Zoning Case Manager: Kate Clark, Senior Planner, Housing and Planning Department Watershed: Colorado River Basin Request: To amend the current PUD Staff Recommendation: Current proposal is not recommended but staff recommend with the conditions attached in backup materials. (1 hour) 4. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Forestry Committee –Pam Thompson, Richard Brimer, and Linda Guerrero b. Report on the Joint Sustainability Committee – Katie Coyne 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 …
