ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 18, 2021 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Pam Thompson Audrey Barrett Bixler Rick Brimer Kevin Ramberg Katie Coyne Rachel Scott Haris Qureshi Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol Perry Bedford Linda Guerrero Staff in Attendance: Christine Canal Chute Kaela Champlin Andrew Clamann Sara Hartley Liz Johnston Jorge Morales Katie Wettick Julie White CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Coyne called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. None 1. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION UPDATES a. Recognize Andrew Creel for 6 years of service on the Environmental Commission (5 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 2. 3. 4. b. New Environmental Commission member welcome and introduction (5 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the August 4, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) A motion to approve the August 4, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Scott were off the dais. Commissioners Bristol, Bedford, and Guerrero were absent. BRIEFINGS a. Update on School Year 2020-2021 WPD Youth Education Report—Susan Wall, Conservation Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department (15 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. b. Updating the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plan for Waller, Walnut, Taylor Slough South, and the Spicewood Tributary of Shoal Creek—Julie White, Environmental Program Coordinator and Andrew Clamann, Environmental Scientist Senior, Watershed Protection Department (30 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Joint presentation on the Programing, Operations and Maintenance Agreement between the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) and The Trail Foundation (TTF)— Christine Canal Chute, Program Manager II, PARD, Heidi Anderson, CEO, TTF and Al Godfrey, TTF Board Member (30 minutes) Commissioner Coyne recused on Item 4a. Item conducted as posted. No action taken. b. Discuss and consider proposed changes to the Land Development Code for Urban Trails including: 1. Amendment to LDC 25-8-341 and 25-8-342 to cut and fill requirements to allow cut and fill …
Versión en español a continuación. Environmental Commission Regular Meeting August 4, 2021 Environmental Commission to be held August 4, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications. Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (August 3, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the August 4, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison Kaela Champlin, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn- live 1 Reunión del Environmental Commission FECHA de la reunion (4 de agosto de 2021) 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 (3 de agosto de 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en Kaela Champlin, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2020 to 6/30/2021 Environmental Commission __ (Official Name of Board or Commission) The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: Per section 2-1-144(F) of the City Code, the Environmental Commission may: 1) review and analyze the policies relating to the environmental quality of the city; (2) act as an advisory board to the city council, the city manager, and the department in their efforts to oversee the protection and integrity of the natural environment; (3) promote growth management and land use planning, minimize degradation of water resources, protect downstream areas, and promote recreation opportunities and environmental awareness; and (4) advise and recommend on any issue which the commission determines necessary or advisable for the enhancement and stewardship of the urban forest both public and private. (G) The commission shall: (1) assist the city council, the city manager, and the department in studying, promoting and enforcing environmental protection policies to assure the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of all citizens within the City's incorporated boundaries as well as those within its extraterritorial jurisdiction where the boundaries apply; and (2) oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for the planting, maintenance, and replacement of trees in the City's jurisdiction, and revise the plan as necessary. When a portion of the plan has been developed and established, it shall be submitted to the city council for adoption before implementation. (H) The commission shall advise the city council, the city manager, and the department concerning policies, projects, and programs that affect the quality of life or have the potential to affect the environment, including those that relate to or affect: (1) water quality: (a) watershed protection; (b) urban runoff; (c) innovative wastewater treatment; (d) regional wastewater treatment; (e) improvement and protection of the Colorado River and the Edwards Aquifer; and (f) wastewater irrigation; Annual Review and Work Plan 7/1/2020 to 6/30/2021 Page 2 (2) growth management and land use planning: (a) municipal utility district review; (b) capital improvement project review; and (c) the comprehensive plan; (3) construction controls for erosion and sedimentation; (4) City environmental policies regarding monitoring and enforcement; (5) solid waste disposal plan alternatives; (6) watershed protection: (a) flood control; (b) erosion control; (c) water quality; and (d) utility management; (7) roadway planning; (8) beautification; (9) recreation resources; (10) public education on environmental matters; (11) hazardous waste …
Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5067 Request Summary • Request for wastewater service (2 LUEs) • 0.62 acres • Redevelopment of a single-family home into two single family homes on two separate lots • Limited purpose jurisdiction • Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ) • Bull Creek Watershed, Water Supply Suburban • Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Council District #10 SER #5067 Site Location Austin City Limits Austin ETJ Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Austin City LimitsETJRechargeContributingAustin City LimitsETJRechargeContributing Site Location SER #5067 Proposed Wastewater Extension Map provided by AWU SER #5067 Description of proposed extension: • Decommission the existing OSSF • Construct 400 feet of low pressure force main from the existing 8-inch gravity wastewater main located in Nashfara Cove, and • extend west along Nashfara Cove, and then south along D K Ranch Road to the subject tract. SER Review & Evaluation • Bull Creek Watershed, Water Supply Suburban, Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • No critical environmental features, wetlands, or recharge features on site • No critical water quality zone or water quality transition zone • Drains to known Jollyville Plateau salamander (Eurycea sosorum) habitat Staff Recommendation Staff recommends approval. Basis for recommendation: Staff review determined that there are no significant environmental risks to extend 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: August 4, 2021 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5067 NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: I.T. Gonzalez, I.T. Gonzalez Engineering LOCATION: 10802 D K Ranch Rd, Austin, TX 78759 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Limited Purpose Jurisdiction (Council District 10) PROJECT FILING DATE: June 17, 2021 WPD/ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator (512) 974-3443, kaela.champlin@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF DETERMINATION: Bull Creek, Water Supply Suburban, Northern Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Wastewater Service Extension Staff recommend approval of this service extension request. MEMORANDUM July 28, 2021 Linda Guerrero, Chair, and Members of the Environmental Commission Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed Protection Department TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5067 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 Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request (SER) #5067 and recommend approval of the request. Site Overview The site consists of a tract of approximately 0.62 acres, located at 10802 D-K Ranch Road. The property is located in the City of Austin Limited Purpose Jurisdiction and Council District 10. The site is in the Bull Creek Watershed, Water Supply Suburban, the Drinking Water Protection Zone, and the Northern Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. The applicant is proposing to redevelop a single-family home into two single family homes on two separate lots. A site plan has not yet been submitted to the City of Austin at the time that staff reviewed this SER. The site is currently utilizing an On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) and is proposing a wastewater SER with two Living Unit Equivalents (LUEs). Development Impacts Water: The site is located in the Austin Water Service Area. Wastewater: The SER proposes that the applicant construct approximately 400 feet of appropriately sized low pressure force main from the existing 8-inch gravity wastewater main located in Nashfara Cove, and extend west along Nashfara Cove, and then south along D K Ranch Road to the subject tract, as approximately shown on the attached map. 1 Alternative Wastewater Service: Under Travis County Chapter 448.032(c)(1), each residential unit served by an OSSF is considered a separate structure. Multiple residential units may be on a single lot or site only if the …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210804 004a Date: August 4, 2021 Seconded by: Perry Bedford Subject: Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5067 Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the Service Extension Request (SER) is located in the Bull Creek, Water Supply Suburban, Northern Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone and limited purpose jurisdiction. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Watershed Protection Department staff have completed the review for Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5067 and recommend approval of the request. THEREFORE, Environmental Commission recommends approval of the above noted wastewater service extension request. VOTE 6-0 For: Bedford, Brimer, Ramberg, Bristol, Coyne, and Guerrero Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Scott, Thompson, Barrett Bixler Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 4, 2021 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol Perry Bedford Rick Brimer Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Katie Coyne Rachel Scott Commissioners Absent: Pam Thompson Audrey Barrett Bixler Staff in Attendance: Kaela Champlin Sara Hartley Liz Johnston Brett Ueno CALL TO ORDER Chair Guerrero called the meeting to order at 6:01 P.M. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the July 7, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) A motion to approve the July 7, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Scott was off the dais. Commissioners Thompson and Barret Bixler were absent. 1 2. 3. 4. WATERSHED PROTECTION DEPARTMENT UPDATES a. Update on Right-of-Way Protected Tree Removal Appeal by Patrick Fulker at 13213 Villa Park Drive, Liz Johnston, Deputy Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department (5 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Update on Environmental Commission Annual Report—Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair (10 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Name: Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5067 Applicant: I.T. Gonzalez, I.T. Gonzalez Engineering Location: 10802 D K Ranch Rd, Austin, TX 78759 (District 10) Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Watershed Protection Department Watershed: Bull Creek, Water Supply Suburban, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: Wastewater Service Extension Staff Recommendation: Staff recommend approval of this wastewater service extension request. (30 minutes) A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Coyne’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Scott was off the dais. Commissioners Thompson and Barret Bixler were absent. A motion to recommend support of Karanam Subdivision Wastewater Service Extension Request #5067 was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Scott was off the dais. Commissioners Thompson and Barret Bixler were absent. 5. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Forestry Committee –Pam Thompson, Richard Brimer, Audrey Barrett Bixler, and Linda Guerrero b. Report on the Joint Sustainability Committee – …
