ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: February 19, 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 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 located at 7415 Southwest Parkway in the East Oak Hill Neighborhood Planning Area. This action concerns land located in the Barton Springs Zone. Staff recommended with conditions. 1. Applicant will provide additional acreage of 3.098 acres to meet the Hill Country Roadway requirement of 40% undisturbed natural area per 25-2-1025 and development on this lot will be restricted to only allow trails. 2. Impervious cover for the project will be capped at 17.5 acres (49% of current site plan SP-2014-0262C(XT2)). Project Consent Agreement Lantana (PCA) Briefing to the Environmental Commission Atha Phillips Environmental Officer’s Office February 19, 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 Data: • Williamson Creek Watershed • Barton Springs Zone (SOS Applies) • Drinking Water Protection Zone • Contributing Zone of the Edwards Aquifer • 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 multi-family use • Existing Preliminary Plan referenced within the vesting documents limits multi-family 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 Location Site Location Current Code Amendments: Modification to 25-8 Environmental: 1. 25-8-301 Restricts driveways of slopes greater than 15% • Project shall not exceed 65% impervious cover on slopes 10-20%, …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: March 4, 2020 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: HEB 10 SP-2019-0034C NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Joe Farias Stantec Consulting Services LOCATION: 7901 W US 290 Hwy, Austin, TX 78749 COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 8 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: Pamela Abee-Taulli, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, Development Services Department, 512-974-1879 Williamson Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone Classification, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Variance request is as follows: 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet (maximum cut 7 feet) in the Barton Springs Zone. 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill in excess of 4 feet (maximum fill 14 feet) in the Barton Springs Zone. 3. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-302(A)(1) to construct a building on a slope with a gradient of more than 25 percent. 4. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-302(A)(2) to construct a parking area that is not a parking structure on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent. 1 Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met, with the following conditions: 1. Engineered structural containment for fill exceeding 4 feet; 2. No non-organic mulch (including stone of any size) allowed in the 3. Rainwater harvesting storage tanks shall have a total volume of at least 4. Condensate storage tanks shall have a total volume of at least 3,000 landscaped areas; 3,000 gallons; gallons; 5. Cut shall be limited to a maximum of 7 feet and limited to the areas as generally noted on the site plan; and 6. Fill shall be limited to a maximum of 14 feet and limited to the areas as generally noted on the site plan. Page 2 of 2 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: 2 Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: HEB 10 Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet (maximum cut 7 feet) in the Barton Springs 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: The site elevation rises briefly and then slopes down, southward from The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code …
H-E-B Store #10 Environmental Commission Variance TBPE No. 6324 TBPLS No. 10194230 January 10, 2020 HEB Variance Backup One, p. 1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION VARIANCE APPLICATION FORM PROJECT DESCRIPTION Applicant Contact Information Name of Applicant Street Address City State ZIP Code Work Phone E-Mail Address Case Name Case Number Address or Location Environmental Reviewer Name Environmental Resource Management Reviewer Name Applicable Ordinance Watershed Name Watershed Classification Variance Case Information Reece Whitley 1905 Aldrich St, Suite 300 Austin, TX 78723 512-328-0011 Reece.Whitley@stantec.com H-E-B Store #10 SP-2019-0034C 7901 West Highway 290 US Pamela Abee-Taulli Pamela Abee-Taulli Ordinance 920903-D Williamson Creek Watershed ☐Urban ☐ Suburban ☐Water Supply Suburban ☐Water Supply Rural ■ Barton Springs Zone HEB Variance Backup One, p. 2 Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone ☐ Barton Springs Segment ☐ Northern Edwards Segment ■ Not in Edwards Aquifer Zones Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Distance to Nearest Classified Waterway ■ Yes ☐ No 5270 feet Water and Waste Water service to be provided by City of Austin Request Impervious cover square footage: acreage: percentage: Provide general description of the property (slope range, elevation range, summary of vegetation / trees, summary of the geology, CWQZ, WQTZ, CEFs, floodplain, heritage trees, any other notable or outstanding characteristics of the