Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission - Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752
Aspen Heights Multifamily Wastewater Service Extension Request #4629 Request Summary • 14.70 acres • 2-Mile ETJ • Lake Travis (Water Supply Rural) & Bull Creek Watersheds (Water Supply Suburban) • Located in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone • Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ) SER #4629 Site Location Austin City Limits Austin ETJ Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Austin City LimitsETJRechargeContributingAustin City LimitsETJRechargeContributing Site Location Lake Travis Bull Creek Site Location Lake Travis Bull Creek Site Location SER #4629 Summary Description of proposed extension: • Applicant shall construct approximately 125 feet of appropriately sized gravity wastewater main from the existing 8-inch gravity wastewater main (Project No. 2015-0850) on the east side of N FM 620 and extend west across N FM 620 Rd to the subject tract, as approximately shown on the attached map. The applicant shall also construct an appropriately sized upgrade to the existing Volente Lift Station (approximately 220 gpm firm capacity). Upgrades shall include, but are not limited to, replacement of existing pumps, generator, and starters. • SER #4629 Proposed Wastewater Extension Map provided by AWU SER Scoring Matrix SERs recommended for approval SERs not recommended for approval Project points ≥ 1 Project points ≤ 0 Aspen Heights Multifamily Score: 3 Staff Recommendation Staff recommends approval. Basis for recommendation: Staff review determined that there were no significant environmental risks to extend service to the site. The proposed project is consistent with Austin Water’s business plan and located within the Council-approved impact fee boundary. Additionally, previous SERs have been approved by Council within a one-mile radius of the site. Contact Information Kaela Champlin Watershed Protection Department City of Austin (512) 974-3443 kaela.champlin@austintexas.gov
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200205 006a Date: February 5, 2020 Subject: XSpace Group, SP-2019-0189D Motion by: Katie Coyne Seconded by: Mary Ann Neely RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting variances from: • LDC 25-8-301 to construct a driveway on slopes in excess of 15 percent gradient; and, • LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill in excess of four feet of depth. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends the approval of this variance because the findings of fact have been met. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the requested variances listed above. For: Bedford, Creel, Nill, Guerrero, Coyne, Neely, and Gordon Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: Ramberg Absent: Smith, Thompson, and Maceo VOTE 7-0 Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200205 006b Date: February 5, 2020 Subject: Aspen Heights Multifamily Wastewater Service Extension Request #4629 Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Wendy Gordon RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a Wastewater Service Extension Request recommendation; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes Service Extension Requests (SERs) 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; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes Watershed Protection Department staff has completed the review for Aspen Heights Multifamily Wastewater SER #4629 and recommend approval of the request. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Service Extension Request listed above. VOTE 7-1 For: Bedford, Creel, Nill, Ramberg, Guerrero, Coyne, and Gordon Against: Neely Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Smith, Thompson, and Maceo Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
Climate Vulnerability in Austin: A multi-risk assessment A project of the Austin Area Sustainability Indicators & Texas Metropolitan Observatory of Planet Texas 2050 City of Austin Environmental Commission February 5, 2020 Prepared by: R. Patrick Bixler, PhD1 and Euijin Yang2 1. LBJ School of Public Affairs 2. Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering 2 A2SI Mission: To measure quality of life and sustainability trends and serve as the foundation for a systems approach to address the challenges of our region. www.austinindicators.org 3 The Texas Metro Observatory (TMO) is a communication and data platform dedicated to sharing information and ideas about Texas’ communities, understanding common problems, and developing solutions across the state’s metropolitan areas. https://tmo.utexas.edu/ TMO provides access to data (economic, environmental, health, demographic, governmental, etc.) for all metros in the state and produces unique data visualizations, infographics, and analysis tools that will provide a deeper understanding of issues within and among metro areas1. Climate Vulnerability in Austin Climate projections for Austin2 • Increases in annual and seasonal average temperatures • More frequent high temperature extremes • More frequent extreme precipitation • More frequent drought conditions in summer due to hotter weather Climate Vulnerability