Versión en español a continuación. Environmental Commission Regular Meeting July 7, 2021 Environmental Commission to be held July 7, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications. Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (July 6, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the July 7, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison Kaela Champlin, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn- live 1 Reunión del Environmental Commission FECHA de la reunion (7 de julio de 2021) 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 julio de 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en Kaela Champlin, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para …
1875 WESTLAKE DR NORRIS BOAT DOCK SP-2020-0223DS Lindsey Sydow Hydrogeologic Reviewer Watershed Protection Department PROPERTY DATA • BEE CREEK WATERSHED • WATER SUPPLY RURAL CLASSIFICATION • CANYON RIMROCK CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURE ON SITE • COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 BACKGROUND • • • BOAT DOCK ON LAKE AUSTIN (BEE CREEK) DOWNSLOPE FROM CANYON RIMROCK UPDATING OLD BOAT DOCK CODE REFERENCE •TITLE 25 – LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 25-8-281(C)(2)(B). VARIANCE REQUEST REQUEST TO VARY FROM LDC 25-8- 281(C)(2)(B) TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION WITHIN A CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURE (CEF) BUFFER. Canyon Rimrock Rimrock extends onto neighboring property • Dock construction is proposed at bottom of slope, with Limits of Construction (orange) as far from Rimrock CEF (purple) as is feasible. • No new shoreline access is proposed between house and new dock. VARIANCE RECOMMENDATION FINDING OF FACTS HAVE BEEN MET. STAFF RECOMMENDS THE APPROVAL OF THIS VARIANCE WITH THE CONDITION THAT ALL CONSTRUCTION BE COMPLETED BY BARGE. QUESTIONS? Existing Conditions
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA July 7, 2021 Norris Boat Dock SP-2020-0223DS Stephen Hawkins, Aqua Permits, LLC COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: LOCATION: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: COUNCIL DISTRICT: District #10 1875 Westlake Dr. Lindsey Sydow, P.G. Lake Austin and Bee Creek Watershed, Water Supply Rural, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request to vary from LDC 25-8-251(C)(2)(b) to allow construction of a boat dock within 150 feet of a Canyon Rimrock Critical Environmental Feature (CEF). STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this variance with conditions, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITION: All construction will be completed by barge. Staff Findings of Fact Watershed Protection Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name & Case Number: Norris Boat Dock SP-2020-0223DS Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) - To allow construction within 150 feet of a Rimrock Critical Environmental Feature (CEF). 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. A variance from 25-8-281(C)(2)(b) allowing for construction of a boat dock, shoreline access, and stabilization, has been granted for similarly situated properties with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code. 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. No disturbance of the canyon rimrock critical environmental feature (CEF) is proposed, all proposed construction activities are to occur 75 feet downgradient of the rimrock CEF, and construction is to occur from the lakeside by barge. The proposed construction being performed from a barge provides greater overall environmental protection to the slope. b) Is the minimum deviation from the code requirement necessary to allow a reasonable use of the property; Yes. The variance is the minimum deviation from the code requirement to allow for a reasonable use of the property. The code requires a 150-foot CEF buffer. This buffer is not being reduced. The scope of the variance is limited to allowing construction activities to occur within a CEF buffer only for the proposed boat dock replacement. c) Does not …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA July 7, 2021 SP-2021-0015D; Cross Roads Logistics Michele Rogerson Lynch & Steve Jamison LOCATION: 8400 E. Parmer Lane, Austin, Texas, 78653 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Not applicable – ETJ COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: Hank Marley, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department, 512-974-2067, hank.marley@austintexas.gov Gilleland Creek Watershed, Suburban, Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 14.3 feet within the Desired Development Zone. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 16.5 feet within the Desired Development Zone. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITION: Provide a landscape plan in accordance with City zoning jurisdictional requirements. Provide tree replacement/mitigation plan in accordance with City zoning jurisdictional requirements. Increase the wetland CEF setback from 150 feet to 200 feet. Provide structural containment of the cut with retaining walls. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Cross Roads Logistics; SP-2021-0015D Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: To allow cut up to 14.3 feet within the Desired Development 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. Less than two miles away the land use commission recently granted a similar grading variance to the Applied Materials Logistics Service Center (SP-2020- 0321C). This site is also an industrial manufacturing center. That site required cut up to 12 feet in order to maintain level finish floor elevations, level loading docks and grades minimal for maneuverability. For the proposed project the situation is nearly identical. Due to the natural topography and the size of the buildings, 14.3 feet of cut is necessary to maintain level finish floor elevations, level truck courts, and truck lanes with grades less than 4%. Therefore, by not allowing this variance would deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property. 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 …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA July 7, 2021 SP-2021-0015D; Cross Roads Logistics Michele Rogerson Lynch & Steve Jamison LOCATION: 8400 E. Parmer Lane, Austin, Texas, 78653 COUNCIL DISTRICT: Not applicable – ETJ COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: Hank Marley, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department, 512-974-2067, hank.marley@austintexas.gov Gilleland Creek Watershed, Suburban, Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 14.3 feet within the Desired Development Zone. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 16.5 feet within the Desired Development Zone. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. STAFF CONDITION: Provide a landscape plan in accordance with City zoning jurisdictional requirements. Provide tree replacement/mitigation plan in accordance with City zoning jurisdictional requirements. Increase the wetland CEF setback from 150 feet to 200 feet. Provide structural containment of the cut with retaining walls. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Cross Roads Logistics; SP-2021-0015D Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: To allow cut up to 14.3 feet within the Desired Development 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. Less than two miles away the land use commission recently granted a similar grading variance to the Applied Materials Logistics Service Center (SP-2020- 0321C). This site is also an industrial manufacturing center. That site required cut up to 12 feet in order to maintain level finish floor elevations, level loading docks and grades minimal for maneuverability. For the proposed project the situation is nearly identical. Due to the natural topography and the size of the buildings, 14.3 feet of cut is necessary to maintain level finish floor elevations, level truck courts, and truck lanes with grades less than 4%. Therefore, by not allowing this variance would deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property. 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 …
CROSSROADS LOGISTICS CENTER 8400 E PARMER LANE SP-2021-0015D Hank Marley Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 1 PROPERTY DATA • Gilleland Creek Watershed Crossroads Logistics Center • Suburban Watershed Classification • Desired Development Zone • City of Austin Extraterritorial Jurisdiction • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Wetland CEF adjacent to site NTS North 2 EXISTING CONDITIONS North 3 TOPOGRAPHY • The site mostly slopes from north to south. However, the northern portions of the site contain the most elevation drop from west to east. All slopes are less than 15%. High Point NTS North 4 VARIANCE REQUEST • To allow cut in excess of four feet and up to 14.3 feet within the Desired Development Zone. (LDC 25-8-341) • To allow fill in excess of four feet and up to 16.5 feet within the Desired Development Zone. (LDC 25-8-342) 5 PROPOSED SITE PLAN & GRADING NTS North 6 FINDINGS • • This site offers a reasonable location for large industrial manufacturing warehouses as it is located in the Desired Development Zone along a growing manufacturing corridor, in line with sites such as Tesla and Amazon. In order to facilitate this type of development the truck courts / loading dock areas must have grades of less than 4% for maneuverability and must be fairly level so that when the trucks are parked at the loading docks the trailer elevations sit level with the finish floor elevations of the buildings and can be loaded and unloaded with ease. 7 FINDINGS (CONTINUED) • • 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, cut up to 14.3 feet and fill up to 16.5 feet are necessary. It can be challenging to find property flat enough to prevent the required amount of grading. Therefore, staff is requiring retaining walls to structurally contain the cut and fill and minimize the amount of grading. 8 FINDINGS (CONTINUED) • • This variance request is the minimum deviation from the code requirement necessary to allow a reasonable use of the property. Moreover, the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance. The project proposes to expand the wetland CEF setback from 150 feet to 200 feet. It also proposes to provide landscaping and tree replacement & mitigation in accordance with City …
CROSSROADS LOGISTICS CENTER 8400 E PARMER LANE SP-2021-0015D Hank Marley Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 1 PROPERTY DATA • Gilleland Creek Watershed Crossroads Logistics Center • Suburban Watershed Classification • Desired Development Zone • City of Austin Extraterritorial Jurisdiction • Not located over Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Wetland CEF adjacent to site NTS North 2 EXISTING CONDITIONS North 3 TOPOGRAPHY • The site mostly slopes from north to south. However, the northern portions of the site contain the most elevation drop from west to east. All slopes are less than 15%. High Point NTS North 4 VARIANCE REQUEST • To allow cut in excess of four feet and up to 14.3 feet within the Desired Development Zone. (LDC 25-8-341) • To allow fill in excess of four feet and up to 16.5 feet within the Desired Development Zone. (LDC 25-8-342) 5 PROPOSED SITE PLAN & GRADING NTS North 6 FINDINGS • • This site offers a reasonable location for large industrial manufacturing warehouses as it is located in the Desired Development Zone along a growing manufacturing corridor, in line with sites such as Tesla and Amazon. In order to facilitate this type of development the truck courts / loading dock areas must have grades of less than 4% for maneuverability and must be fairly level so that when the trucks are parked at the loading docks the trailer elevations sit level with the finish floor elevations of the buildings and can be loaded and unloaded with ease. 7 FINDINGS (CONTINUED) • • 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, cut up to 14.3 feet and fill up to 16.5 feet are necessary. It can be challenging to find property flat enough to prevent the required amount of grading. Therefore, staff is requiring retaining walls to structurally contain the cut and fill and minimize the amount of grading. 