property) The variance request is as follows (Cite code references: Existing ___0____ _30.29__ ___0%__ Proposed _322,344_ _30.29__ _25%___ The proposed H-E-B Store #10 located at 7901 West Highway 290 US in the full purpose jurisdiction of City of Austin, Travis County, Texas. A site vicinity map has been provided as Vicinity Map Exhibit. The proposed development will consist of approximately 88,000 square feet of retail grocery store with on-site parking. The Proposed site is a ±30.96 acre tract of undeveloped land with nature vegetation, small and heritage cedar and oak trees, and a gradual slopes of 1% to 12%. The surface elevations range from a low point elevation of ±908 Mean Sea Level (MSL) located at the east end of the tract, to a high point elevation of ±977 MSL located on the west edge of the property along FM 1826. Overall, the property slopes west to east, draining toward the existing channel within the property. According to the US Department of Agriculture’s Web Soil Survey, the property consists of soil classified as Brackett-Rock outcrop complex (BID) and Volente silty clay loam (VoD), and Hydraulic Soils Group C and D. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), …
HEB Variance Backup Two, p. 1 H-E-B STORE #10 Exhibit 5 Topographic Map January 10, 2020 EXHIBIT 5 TOPOGRAPHIC MAP C:\Users\tpho\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\405YLYUD\20200110_env_comm_variance.docx/sg 5 HEB Variance Backup Two, p. 2 1 2 3 4 5 N n o i t c u d o p e R r . c e t n a t S f r r o y t r e p o p e h t e a s g n w a d d n a s n g i s e d r i l l a o t s t h g i r y p o C e h T e h t e a c s T l O N O D . s n o i s n e m d i l l a r o f l e b i s n o p s e r e b d n a y f i r e v l l a h s r o t c a r t n o C e h T . y a e d l t u o h t i w c e t n a t S o t d e t r o p e r e b l l a h s s n o i s s i m o r o s r o r r e y n a - i g n w a d r . n e d d b o r i f s i c e t n a t S y b d e z i r o h t u a t a h t n a h t r e h t o e s o p u p y n a r r o f e s u r o 4 2 3 6 - F # E P B T 0 3 2 4 9 1 0 1 # S L P B T . c n i I s e c v r e S g n i t l u s n o C c e t n a t S 0 0 3 e t i u S t e e r t S h c i r l d A 5 0 9 1 4 4 5 3 - 3 2 7 8 7 X T n i t s u A …
RESILIENT EL PASO N I C O L E F E R R I N I , C H I E F R E S I L I E N C E O F F I C E R 1 KEY PRINCIPLES OF A RESILIENCE STRATEGY Broad Understanding of Resilience Inclusive, Strategic + Actionable Fact Based + Data Driven Forward Looking, Not Reactionary Accountable + Transparent 2 2 N I C O L E F E R R I N I , C H I E F R E S I L I E N C E O F F I C E R 9 1 5 . 2 1 2 . 1 6 5 8 F E R R I N I N M @ E L PA S O T E X A S . G O V 6
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200304 005a Date: March 4, 2020 Subject: Discuss and consider the future of Austin resilience planning Motion by: Katie Coyne Seconded by: Linda Guerrero RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the future resilience of our City is a fundamental area of focus for this body; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that climate and other shocks and stressors to our environmental, social, and economic systems disproportionately impact low-income communities and people of color; WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed Resolution No. 20190509-019 May 9th, 2019 directing the City Manager and Office of Sustainability to explore the best path forward for creating a comprehensive, community-wide climate resilience plan that is fair, just, and equitable; and, asked for recommendations for funding options for the hiring of a Chief Resilience Officer and a consultant to lead Resilience Planning efforts; WHEREAS, City staff delivered an interim memo on August 22, 2019 outlining no clear path forward for this work and did not meet an October 31, 2019 deadline for final recommendations; WHEREAS, many City departments and community leaders are actively working on projects and programs that positively impact resilience outcomes but there is not a comprehensive vision for that work city-wide or regionally; WHEREAS, the Rockefeller Foundation recently launched their Global Resilient Cities Network and is amenable to working collaboratively with the City of Austin on our future resilience planning work; WHEREAS, three other major cities in Texas (El Paso, Houston, and Dallas) have all completed resilience plans and have Resilience Officers in place working to implement their plans; WHEREAS, resilience experts are moving to convene cities across the state on these issues to present a united front in the face of statewide politics; WHEREAS, there has been disagreement between stakeholders on the path of our resilience work and the intent behind Council’s May 2019 resolution; and, 1 WHEREAS, the widely-held opinion of resilience practitioners statewide and globally is that resilience plans should look beyond climate shocks and thoughtfully weave together a plan of action that centers equity and holistically addresses economic, environmental, and social resilience to both shocks and stressors. Therefore, the Environmental Commission recommends the following action by our City leadership: 1. Clarify the intent of City Council’s Resolution No. 20190509-019 from May 9th, 2019. 