in Austin Austin can expect more extreme weather in the future Climate Vulnerability in Austin Climate Vulnerability in Austin Community Resilience Climate Vulnerability in Austin Community Resilience Neighborhood Household Climate Vulnerability in Austin Exposure Sensitivity Adaptive Capacity Community Resilience Neighborhood Household Climate Vulnerability in Austin Exposure Wildfire hazard exposure Flood hazard exposure Heat hazard exposure Sensitivity Adaptive Capacity Community Resilience Neighborhood Household Climate Vulnerability in Austin Exposure Wildfire hazard exposure (+) (+) Multi-hazard exposure (-) Community Resilience Flood hazard exposure Heat hazard exposure Sensitivity Adaptive Capacity Neighborhood Household Climate Vulnerability in Austin Exposure Wildfire hazard exposure (+) (+) Multi-hazard exposure Flood hazard exposure Heat hazard exposure Sensitivity Social Vulnerability (-) (-) Adaptive Capacity Community Resilience Neighborhood Household Climate Vulnerability in Austin Exposure Wildfire hazard exposure (+) (+) Multi-hazard exposure Flood hazard exposure Heat hazard exposure Sensitivity Adaptive Capacity (-) (-) (+) Social Vulnerability Adaptive Capacity Community Resilience Neighborhood Household Climate Vulnerability in Austin Assess the spatial sensitivity to hazards and difference across communities in their overall capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from hazards. We do this by adapting a well-vetted and oft-used tool – The Social Vulnerability Index (or SoVI®). Climate Vulnerability in Austin Assessing the spatial exposure of independent hazards. These include: …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 5, 2020 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 in Council Chambers City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Commissioners in Attendance: Andy Creel Perry Bedford Ryan Nill Kevin Ramberg Mary Ann Neely Katie Coyne Linda Guerrero Wendy Gordon Commissioners Absent: Curtis Smith Pam Thompson Peggy Maceo Staff in Attendance: Chris Herrington Atha Phillips Kaela Champlin Jonathan Garner Kristy Nguyen Mike McDougal Colleen Kirk Katie Frazier CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Coyne called the meeting to order at 6:02 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 Paul Robbins 1. EDUCATION a. Night Sky Preservation in Austin and Travis County—Cliff Kaplan, Hill Country Alliance (15 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. LBJ School of Public Affairs (15 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. b. Climate Vulnerability in Austin: A multi-risk assessment—Patrick Bixler, University of Texas 1 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approve the minutes of the regular Environmental Commission meeting of January 15, 2020 (5 minutes) The minutes of the regular Environmental Commission meeting of January 15, 2020 were approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Neely’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Smith, Thompson, and Maceo were absent. Commissioner Creel was off the dais. ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER’S UPDATE ON PAST COMMISSION ACTIONS AND REPORT ON ITEMS OF INTEREST a. None STAFF BRIEFINGS* a. None ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. None PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: Xspace Group, SP-2019-0189D Applicant: Garett-Ihnen Civil Engineers Watershed: Lake Austin Watershed, Water Supply Rural Classification, Drinking Water Location: 4229 N. FM 620, Austin, TX, 78734 (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) Staff: Jonathan Garner, Environmental Program Coordinator, Development Services Department Protection Zone Request: Variance request is as follows: 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-301 to construct a driveway on slopes in excess of 15 percent gradient 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill in excess of four feet of depth Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends these variances, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. (30 minutes) Commissioner Ramberg recused on Item 6a. A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Coyne’s motion, Commissioner Creel’s second on a 7-0 vote. …
JOINT COMMITTEE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION & PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Wednesday, January 22, 2020 – 11:30 A.M. Boards and Commissions Room, Room 1101, City Hall 301 W. 2nd St, Austin, Texas 78701 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Parks and Recreation Board Rich DePalma (Mayor) Romteen Farasat (D-4) Dawn Lewis (D-10) AGENDA Environmental Commission Linda Guerrero – Chair (D-9) Peggy Maceo (D-7) Mary Ann Neely (D-5) Pam Thompson (D-3) 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission & Parks and Recreation Board meeting of October 16, 2019. 3. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers must be signed up prior to the meeting being called to order, and each speaker will be allotted three (3) minutes to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 4. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS a. Presentation on Stakeholder and Public Notification Requirements When Considering New Tree Plantings at Barton Springs Pool, Lucas Massie, Parks and Recreation Department b. Upper Dam Project Update, Mike Kelly, Watershed Protection Department c. Discuss and Set Future Meeting Dates, Linda Guerrero, Committee Chair 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 6. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) Page 1 of 2 before the meeting date. Please call Sammi Curless, with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, at 512- 974-6716, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission & the Parks and Recreation Board, please contact Sammi Curless at sammi.curless@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512-974-6716. Page 2 of 2
