An Introduction to Austin’s Tree Regulations Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission November 6th, 2024 Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Daniel Priest, Environmental Compliance Specialist, Sr. History of Austin’s Tree Ordinance Margret Hofmann, 1925-2012 Hofmann Oaks Park History of Austin’s Tree Ordinance 1983 - Tree Preservation Ordinance 2010 - Heritage Tree Ordinance Why Do We Protect Trees? Austin’s urban forest currently has over 33 million trees, all of which support the following benefits: • • • • • • • • Trees improve air quality by filtering out particles, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Trees help reduce flood impacts by slowing and filtering rainwater. Trees contribute to connections with nature that improve people’s health outcomes and contribute to an environment where people feel connected to their community. Trees are good for business: Shoppers spend more time and money in shopping areas with businesses that have good tree coverage. Tree roots hold soil in place, reducing erosion. Shade from urban trees can cool the air up to 8 degrees Celsius. Their shade and wind protection reduce energy use. Trees provide food, shelter, and nesting for diverse wildlife. Trees provide a sense of place and soften the sharp outlines of concrete, metal, and glass of urban and suburban cityscapes Source: Texas A&M Forest Service To maintain the health and integrity of our urban forest, the City of Austin strives to plant trees, preserve trees during land development, and care for existing trees. Why Do We Protect Trees? Land Development Code 25-8.B.1 • Prohibits removal of Protected or Heritage trees without a permit • 8"+ trees – preserve "to extent feasible" on site plan applications • Defines removal - physical removal, over pruning, or excessive root disturbance • Approval criteria for removal: • Reasonable use • Reasonable access • Dead, Diseased, or Imminent Hazard • Variances and appeals • • Administrative rules – preservation criteria, protection Creates position of City Arborist to implement tree regulations requirements, mitigation Rules implementing LDC 25-8.B.1 are found in Section 3 of the Environmental Criteria Manual What are the Tree Regulations? Land Development Code 25-8, Subchapter B, Article 1 Division 1 – General Provisions Definitions Authorizes Rules Application Requirements Division 2 – Protected Trees Approval Criteria for Removal Division 3 – Heritage Trees Approval Criteria for Removal Variances Environmental Criteria Manual Section 3 3.3 - Survey Requirements Survey and Plan Depictions Hill Country Roadway Ordinance 3.5 - Design …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241106-003 Date: November 6, 2024 Subject: Hays Independent School District Interlocal Agreement Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Perry Bedford WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City of Austin is requesting approval of an Interlocal Agreement between Hays ISD and the City of Austin; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes Hays ISD falls within the Suburban Watershed, Rinard Creek, Plum Creek; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the Agreement with the following conditions: 1. A minimum of (4) educational and interpretive signs will be installed on campus with locations identified in the site plan. Temporary signage will be installed at each location for approval of the site plan. Permanent education signage will be developed with students and installed at a later date. Permanent signs are not a requirement for certificate of occupancy. 2. As shown in the Environmental Enhancements planning Exhibit A, approximately 500,000 square feet of prairie habitat restoration will be provided using native prairie species, native soils and other habitat enhancements as approved by the Director of Watershed Protection. 3. All plant material will be 100% native or adapted species and selected from Exhibit B (Plant List). Alternative plants may be provided as reviewed and approved by the City of Austin Arborist. 4. The project will provide a minimum of (2) vehicle charging stations and (80) bicycle parking spots. 5. Rainwater and AC condensate will be collected and used for landscape irrigation. 6. The project will comply with bird friendly design standards by meeting the minimum requirements of the Austin Energy Green Building criteria for light pollution reduction and bird collision deterrence. 7. The project will provide an Integrated Pest Management Plan. 8. Disturbed topsoil will be stockpiled onsite and utilized in new planting areas for sod, shrub plantings and seeding areas. 1 9. The detention ponds will be designed for fully vegetated conditions and integrated into the landscape which will provide educational opportunities. Additionally, staff recommends cut and fill variance from 4 ft up to 15 ft and is requesting to allow the artificial turf to be considered pervious cover. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Interlocal Agreement with the following conditions: 1. Installation of an outdoor classroom that offers seating for students and with shade. 