2. Take steps to move forward a comprehensive resilience strategy for our City that looks beyond climate shocks and thoughtfully weaves together a plan …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200304 006a Date: March 4, 2020 Subject: Lantana Project Consent Agreement Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Peggy Maceo RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting the Commission 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; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes this action concerns land located in the Barton Springs Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that City of Austin staff recommend approval of the variance requests with conditions. Therefore, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the requested project consent agreement (PCA) to allow for the construction of a mixed-use development with a residential component with the following; Staff 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 and development on this lot will be restricted to only allow trails; 2. impervious cover for the project will be capped at 17.5 acres (49% of current site plan SP-2014- 0262C(XT2)); and the following Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. Phase 5 will develop within 25% impervious cover on a net site area; 2. dedicate 6.32-acre Tract 1 as additional lands to meet impervious cover needs; 3. dedicate necessary acreage of Tract 2 as additional lands for the Phase 5 development to not exceed 25% impervious cover Net Site Area on; and 4. pursue use of rain garden in Phase 5 as allowable under TCEQ Edwards Rules. 1 VOTE 6-0 Approved By: For: Bedford, Thompson, Ramberg, Guerrero, Coyne, and Maceo Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel, Smith, Nill, Neely, Gordon Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200304 006b Date: March 4, 2020 Subject: HEB 10, SP-2019-0034C at 7901 West US Hwy 290 Motion by: Kevin Ramberg Seconded by: Perry Bedford RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting the Commission consider several variance requests: 1. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut in excess of 4 feet (maximum cut 7 feet) in the Barton 2. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill in excess of 4 feet (maximum fill 14 feet) in the Barton 3. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-302(A)(1) to construct a building on a slope with a gradient of more Springs Zone. Springs Zone. than 25 percent. 4. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-302(A)(2) to construct a parking area that is not a parking structure on a slope with a gradient of more than 15 percent. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes this action concerns land located in the Barton Springs Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that City of Austin Staff recommend approval of the variance requests with conditions. Therefore, the Environmental Commission recommends approval of the requested project consent agreement (PCA) to allow for the construction of a mixed-use development with a residential component with the following Staff Conditions: 1. engineered structural containment for fill exceeding 4 feet; 2. no non-organic mulch (including stone of any size) allowed in the landscaped areas; 3. rainwater harvesting storage tanks shall have a total volume of at least 4,000 gallons; 4. condensate storage tanks shall have a total volume of at least 3,000 gallons; 5. cut shall be limited to a maximum of 7 feet and limited to the areas as generally noted on the site plan; and 6. fill shall be limited to a maximum of 14 feet and limited to the areas as generally noted on the site plan; and the following Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. eight heritage trees to be preserved in place with supplemental drip irrigation. 1 VOTE 6-0 Approved By: For: Bedford, Thompson, Ramberg, Guerrero, Coyne, and Maceo Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel, Smith, Nill, Neely, Gordon Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2
2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 4, 2020 The Environmental Commission convened in a public meeting on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 in Council Chambers City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Commissioners in Attendance: Pam Thompson Peggy Maceo Perry Bedford Kevin Ramberg Katie Coyne Linda Guerrero Commissioners Absent: Andy Creel Curtis Smith Ryan Nill Mary Ann Neely Wendy Gordon Staff in Attendance: Kaela Champlin Marc Coudert Susana Herrera Chris Herrington Thain Maurer Atha Phillips Pamela Abee-Taulli Mike McDougal CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Guerrero called the meeting to order at 6:01 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. EDUCATION a. Update on City of El Paso Resilience Strategy, Nicole Ferrini, City of El Paso Chief Resilience Officer (30 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approve the minutes of the regular Environmental Commission meeting of February 19, 2020 (5 minutes) 1 3. 4. 5. 6. The minutes of the regular Environmental Commission meeting of February 19, 2020 were approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Coyne’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Creel, Smith, Nill, Neely, and Gordon were absent. ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER’S UPDATE ON PAST COMMISSION ACTIONS AND REPORT ON ITEMS OF INTEREST a. Update on XSpace Group SP-2019-0189D variances b. Process for how to discuss miscellaneous reports at Environmental Commission meetings Item conducted as posted. No action taken. (5 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. STAFF BRIEFINGS* a. Presentation on Water Quality Compliance Pollution Data Viewer—Thain Maurer, Environmental Compliance Supervisor, Watershed Protection Department (20 minutes) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Discuss and consider the future of Austin resilience planning—Katie Coyne, Environmental Commission Member and Vice Chair (20 minutes) Speakers Thomas Visco A motion to consider the future of Austin resilience planning was approved on Commissioner Coyne’s motion, Commissioner Guerrero’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Creel, Smith, Nill, Neely, and Gordon were absent. 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 …
1. 2. Environmental Commission Urban Forestry Committee February 28, 2020 at 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. One Texas Center 505 Barton Springs Road, 11th Floor The Cavern Conference Room Austin, Texas 78704 Agenda Peggy Maceo (D-7) Pam Thompson (D-3) Mary Ann Neely (D-5) Linda Guerrero (D-9) COMMISSIONERS: 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. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting of February 13, 2020 ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Discuss and consider Land Development Code Revision relating to tree regulations— Keith Mars—Community Tree Preservation Division Manager, Development Services Department ADJOURNMENT 3. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. For additional information, please call Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 974- 3443; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Kaela Champlin, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 974-3443. * A member of the public may not address a board or commission at a meeting on an item posted as a briefing, per City Code Section 2-1-144(E). 1
*SUPPLEMENTAL HERITAGE TREE PRESERVATION PROGRAM DRAFT • Shall only apply to heritage trees with one stem 30" or larger located in a property fronting a Transportation Priority Network, for a development that has at least a 50% (75%) residential component and provides at least 10% on-site affordable housing. It shall be demonstrated that heritage tree cannot be transplanted because of condition or location and that there are no alternative designs or other variances that applicant could obtain to preserve the tree. • To qualify heritage tree shall be preserved in compliance with city standards. • Will include a Restrictive Covenant confirming that the development will have at least a 50% (75%) residential component and provide at least 10% on-site affordable housing. • In order to preserve the heritage tree staff shall provide the following alternatives, to provide the minimum necessary to preserve the tree, that is to replace the number of units lost if the heritage tree is preserved: decreased front and back setbacks, increased FAR, increased height • These additions shall be provided in addition to the bonus or incentives given for affordable housing. • the city arborist shall determine the minimum necessary to preserve the heritage tree. On a case by case basis, more than ½ CRZ shall be preserved if staff determines this 1s necessary. • These additions shall be given at site plan review on a case by case basis. • Preserving the heritage tree shall be counted as a Community Benefit when meeting the Downtown Density Bonus Program. (Green Roofs/trading/units/determined by staff) • Staff shall establish a penalty for removing the heritage tree without a variance. Division 23-4C-4: Tree Planting Requirements 23-4C-4010 General Provisions (~) Tree pl~ting required by this division shall be quality nursey stock, site appropnate, emphasize long lived native shade species, diversity, and increase the City's resilience to pest, disease, and climate, and be planted and maintained to ensure tree establishment. (B) All trees shall be provided with adequate soil volume to promote health and tree lifespan. Rules shall be adopted to fulfill these requirements and further the City's canopy goals in Section 23-4C-1010 (General Provisions). · >' t> .., O .. ~ it "!b Y. 'f'l'1!. J l 23-4C-3020 Administrative Modifications (C) For a property that fronts a corridor designated by Division 23-3A-5 (Growth Concept Map and Transit Priority Network), the director may grant an administrative modification from Section 23-4C-301 0 …