JOINT COMMITTEE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION & PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD October 16, 2019 – 11:30 AM Council Chambers, City Hall 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 MINUTES ATTENDANCE: Parks and Recreation Board: Present: Dawn Lewis (left meeting at 1:28 pm) Rich DePalma Absent: Tom Donovan Romteen Farasat Environmental Commission: Present: Mary Ann Neely (left meeting at 2:12 pm) Linda Guerrero—Chair Peggy Maceo Pam Thompson A. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order by the Chair at 11:35 a.m. B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Committee Member Lewis moved to approve the minutes of the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and the Parks and Recreation Board meeting of May 29, 2018. Motion was seconded by Committee Member Maceo. Motion carried on a vote of 6-0, with two committee members absent. C. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION There was one general citizen communication. D. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION 2. Upper Dam Project Update, David Johns, Watershed Protection Department After presentation of the agenda item by City staff, there were seven citizen communications, with additional citizens donating time to speakers. Committee Chair Guerrero moved to have the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department outline a stakeholder process for the Upper Dam Project with consideration for a third-party analysis, and notify the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and the Parks and Recreations Board of the outcome of that decision, reporting back on the stakeholder process for review by the Joint Committee. Motion was seconded by Committee Member Lewis. Motion carried 6-0, with two committee members absent. 3. Barton Springs Bathhouse Update, Sergio Altamirano, Public Works Department & John McKennis, Parks and Recreation Department After presentation of the agenda item by City staff and project consultant, there were three citizen communications. No action was taken by the Joint Committee. Due to staff time constraints, Item D5 was moved up on the agenda and heard before D4. 5. Review, clarify, and discuss notification requirements for tree plantings on the South side of the Barton Springs pool including written agreements with the public and stakeholders, Linda Guerrero, Committee Chair & Peggy Maceo, Committee Member. There were two citizen communications. After staff presentation and discussion, Committee Chair Guerrero moved that the Parks and Recreations staff and the Forestry Division staff will devise a written agreement with stakeholders, partner groups, and nonprofits that request planting within the Barton Springs pool area. The written planting agreement will be directed to the …
Barton Springs Tree Planting Process Joint Committee Ask PARD Staff and Forestry Staff will devise a written agreement with stakeholders, partner groups and nonprofits that request tree plantings within the Barton Springs Pool area. The written planting agreement will be presented or communicated to the Joint Committee as a notification process. Planting Guiding Principles • Masterplan • • “new trees should be planted to preemptively replenish the canopy and to densify the shade” “selected from the native Texas tree palette and should be chosen for their beauty, their durability and their appropriateness to their waterside location” • Age Diversity • Species Diversity Planting Notification • Planting will be shard via a memo by July 1st each year • Presentation when the Joint Committee meets between July 1st and the start of the tree planting season Steps After Notification • PARD makes tree purchases. Possible donation support • Planting dates established • Maintenance details coordinated • Work with volunteers and support groups Tree Inventory