2. Utilize best practices for outdoor lighting for the sports field that is dark-sky friendly. For: Perry Bedford, Hanna Cofer, Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Haris Qureshi, …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241106-004 Date: November 6, 2024 Subject: Bird-Friendly Design Working Group Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: David Sullivan WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission was given a presentation about Bird Safe Design by Heidi Trudell Bird Safe Design Specialist with support from Travis Audubon; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City of Austin was named a Bird City in Feb. 2023; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that over 400 species of birds reside or migrate through Travis County every spring and fall, including the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and threatened Black-capped Vireo; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City of Austin benefits from the annual $1.8 billion generated from bird tourism in Texas; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes birds colliding with poorly designed buildings results in up to 1 billion birds dying in the US every year; and WHEREAS, to better understand the issues and best design practices for Bird-Friendly Buildings, the Environmental Commission formed a working group in June 2024 with other commissions, architects, developers, and conservationist; and WHEREAS, the working group met monthly to study what other cities are doing, what are the best practices, and what the City of Austin is already doing; and WHEREAS, after studying the issue and solutions the Working Group, with support from Council Member Leslie Pool’s office, submitted a resolution for consideration by council. The resolution will be considered on November 21, 2024; and THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends supporting the resolution as it falls in line with meeting the environmental goals of improving habitats for species, improving and stabilizing biodiversity within the city limits and ETJ, and improving the quality of life for people residing in or visiting Austin. 1 VOTE 7-0 For: Perry Bedford, Hanna Cofer, Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Mariana Krueger and Colin Nickells Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair 2
Hays ISD Interlocal Agreement Jacob Eickstead Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed Protection C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Hays ISD Interlocal Agreement A n I n t e r l o c a l A g r e e m e n t ( I L A ) i s a n a g r e e m e n t b e t w e e n t h e C i t y a n d a n y g o v e r n m e n t a l e n t i t y t h a t e s t a b l i s h e s o r m o d i f i e s r e g u l a t i o n f o r d e v e l o p m e n t . T h e H a y s I S D I L A i s p r o p o s e d f o r 9 3 . 2 a c r e s a d j a c e n t t o t h e S u n f i e l d P U D T h e s c h o o l d i s t r i c t i s r e q u e s t i n g e n v i r o n m e n t a l v a r i a n c e s i n t h e I L A f o r d e v e l o p m e n t o f a h i g h s c h o o l r e l a t e d t o c u t / f i l l a n d a r t i f i c i a l t u r f C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241106-002 Date: November 6, 2024 Subject: C20-2022-0025, Land Development Code Amendment to Title 25-7 Drainage Motion by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS the Environmental Commission understands this ordinance responds to Council Resolution No. 20220609-061, which initiated Land Development Code amendments related to environmental, drainage, and landscape requirements; and Seconded by: Perry Bedford WHEREAS, the proposed code change would “Revise 25-7-32(B)(2) to establish the erosion hazard zone of the Colorado River downstream of the Longhorn Dam as 200 feet from the ordinary high-water mark, with exceptions for hard surface trails and bounded by public rights-of-way and only affecting new habitable structures and infrastructure”; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission was given a presentation on the staff’s recommendations; THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission supports the staff’s recommendations with the following requests: 1. Create data and map of a geological analysis for soil types and erosion rates. 2. Increase the erosion hazard zone from 200 ft to 400ft. 3. Clarify how projects that require site plans and applicable permits will be included in the code. VOTE 7-0 For: Perry Bedford, Hanna Cofer, Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Mariana Krueger and Colin Nickells Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair 1