1. 2. 3. 4. Environmental Commission Regular Meeting February 19, 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) Ryan Nill (D-4) Kevin Ramberg (D-8) Secretary 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 _________________________________________________________________________________ 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. Update on Texas Children in Nature and the Austin Cities Connecting Children to Nature project—Sarah Coles Texas Children in Nature State Coordinator and Melody Alcazar, Program Coordinator, Austin Parks and Recreation Department (15 minutes) APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ACTION a. Approve the minutes of the regular Environmental Commission meeting of February 5, 2020 (5 minutes) ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER’S UPDATE ON PAST COMMISSION ACTIONS AND REPORT ON ITEMS OF INTEREST a. Update on Davenport West PUD Amendment 12 b. Update on Ventura at Parmer Lane, SP-2018-0564D (5 minutes) STAFF BRIEFINGS* a. Carbon Impact Statement Tool and Air Quality Update—Caitlin Admire and Phoebe Romero, Office of Sustainability (30 minutes) 1 5. 6. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Overview of the Austin Energy Green Building Program—Heidi Kasper, Manager, Residential Green Building and Kurt Stogdill, Manager, Green Building and Sustainability, Austin Energy (30 minutes) 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: 415 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 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. (45 minutes) 7. 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. …
Texas Children in Nature ENCOURAGING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES TO SPEND TIME OUTSIDE, BECAUSE CHILDREN WHO SPEND TIME IN NATURE ARE HEALTHIER, HAPPIER AND SMARTER. Vision We envision that Texas children and their fa m ilie s , fro m a ll w a lks o f life , w ill s p e n d m o re tim e o u td o o rs , e n g a g in g w ith n a tu re fo r a h e a lth ie r, h a p p ie r a n d s m a rte r Te xa s . Ou r Mis s io n is to s tre n g th e n a n d le ve ra g e th e n e tw o rk a n d re g io n a l c o lla b o ra tive s to im p ro ve th e c o n n e c tio n b e tw e e n n a tu re a n d a ll c h ild re n a n d th e ir fa m ilie s in Te xa s . History In 2009 SB 205 resolved to address the problem of Nature De fic it Dis o rd e r th ro u g h th e c re a tio n o f a w o rkin g g ro u p b e tw e e n TPWD a n d TEA. Ou t o f th is a g ro u p o f le a d e rs fro m a c ro s s th e s ta te g a th e re d a n d fo rm e d TCiN in 20 10 . Sin c e th a t tim e TCiN h a s b e e n p a rt o f TPWD. In 2010 TCiN released its first strategic plan, la yin g o u t five p illa rs o f w o rk to b e d o n e . • He a lth • Co m m u n ity • Ac c e s s • Ed u c a tio n • Ma rke tin g Th e TCiN c o lla b o ra tive is a …
Strategic Plan 2016 www.texaschildreninnature.org 1 Dear fellow Texans, We all have fond childhood memories of a special place where play, imagination and wonder reigned. For most, that place was outdoors. Through these experiences, we gained understanding, appreciation and a personal relationship with the natural world. Sadly, today’s children are allowed less time for unstructured, creative play in nature than ever before. As the trend away from outdoor play and learning deepens, we are witnessing sobering consequences for children’s health, well-being and quality of life. Additionally, this youngest generation is missing out on critical experiences that lay the foundation for future stewardship of our natural resources. We can reverse this trend. One achievable solution is to restore active play and learning in nature. This issue has brought together an unprecedented coalition of partners from all walks of life who formed Texas Children in Nature. These experts from many disciplines thoroughly examined the issues and outlined their recommendations in this strategic plan. Their wisdom, insights and integrity are reflected throughout the plan. By design, the plan is concise, optimizes partnerships and focuses on implementation across multiple public and private sectors. Please consider the recommendations in this plan and join us in restoring our children’s well-being and their relationship with Texas’s rich natural and cultural heritage. The trend is real, the problem is solvable and the time to act is now. Thank you for caring for our wild things and wild places. They need you now more than ever. Carter Smith Executive Director Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Texas Children in Nature Strategic Plan 2016 Executive Summary Strategic Agenda Health Education Access Community Marketing Steering Committee Citations About Texas Children in Nature 4 6 8 10 13 16 19 20 22 22 2 Strategic Plan 2016 www.texaschildreninnature.org Executive Summary The evidence is clear and growing. Nature is not just a “nice-to-have” for people with the means. Nature is a “need-to-have” for all people, essential to our health, human development and in building stronger, more vibrant communities. Texas Children in Nature is dedicated to benefitting both nature and people. We envision that all children and their families, from all walks of life, will spend more time outdoors, engaged with nature for a healthier, happier, smarter Texas. The mission of the Texas Children in Nature network is to strengthen and leverage the work of the partners and regional collaboratives to improve the connection between nature …