M E M O R A N D U M Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission & Parks and Recreation Board Michael P. Kelly, P.E., Managing Engineer Environmental Resource Management, Watershed Protection Department January 16, 2020 TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission & Parks and Recreation Board, Item 4b, Upper Dam Project Update In response to discussions at the October 16, 2019 Joint Committee meeting on the Barton Springs Pool Upper Dam proposal, staff has the following update. Staff presented a proposal to install three gates into the upper dam that would allow periodic inflows of Barton Creek water into Barton Springs Pool. Public testimony on the proposal included the following categories of concern: Increases in pollutant concentration, risk to human health; Increases in algae; • Changes to temperature; • • • Certainty of gate operations; • Costs/benefits and • Certainty of ecological benefits. Staff from Watershed Protection and Parks and Recreation appreciate this first round of stakeholder input. The concerns raised by the public echo questions posed by staff in developing a plan to further investigate the feasibility of this proposal. After examining the existing data and information and determining what is needed to make conclusive projections regarding the performance of the gates, staff decided that we are unable at this time to recommend moving forward with the next phase of the gate project. In order to move forward, staff needs to gain a more complete understanding of the pool ecosystem that will allow us to define a desired condition warranting the investments in a gate system. That understanding requires more information on historical and baseline conditions in the pool. It also requires that we develop a more comprehensive model of the pool system that will allow staff to manipulate the inflow variables to calculate impacts on temperature, pollution concentration, impact on pool cleaning and gate operations. To that end, staff will develop a workplan for consideration in Fiscal Year 2021 that outlines all the needed steps to develop a more complete understanding of the pool. Should this plan rise to high priority as a department activity, staff will include in our project list for Fiscal Year 2021. At that time, we will be able to provide an updated briefing on potential next steps. Should the Joint Committee members have any follow up questions, please contact Mike Kelly at 512- 974-6591 or mike.kelly@austintexas.gov. cc: Jorge …
JOINT COMMITTEE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION & PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 2020 Meeting Schedule Wednesday, April 22, 2020 Wednesday, July 22, 2020 Wednesday, October 28, 2020
3. 4. 5. 6. Environmental Commission Regular Meeting January 15, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. City Hall Council Chambers, 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Agenda COMMISSIONERS: Andrew Creel (D-1) Curtis Smith (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Mary Ann Neely (D-5) Peggy Maceo (D-7) Katie Coyne (D-6) Vice Chair Wendy Gordon (D-10) Perry Bedford (Mayor) Linda Guerrero (D-9) Chair Ryan Nill (D-4) Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Secretary _________________________________________________________________________________ 1. 2. 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. EDUCATION a. Buying and selling ecosystem services, Jim Blackburn, Professor in the Practice of Environmental Law, Rice University (15 minutes) APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approve the minutes of the regular Environmental Commission meeting of December 4, 2019 ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER’S UPDATE ON PAST COMMISSION ACTIONS AND REPORT ON ITEMS OF INTEREST a. Update on Ventura at Parmer Lane, SP-2018-0564D (5 minutes) b. Discussion on 218 S. Lamar PUD (C814-2018-0121) (5 minutes) (5 minutes) STAFF BRIEFINGS* a. None 1 7. 8. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Development Assessment Briefing on 614 South 1st Street Planned Unit Development, CD- 2019-0006—Kate Clark, Senior Planner, Planning and Zoning Department PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: Lantana PCA Applicant: Michael Whellan, Armbrust & Brown, PLLC Watershed: Williamson Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Drinking Water Protection Location: 7415 Southwest Parkway (District 8) Staff: Atha Phillips, Environmental Officer’s Office Zone Request: Consider a project consent agreement (PCA) to allow for the construction of a mixed- use development with a residential component Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions (30 minutes) b. Name: Austin Green PUD, C814-2018-0154 Applicant: Steven Spears, Groundwork Location: 11600-12337 Harold Green Road (2-mile ETJ, will be District 2 once PUD is approved) Staff: Atha Phillips, Environmental Officer’s Office Watershed: Colorado River Basin and Elm Creek Watershed, Suburban Watershed Classification, Desired Development Zone Request: To create a new Planned Unit Development (PUD) Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions (1 hour) 9. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Growth Policy and Water Quality Protection Committee – Pam Thompson, Kevin Ramberg, Mary Ann Neely, Curtis Smith, and Perry Bedford b. Urban Forestry Committee – Peggy Maceo, Pam Thompson, Linda Guerrero, and Mary Ann Neely Ann Neely c. Report on the Joint Sustainability Committee – Katie Coyne d. Report on the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan …
3. 4. 5. 6. Environmental Commission Regular Meeting January 15, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. City Hall Council Chambers, 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Revised Agenda COMMISSIONERS: Andrew Creel (D-1) Curtis Smith (D-2) Pam Thompson (D-3) Mary Ann Neely (D-5) Peggy Maceo (D-7) Katie Coyne (D-6) Vice Chair Wendy Gordon (D-10) Perry Bedford (Mayor) Linda Guerrero (D-9) Chair Ryan Nill (D-4) Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Secretary _________________________________________________________________________________ 1. 2. 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. EDUCATION a. Buying and selling ecosystem services, Jim Blackburn, Professor in the Practice of Environmental Law, Rice University (15 minutes) APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approve the minutes of the regular Environmental Commission meeting of December 4, 2019 ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER’S UPDATE ON PAST COMMISSION ACTIONS AND REPORT ON ITEMS OF INTEREST a. Update on Ventura at Parmer Lane, SP-2018-0564D (5 minutes) b. Discussion on 218 S. Lamar PUD (C814-2018-0121) (5 minutes) (5 minutes) STAFF BRIEFINGS* a. None 1 7. 8. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Development Assessment Briefing on 614 South 1st Street Planned Unit Development, CD- 2019-0006—Kate Clark, Senior Planner, Planning and Zoning Department PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Name: Lantana PCA Applicant: Michael Whellan, Armbrust & Brown, PLLC Watershed: Williamson Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Drinking Water Protection Location: 7415 Southwest Parkway (District 8) Staff: Atha Phillips, Environmental Officer’s Office Zone Request: Consider a Project Consent Agreement waiving provisions of City Code Chapters 25-7 (Drainage) and 25-8 (Environment), including Chapter 25-8, Article 13 (Save Our Springs Initiative), to allow construction of a mixed-use residential project at located at 7415 Southwest Parkway in the East Oak Hill Neighborhood Planning Area. This action concerns land located in the Barton Springs zone. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions (30 minutes) b. Name: Austin Green PUD, C814-2018-0154 Applicant: Steven Spears, Groundwork Location: 11600-12337 Harold Green Road (2-mile ETJ, will be District 2 once PUD is approved) Staff: Atha Phillips, Environmental Officer’s Office Watershed: Colorado River Basin and Elm Creek Watershed, Suburban Watershed Classification, Desired Development Zone Request: To create a new Planned Unit Development (PUD) Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions (1 hour) 9. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Urban Growth Policy and Water Quality Protection Committee – Pam Thompson, Kevin Ramberg, Mary Ann Neely, Curtis Smith, …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200115 008b Date: January 15, 2020 Subject: Austin Green Planned Unit Development, C814-2018-0154 Motion by: Katie Coyne Seconded by: Mary Ann Neely RATIONALE: WHEREAS, increased development pressure to the City’s east will make it even more vital to develop in environmentally sensitive ways; WHEREAS, the site is identified in Imagine Austin as a Town Center; WHEREAS, the applicant is committed to dedicating over 858.22 acres, approximately 40% of the site, as parkland or open space; WHEREAS, the applicant is committed to meeting existing code or in most cases, exceeding Planned Unit Development (PUD) superiority requirements; WHEREAS, the applicant is requesting approval to create a new PUD with superior environmental design; WHEREAS, the applicant is committed to restoring previously industrial land to functioning riparian and open space assets; and WHEREAS, City of Austin Staff recommends the approval with conditions outlined below. THEREFORE, approval of the requested PUD creation with the ongoing commitment of the applicant to meet superiority elements outlined in the meeting backup, and with the following conditions: Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. That the applicant continue to work with and get approval from the Watershed Protection department for a land management and maintenance plan for parkland, open space, riparian zones, green infrastructure features, and other environmentally sensitive areas on site to ensure the long-term environmental function of the landscapes; and, that the applicant commit to this plan in the long-term. 2. Explore carbon capture credits and other mitigation banking that may encourage climate action / carbon 3. 858.22 (40%) acres of public open space and parkland, which includes approximately three miles of Colorado sequestration efforts regionally. River frontage shall be provided. 1 4. Open space areas shall be restored with appropriate native vegetation outlined in the PUD. 5. Parks and open space areas shall utilize reclaimed water for irrigation. 6. 65% of stormwater shall be treated by dispersed green stormwater infrastructure which includes bio- filtration, rain gardens, and vegetated filter strips. 7. 77 acres of off-site drainage area shall be treated. 8. The project shall provide approximately 50 million cubic feet of additional storage volume for the watershed through a series of on-site retention ponds. Approximately 100 million cubic feet of additional storage volume shall be provided beyond the minimum required for on and off-site flows through three (3) on-site regional retention ponds for the Elm Creek watershed. The proposed 450-acre retention ponds will remove approximately 238 …