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 6, 2024 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Richard Brimer, Jennifer Bristol, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan, Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Hanna Cofer, Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Roy Wayley, speaking on the importance of Environmental activism APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 2, 2024 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 2, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Nickells were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion, and recommendation to amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to increase erosion protections along the Colorado River below Longhorn Dam – Matt Hollon, Watershed Protection Department, Matt.Hollon@austintexas.gov, 512-974-2238 Speakers: Matt Hollon, WPD Liz Johnston, WPD 1. 2. 1 A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Nickells were absent. A motion to recommend amending City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to increase erosion protections along the Colorado River below Longhorn Dam with conditions passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second, on a 7–0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Nickells were absent. Presentation, discussion, and recommendation on an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Austin and Hays Independent School District – Jacob Eickstead, Watershed Protection Department, Jacob.Eickstead@austintexas.gov Speakers: Jacob Eickstead, WPD Lexie England, Kimley Horn Jason Andrus, architect A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Bristol’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Nickells were absent. A motion to recommend the interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and Hays ISD with conditions passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second, on a 7–0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Nickells were absent. Chair Bedford called a recess at 8:12 pm. Bedford reconvened the meeting at 8:18. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and recommendation on the findings of the Bird-friendly Design working group and upcoming resolution – Environmental Commissioner Jennifer Bristol Speakers: Jennifer Bristol Craig Nazor A motion to recommend the findings of the Bird-friendly Design working group passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s …
Urban Forestry Committee Meeting October 10th, 2024 at 11:00 AM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Urban Forestry Committee will be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@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). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Richard Brimer (Committee Chair) Mariana Krueger Colin Nickells Melinda Schiera CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 5 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES PRESENTATIONS 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting of June 27, 2024 2. Presentation on 2024 Tree Preservation Report– Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department 3. Staff presentation on Tree Smarts: An Introduction to Austin’s Tree Regulations (Section 3 of the Environmental Criteria Manual) – Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, and Daniel Priest, Environmental Compliance Specialist Sr., Development Services Department DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and recommendation on strategies to improve Austin’s tree canopy – Richard Brimer, Urban Forestry Committee Chair FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please 512-568-2244, call Elizabeth Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov; for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Protection Department, Funk, Watershed at
URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, June 27, 2024 The Urban Forestry Committee convened in a REGULAR meeting on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Brimer called the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting to order at 11:35 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Richard Brimer, Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting of March 28, 2024 The minutes from the regular meeting on March 28th, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Schiera’s second on a 3–0 vote. Commissioner Nickells abstained. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. City Arborist Quarterly Report FY24 – Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Staff briefing on climate adaptation and Austin’s urban forest – Emily King, Urban Forestry, Development Services Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and recommendation on strategies to improve Austin’s tree canopy – Richard Brimer, Urban Forestry Committee Chair The commission discussed this item but did not take action. 5. Discussion and recommendation on the 2023-2024 Urban Forestry Annual Report – Richard Brimer, Urban Forestry Committee Chair A motion to recommend the 2023-2024 Urban Forestry Annual Report passed on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Nickels’s second, on a 3–0 vote. Commissioner Schiera was off the dais. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chair Brimer adjourned the meeting at 1:39 p.m. without objection.
Tree Preservation Report Environmental Commission Urban Forestry Subcommittee Meeting October 10th, 2024 Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Preservation Inches Replanted for Mitigation Dead, Diseased, or Imminent Hazard Removals (Site Plan and Stand-alone Tree Permits only) Thank you