Austin Environmental Commission Carbon Emissions and Air Quality Impacts February 19, 2020 Carbon Impact Statement 2015 Climate Plan Net-Zero community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. Currently being updated. 2018 Austin Community Climate Footprint Industrial 8% Natural Gas 7% Other Electricity 7% Transportation 38% Waste 2% AE Electricity 38% 12.8 million metric tons CO2e 4 Carbon Impact of New Development WHERE development happens: - near transit and alternative mobility options, - in IA Activity Centers and Corridors; HOW development is designed: - energy efficient buildings, - on-site renewable energy, - efficient land use and connectivity, - a mix of uses, and - adaptive reuse of existing buildings. Carbon Impact Checklist Tool Carbon Impact Checklist Tool TRANSPORTATION ➔ Bicycle Transit Connectivity ➔ Bicycle Infrastructure ➔ Walkability ➔ Utilize TDM Strategies ➔ Electric Vehicle Charging ➔ Maximize Parking Reductions Carbon Impact Checklist Tool LAND USE ➔ Imagine Austin Activity Center or Corridor ➔ Floor -to -Area Ratio (FAR) Carbon Impact Checklist Tool WATER + ENERGY ➔ On-site Renewable Energy ➔ Reclaimed Water Carbon Impact Checklist Tool FOOD and MATERIALS ➔ Access to Food ➔ Adaptive Reuse Projects Submitted to Date 425 W. Riverside (AKA Snoopy PUD) Project Name Holdsworth Center Goodnight Ranch Austin Green Camelback COTA 218 S. Lamar Project Total CIS Score 7 9 10 8 8 7 7 9 3501 Ed Bluestein (AKA Eightfold/Motorola) 305 Congress (AKA Statesman Site) Not yet Submitted 2018 O3 Season Weekday NOx Emissions for Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown MSA Air Quality Co-benefits • 50% of Carbon Impact Statement questions are centered on transportation • Passengers cars are the largest source of NOx emissions in the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown MSA • Sustainable transportations choices have the biggest air quality impact on NOx/ ground -level ozone CAPCOG 2018 Air Quality Report Air Quality Updates Hack for Resilient Communities • Hosted by UT Center for Transportation Research on Saturday, February 29 th from 10:30AM -7:30PM • Call for all participants of all discipline levels to help design and implement software tools to improve community resiliency using real Austin transportation, pollution, weather and health data Localized Monitoring • PurpleAir sensors, which measure particulate matter, are used to help provide a real-time air quality monitoring network • A couple of sensors were installed by the UT Center for Transportation Research in the Dove Springs neighborhood for Hackathon event analysis • Several are installed throughout the city by different people or organizations, and the …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: February 19, 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 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 located at 7415 Southwest Parkway in the East Oak Hill Neighborhood Planning Area. This action concerns land located in the Barton Springs Zone. Staff recommended with conditions. 1. Applicant will provide additional acreage of 3.098 acres to meet the Hill Country Roadway requirement of 40% undisturbed natural area per 25-2-1025 and development on this lot will be restricted to only allow trails. 2. Impervious cover for the project will be capped at 17.5 acres (49% of current site plan SP-2014-0262C(XT2)). Project Consent Agreement Lantana (PCA) Briefing to the Environmental Commission Atha Phillips Environmental Officer’s Office February 19, 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 Data: • Williamson Creek Watershed • Barton Springs Zone (SOS Applies) • Drinking Water Protection Zone • Contributing Zone of the Edwards Aquifer • 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 multi-family use • Existing Preliminary Plan referenced within the vesting documents limits multi-family 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 Location Site Location Current Code Amendments: Modification to 25-8 Environmental: 1. 25-8-301 Restricts driveways of slopes greater than 15% • Project shall not exceed 65% impervious cover on slopes 10-20%, …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20200219 005a Date: February 19, 2020 Subject: Green Building Materials Motion by: Linda Guerrero Seconded by: Mary Ann Neely RATIONALE: WHEREAS, many common materials used in buildings contain toxic chemicals; and WHEREAS, building construction workers and building occupants can be exposed to toxic chemicals through direct contact or inhalation; and WHEREAS, many non-toxic and less toxic alternative building products are available at little or no additional cost. NOW BE IT RESOLVED the Environmental Commission recommends to City Council to ensure Austin Energy and other City entities are consistently working to improve building design standards to restrict toxic material use in constructing or redeveloping structures in the City of Austin BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The Environmental Commission recommends that the Austin Energy Green Building program explore revised standards that will actively encourage the installation of non-toxic and less-toxic alternatives through its voluntary point system. VOTE 10-0 For: Bedford, Smith, Thompson, Nill, Ramberg, Guerrero, Coyne, Neely, Maceo, and Gordon Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Creel Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 1