COMMON VARIANCE REQUESTS & LOGICAL METHODS FOR THEIR EVALUATION Requirements Intent Mitigation Measures/Conditions Typical Examples Variance Request 1. Cut & Fill • Max 4 feet cut & fill allowed (except unlimited under buildings or within ROW) • Must restore & stabilize cut & fill areas • Up to 8 ft. administrative variance allowed in DDZ if not located on a slope gradient >15% or <100 feet of classified waterway • Administrative variances given for stormwater facilities (e.g., flood & WQ structural controls) • Maintain slope stability • Prevent loss of site character • Minimize site disturbance • Protect surface & groundwater quality by minimizing sediment discharges • Structural containment (retaining walls) • Restoration and revegetation • Terracing • Increased setback from significant features • Pervious pavers for sidewalks • For fill, provide enhanced erosion & sedimentation • Roadways • Driveways • Parking • Level Building Slab • Floodplain & Drainage Modifications 2. Construction on Steep Slopes • Maintain slope stability • Protect fragile environments • Prevent concentration of runoff • Reduce erosion & sedimentation • No roadway or driveway on slope >15% unless necessary for primary access to >2 acres with gradient of <15% or building sites for at least 5 residential units • No buildings/parking structures on slope >25% or parking areas on slope >15% • Building/parking structure OK on slope 15-25% if terraced, vegetation restored, <10% footprint on slopes >15% controls (e.g., Jersey barriers immediately downslope of silt fence to provide silt fence stability and robustness) • Reduced footprint of disturbance • Preserve trees and/or natural areas not already required to preserve • Apply Landscaping Ordinance for projects in the ETJ • When not otherwise required, geologist oversees excavation of project and cut/fill areas • Increased tree mitigation inches • Structural containment (retaining walls) – REQUIRED condition if slope exceeds 33% (3:1 slope) • Restoration & revegetation • Terracing • Enhanced erosion & sedimentation controls: o Place temporary erosion basins off-line unless designed as a dam (i.e., not located in natural draws/channels) o Require site plan to phase clearing & grading, with o Require spoils to be hauled off-site or stored away temporary stabilization from concentrated flow o Require more robust perimeter controls (e.g. filter fabric-encased gabions); superior to silt fencing o Require Jersey barriers immediately downslope of silt fence to provide silt fence stability • Preserve trees and/or natural areas not already required to preserve • Meet …
BRIEFING SUMMARY SHEET DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT CASE NUMBER: CD-2019-0006 – 614 S. 1st Street PUD REQUEST: Presentation of a Development Assessment Report for the 614 South 1st Street Planned Unit Development (PUD), located at 614 South 1st Street, within the East Bouldin Creek Watershed. DISTRICT AREA: 9 DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The applicant has submitted a development assessment for a proposed 8.185-acre multifamily development to be known as the 614 S. 1st Street PUD. It is located on the west side of South 1st Street with East Bouldin Creek as its western and northern most boundaries, see Exhibit A: Zoning Map and Exhibit B: Aerial Map. The property is located within the East Bouldin Creek Watershed, which is classified as an Urban Watershed. The proposed PUD is in an area that includes 100-year floodplain, stream buffers (critical water quality zones and erosion hazard zones) and due to its proximity to East Bouldin Creek, the possibility of critical environmental features (CEFs). CEFs were not identified within the development assessment application but have been requested to be shown if present on the PUD application. The applicant’s proposed PUD consists of up to 550 residential units (apartments) with underground parking and a maximum building height of 120’. The proposed project will be more compact than the existing development on site (Timbercreek Apartments), reducing and removing impervious cover currently located in environmentally sensitive areas. Vehicular access to the PUD will be from South 1st Street through an existing access easement agreement with the neighboring apartment property to the south. On the Imagine Austin Growth Concept Map, this site abuts the South Central Waterfront District and is along an Imagine Austin Activity Corridor (South 1st Street). The applicant is current working with the Austin Transportation Department (ATD) on potential roadway improvements on S. 1st Street (new signal, pedestrian hybrid beacon, etc.) at the project’s driveway per the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP) for additional protection to cyclists and pedestrians crossing the street. The applicant has stated in their application materials that the project will meet or exceed all applicable Tier One requirements, and several Tier Two items (water quality, drainage, restoration, art, community amenities, transportation, affordable housing, accessibility and local small business). By meeting or exceeding these items, the applicant has stated the proposed PUD