Tree Smart: An Introduction to Austin’s Tree Regulations Environmental Commission Urban Forestry Subcommittee Meeting October, 2024 Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Daniel Priest, Environmental Compliance Specialist, Sr. Introduction to Austin’s Tree Regulations Impacts to Trees • History of the Tree Ordinances • Regulated Trees in Austin • What Are the Tree Regulations? • Measuring Trees • What is a Tree? • • Tree Rules – Development • Tree Preservation Criteria • Alternative Compliance Options • Tree Protection • Mitigation for removals • City Arborist Tree Review • Environmental & Tree Inspections – Routine inspections • Environmental & Tree Inspections - 311 History of Austin’s Tree Ordinance Margret Hofmann, 1925-2012 Hofmann Oaks Park History of Austin’s Tree Ordinance 1983 - Tree Preservation Ordinance 2010 - Heritage Tree Ordinance Regulated Trees in Austin Land Development Code 25-8, Subchapter B, Article 1 Tree and Natural Area Protection “REMOVAL means an act that causes or may be reasonably expected to cause a tree to die, including: • Uprooting; “The rules shall: development; • describe methods to protect trees against damage during • • • identify actions that will constitute removal; identify the root areas that require protection against soil compaction or the effects of impervious paving; and identify mitigation measures and methods of calculation for fiscal security to ensure performance of mitigation measures…” • severing the main trunk; • damaging the root system; • and excessive pruning.” Rules implementing LDC 25-8.B.1 are found in Section 3 of the Environmental Criteria Manual What are the Tree Regulations? Land Development Code (LDC) Environmental Criteria Manual (ECM) What are the Tree Regulations? Land Development Code 25-8, Subchapter B, Article 1 Division 1 – General Provisions Definitions Authorizes Rules Application Requirements Division 2 – Protected Trees Approval Criteria for Removal Division 3 – Heritage Trees Approval Criteria for Removal Variances Environmental Criteria Manual Section 3 3.3 - Survey Requirements Survey and Plan Depictions Hill Country Roadway Ordinance 3.5 - Design Criteria Protection (3.5.2) Mitigation (3.5.4) 3.6 - Tree Protection Environmental Criteria Manual Section 3 Changes to Environmental Criteria Manual Environmental Criteria Manual Section 3 3.3 - Survey Requirements 3.5 - Design Criteria 3.3.1 - Requirements by Jurisdiction 3.5.1 - Significant Tree Identification 3.3.2 - General Tree Survey Standards 3.5.2 - Preservation 3.3.3 - Environmental Assessments 3.5.3 - Design Constraints and Alternatives 3.3.4 - Hill Country Roadway Ordinance 3.5.4 - Mitigation 3.4 - Tree Anatomy 3.6 - Protection Changes have …
URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 2024XXXX-00X Date: Subject: City of Austin Tree Canopy Ordinance Motion by: Melinda Schiera Seconded by: WHEREAS, the Urban Forestry Committee recognizes Council approved, on August 8, 2019, a Resolution declaring a climate emergency in the City, and WHEREAS, the Council approved, on September 30, 2021, the Austin Climate Equity Plan setting a goal of 50% Tree Canopy by 2050, and WHEREAS, Council re-affirmed its target of net-zeros community-wide emissions by 2040 on February 15, 2024, and WHEREAS, current data shows 41% canopy cover city wide based on satellite imagery captured in the summer of 2022, and WHEREAS, the tree canopy over East Austin is less than West Austin, and there is a specific need to increase tree canopy on private land in East Austin, and WHEREAS, an expansive Tree Canopy mitigates the heat island effect, removes carbon from the air, improves community health be removing pollutants from the air, and improves biodiversity, and WHEREAS, feedback from Urban Landscape Architects to the Environmental Commission is that trees planted from site plan requirements are not surviving, THEREFORE, the Urban Forestry Committee recommends the Environmental Commission advise Council adopt the following actions to more aggressively expand, protect, and enhance the City’s Tree Canopy: 1. Set a goal of 50% city-wide canopy cover by 2040 instead of 2050. 2. Capture satellite imagery to calculate the city-wide canopy cover biennially instead of every four-years. 3. Require the City Arborist and the Development Services Department to document the number and scope of unpermitted removal of protected and heritage trees removed each year by address and actions taken. A report of these activities shall be presented to the Environmental Commission, Urban Forestry Committee, and Council annually. 1 of 3 4. Add fruit and nut bearing trees to the list of preferred trees that are appropriate for the Central Texas climate. Bennually update the list of preferred trees to adjust for changing climate. 5. Define a new category of protected trees, based on the breadth of the canopy in addition to the diameter as measured four and one-half feet above natural grade. 6. Improve incentive plans for developers to encourage retention of existing trees using non- financial incentives, development considerations, density, increased FAR, etc. 7. Require the Urban Forestry Department develop a plan to double the existing canopy coverage in East Austin (east of Interstate I-35) by 2040. This plan shall be presented to …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission October 2, 2024 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@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). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer, Vice Chair AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Chair PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 18, 2024 1 1. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation on Hays Commons Municipal Utility District (MUD) and request for a recommendation to initiate a Site-Specific Amendment to City Code Chapter 25-8, Subchapter A, Article 13 of the Save Our Springs Initiative – Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation and discussion on listed endangered and potentially listed species in Travis County – Michael Warriner, Supervisory Fish & Wildlife Biologist, Fish and Wildlife Service Presentation and discussion on Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan (BCCP) and covered species – Sherri Kuhl, Environmental Resource Officer, and Kimberlee Harvey, BCCP Officer, Austin Water ACTION ITEMS COMMITTEE UPDATES Review and approve the draft 2025 Environmental Commission Regular meeting schedule Update from the Urban Forestry Committee on the rescheduled meeting – Richard Brimer FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA October 2, 2024 Hays Commons MUD, C12M-2024-0003 Milestone Community Builders (Andrew Cortes) COMMISSION MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: LOCATION: 2833 1/2 BLISS SPILLAR RD COUNCIL DISTRICT: Austin ETJ and Hays ETJ WATERSHED PROTECTION DEPARTMENT STAFF: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512) 535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: Bear Creek and Little Bear Creek Watersheds, Barton Springs Zone, Desired Development Zone Recommendation to initiate a Site-Specific Amendment to City Code Chapter 25-8, Subchapter A, Article 13, Save Our Springs Initiative Recommended Not applicable
SOS Site-Specific Code Amendment Initiation for Hays Commons MUD 2833 ½ Bliss Spillar Road Leslie Lilly Environmental Conservation Program Manager Watershed Protection C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T HAYS Commons Municipal Utility District (MUD) Not under consideration at this time – This item will return at same time as the proposed SOS amendment • Finances p ublic infrastructure imp rovements as defined by State Law and Texas Water Code with the consent of the City. The consent a greement p rovid es cer ta inty regarding the regulator y requirements ap plica ble to the District and provides the City with assura nce of a superior quality of development. • C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T SOS Site-Specific Amendment Initiation • 1992 Save Our Sp ring s ordina nce ad op ted by citizen initiative • Per 25 -8-515, variances to SOS are not allowed , prohibiting modification by MUD consent agreement • Only applies to the Ha ys Commons MUD project • Supermajority of Council must ap prove amendments to SOS • Council Resolution 20221011-076 on October 13, 2022: • “ The City Manager is d irected to initiate site specific variances ….. C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T SOS Site-Specific Code Amendment Initiation EVC EVC C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Hays Commons C 1 2 M - 2 0 2 4 - 0 0 0 3 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N …
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Austin Ecological Services Field Office Michael Warriner – michael_warriner@fws.gov U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regions Southwest Region: AZ, NM, OK, and TX Ecological Services Field Office in Texas • Administer U.S. Endangered Species Act • Petitioned species assessment • Listed species recovery • Conservation planning assistance Austin Ecological Services Field Office Project Leader, Karen Myers karen_myers@fws.gov Branch of Consultations and Habitat Conservation Plans Christina Williams christina_williams@fws.gov Branch of Listing and Recovery Michael Warriner Texas Transportation Branch Dawn Gardiner dawn_gardiner@fws.gov Austin Ecological Services Field Office Resources www.ecos.fws.gov/ecp/ Austin Ecological Services Field Office Resources www.ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/ Austin Ecological Services Field Office Branch of Listing and Recovery Central and Western Texas • 51 Endangered species • 12 Threatened species • 4 Proposed endangered species • 6 Petitioned species for listing consideration Austin Ecological Services Field Office Branch of Listing and Recovery (Species Leads) Austin Ecological Services Field Office Listed Species in Travis County Karst Invertebrates - Endangered • Bee Creek Cave harvestman • Bone Cave harvestman • Coffin Cave mold beetle • Krettschmarr Cave mold beetle • Tooth Cave pseudoscorpion • Tooth cave spider FY25 Deliverables 5-year reviews: updates on status of species Solicitation for new information published in Federal Register • Coffin Cave mold beetle • Tooth Cave pseudoscorpion • Tooth Cave spider Images courtesy of Colin Strickland (City of Austin) Austin Ecological Services Field Office Listed Species in Travis County Salamanders • Austin blind salamander - Endangered • Barton Springs salamander – Endangered • Jollyville Plateau salamander – Threatened FY25 Deliverables 5-year reviews: • Austin blind salamander • Barton Springs