8 FINDINGS (CONTINUED) • • This variance request is the minimum deviation from the code requirement necessary to allow a reasonable use of the property. Moreover, the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance. The project proposes to expand the wetland CEF setback from 150 feet to 200 feet. It also proposes to provide landscaping and tree replacement & mitigation in accordance with City …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210707 003a Date: July 7, 2021 Subject: Norris Boat Dock, SP-2020-0223DS Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from LDC 25- 8-281(C)(2)(B) to allow construction within 150-feet of Critical Environmental Feature (Rimrock). WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends this variance (with one condition) having determined the required Findings of Fact have been met. Seconded by: Andrew Creel THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following Staff Condition: 1. Construction to be completed by barge. VOTE 7-0 For: Creel, Thompson, Brimer, Ramberg, Barrett Bixler, Bristol, and Guerrero Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Coyne and Bedford Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210707 003b Date: July 7, 2021 Seconded by: Richard Brimer Subject: Crossroads Logistics Center, SP-2021-0015D Motion by: Kevin Ramberg RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from LDC 25- 8-341 to allow cut up to 14.3 feet within the Desired Development Zone. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a variance from LDC 25- 8-342 to allow fill up to 16.5 feet within the Desired Development Zone. 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 Condition: 1) 2) 3) 4) VOTE 7-0 Provide a landscape plan in accordance with City zoning jurisdictional requirements. Provide tree replacement and mitigation plan in accordance with City zoning jurisdictional requirements. Increase the wetland CEF setback from 150 feet to 200 feet. Provide structural containment of the cut with retaining walls. For: Creel, Thompson, Brimer, Ramberg, Barrett Bixler, Bristol, and Guerrero Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Coyne and Bedford Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 7, 2021 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications via remote video conferencing. Commissioners in Attendance: Andrew Creel Pam Thompson Jennifer Bristol Audrey Barrett Bixler Rick Brimer Kevin Ramberg Linda Guerrero Commissioners Absent: Perry Bedford Katie Coyne Staff in Attendance: Kaela Champlin Jose Guerrero Scott Hiers Hank Marley Jorge Morales Mike McDougal Atha Phillips CALL TO ORDER Chair Guerrero called the meeting to order at 6:01 P.M. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approval of the June 16, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes (5 minutes) A motion to approve the June 16, 2021 Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes were approved on Commissioner Creel’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Bedford and Coyne were absent. Commissioner Barrett Bixler was off the dais. 1 2. WATERSHED PROTECTION DEPARTMENT UPDATES a. Update from Jose Guerrero, Assistant Director, Watershed Protection Department (5 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. b. Update on Watershed Protection Department Realignment—Jorge Morales, Director, Watershed Protection Department (10 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Name: Norris Boat Dock, SP-2020-0223DS Applicant: Stephen Hawkins, Aqua Permits, LLC Location: 1875 Westlake Dr. (District #10) Watershed: Lake Austin and Bee Creek Watershed, Water Supply Rural, Drinking Staff: Scott Hiers, Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department Water Protection Zone Request: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-281(C)(2)(B) to allow construction within 150-feet of Rimrock Critical Environmental Feature Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions (30 minutes) A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Thompson’s motion on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bedford and Coyne were absent. A motion to approve the variance request with conditions was approved on Commissioner Ramerg’s motion, Commissioner Creel’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bedford and Coyne were absent. b. Name: Crossroads Logistics, SP-2021-0015D Applicant: Michele Rogerson Lynch and Steve Jamison Location: 8400 E. Parmer Lane, Austin, Texas, 78653 (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) Staff: Hank Marley, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department Watershed: Gilleland Creek Watershed, Suburban, Desired Development Zone Request: 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 14.3 feet …
Urban Forestry Committee Meeting June 24, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. Environmental Commission to be held June 24, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications. Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (June 23, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the June 24, 2021 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison Kaela Champlin, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn- live 1 Reunión del Urban Forestry Committee Fecha de la reunion (24 de junio de 2021 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 (23 de junio de 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en Kaela Champlin, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que …