will result in a superior development compared to that which could be developed under conventional zoning standards, see Exhibit C: Letter from Agent …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: January 15, 2020 Lantana PCA NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Michael Whellan Armbrust & Brown, PLLC LOCATION: 7415 Southwest Parkway COUNCIL DISTRICT: 8 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF Atha Phillips, Environmental Officer’s Office (512)974-2132, atha.phillips@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS: Williamson Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Consider a project consent agreement (PCA) to allow for the construction of a mixed-use development with a residential component. Staff recommended with conditions. 1. Applicant shall provide additional acreage of 3.098 acres to meet the Hill Country Roadway requirement of 40% undisturbed natural area per 25-2-1025. Lantana Project Consent Agreement (PCA) Briefing to the Environmental Commission Atha Phillips Environmental Officer’s Office January 15, 2020 What is a PCA? • PCA = Project Consent Agreement • PCAs are part of the 245 process detailed in 25-1-544 • PCAs are considered when the extent of a project’s vested rights are unclear and for incentivizing projects with clearly established vested rights to achieve greater compliance with current regulations • The 245 process lives within the Development Services Department • DSD has determined that this project is a candidate for a PCA Site Location Austin ETJ Austin City Limits Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Hwy 290 West Site Location Barton Creek Watershed Williamson Creek Watershed Watershed Boundary Site Location Site Data: • Williamson Creek Watershed • Barton Springs Zone • Drinking Water Protection Zone • Contributing Zone • Full-Purpose • Existing approved site plan (SP-2014-0262C(XT2)) • Existing project has vested rights under 245 • Existing site plan wants to change zoning from Office to Mixed Use • Mixed Use would allow for residential or multi-family Staff Recommendation Recommended with the following conditions: 1. Applicant shall provide additional acreage of 3.098 acres to meet the Hill Country Roadway requirement of 40% undisturbed natural area per 25-2-1025. Questions? Contact Information: Atha Phillips Environmental Officer’s Office (512) 974-2132 Atha.Phillips@austintexas.gov
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET DISTRICT: Contiguous to District 2 TO: PUD CASE: C814-2018-0154 – Austin Green ZONING FROM: DR; Unzoned ADDRESS: 11600 – 12337 Harold Green Road SITE AREA: 2,126.25 acres PROPERTY OWNER: Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (Kate Glaze) AGENT: MG Realty Investments, LLC (dba Groundwork) (Steven Spears) CASE MANAGER: Wendy Rhoades (512-974-7719, wendy.rhoades@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Staff recommendation is to grant an amendment to planned unit development (PUD) district zoning, as shown in the proposed Land Use Plan and as provided in Exhibits B-1 and B-2, C and D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, and L. For a summary of the basis of Staff’s recommendation, see pages 3 through 10. The Restrictive Covenant includes all recommendations listed in the Transportation Mitigation Memo, dated November 21, 2019, as provided in Attachment A. URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION: December 10, 2019: BRIEFING HELD ON THE TRANSPORTATION IMPACT ANALYSIS ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: January 15, 2020: PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD: January 28, 2020: PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: January 28, 2020: November 26, 2019: APPROVED AN INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF [C. KENNY; P. SEEGER – 2ND] (7-0) A. AZHAR, Y. FLORES, P. HOWARD, C. LLANES-PULIDO, R. SCHNEIDER; J. SHIEH – ABSENT June 11, 2019: APPROVED AN INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF [C. KENNY; A. AZHAR – 2ND] (13-0) C814-2018-0154 Page 2 CITY COUNCIL ACTION: February 14, 2020: ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES: None at this time. CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The proposed Austin Green PUD contains a 2,126 acre active sand and gravel mining site (a basic industry use) and is generally located at the intersection of SH 130 and Harold Green Road, with limited frontage on FM 973, Platt Lane, and FM 969, and bounded by approximately 3.2 miles of Colorado River frontage along its southern boundary. Except for a portion of the Colorado River frontage west of SH 130 that has development reserve (DR) zoning, the site is currently outside of the City limits and proposed for limited purpose annexation and concurrent creation of a Municipal Utility District (MUD). Similarly, except for the Colorado River frontage, all of the surrounding properties are located outside of the City limits. Land west of SH 130 is characterized by industrial and open space uses, with manufactured home and detached single family residential subdivisions bordering the southwest property boundary. The majority of the adjacent land east of SH 130 functions as open space, with the Austin Colony …