salamander Recovery outline/draft recovery plan: Jollyville Plateau salamander • ; FY26 Deliverables 5-year review: • Jollyville Plateau salamander Austin Ecological Services Field Office Listed Species in Travis County Birds • Golden-cheeked warbler – Endangered FY25 Deliverables • 5-year review Image courtesy of Gil Eckrich Austin Ecological Services Field Office Listed Species in Travis County Freshwater Mussels • Texas fatmucket - Endangered FY25 Deliverables • Recovery Outline Austin Ecological Services Field Office Listed Species in Travis County Plants • Bracted twistflower - Endangered FY26 Deliverables • Draft recovery plan Austin Ecological Services Field Office Proposed Species in Travis County Tri-colored bat (multi-state range) • Proposed endangered (9/14/2022) Image courtesy of Tim Krynak (Cleveland Metroparks) Austin Ecological Services Field Office Petitioned Species in Travis County www.fws.gov/project/national-listing-workplan Austin Ecological Services Field Office Petitioned Species in Travis County Not Substantial 90-day …
Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan (BCCP) October 2, 2024 Environmental Commission Sherri Kuhl AW Environmental Resource Officer Kimberlee Harvey BCCP Officer AGENDA BCCP Permit Overview BCCP Covered Species 2 Key Elements of BCCP Permit BCCP Permit Holders: City of Austin and Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) Partners: City of Austin, Travis County, Lower Colorado River Authority, City of Sunset Valley, The Nature Conservancy, Travis Audubon, Texas Cave Management Association, USFWS, Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, and private preserve managers Permit Area: 561,000 acres = City of Austin and unincorporated Travis County excluding the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge boundary within Travis County Original Permit Term: 30 years (May 2, 1996 to May 2, 2026) • Applied for 15-year Permit extension (May 2, 2026 to May 2, 2041) 3 BCCP Take Permits An Endangered Species Act (ESA) Incidental Take Permit is required for any “take” on an endangered or threatened species, incidental to an otherwise lawful activity. Key Elements of BCCP Mitigation Obligations Acquire, protect in perpetuity, manage, and monitor a system of preserve lands called the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) 28,428 acres of Golden-cheeked warbler habitat 2,000 acres of Black-capped vireo habitat Seven preserve planning units called “macrosites” • Min. sizes and max. edge-to-area ratios requirements Acquire and/or manage 35 named caves for listed karst invertebrates + 27 named caves for karst invertebrates of concern Protect and manage populations of Canyon mock-orange and Texabama croton on the BCP 32,428 acres bird habitat & 62 caves 5 Golden-cheeked Warbler Black-capped Vireo *Delisted in 2018 Bee Creek Cave harvestman Bone Cave harvestman Kretschmarr Cave mold beetle Tooth Cave ground beetle Tooth Cave spider BCCP Covered Species • 7 Endangered Species • 1 De-listed Species • 2 Plants of Concern: Canyon mock-orange, Texabama croton Tooth Cave pseudoscorpion • 25 Karst Invertebrates of Concern Golden-cheeked Warbler • Listed as Endangered in 1990 • All are native Texans • Require Ashe Junipers for nesting and for hosting invertebrate prey • Need closed-canopy woodland of both junipers and broadleaved trees Photo by Gil Eckrich Number of Territorial Male Golden-cheeked Warblers ON THE BALCONES CANYONLANDS PRESERVE • Long-term monitoring allows us to determine how the Golden- cheeked Warbler is doing across the BCP. • Management focuses on protecting, maintaining, and creating high quality Ashe juniper- oak woodlands …
2025 Environmental Commission DRAFT Meeting Schedule Permitting and Development Center (PDC) Events Center Room 1405, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 6:00 pm March 5 (Ash Wednesday) January 15 February 5 February 19 March 19 April 2 April 16 May 7 May 21 June 4 June 18 July 2 August 6 August 20 September 3 September 17 October 1 November 5 November 19 December 3 July 16 (Special called for the Annual Planning Meeting) October 15 (Simchat Torah, Jewish holiday)
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, September 18, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Hanna Cofer, Colin Nickells, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carol Philipson, Cell towers in Balcones Canyonlands Preserve in a REGULAR meeting on APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 4, 2024 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 4, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioner Bristol was absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Name: Williamson Creek Interceptor (SP-2022-1368D) Applicant: Kane Wei, P.E., Austin Water Utility (AWU) Location: From 5111 S. 1st Street to 5404 E. William Cannon Drive along Williamson Creek Council District: District 6 Staff: Brad Jackson, Environmental Compliance Specialist Senior, 512-974-2128, Development Services Department, brad.jackson@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Request to vary from a) LDC 25-8-261 to allow development in the CWQZ for a wastewater interceptor and b) LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 9 feet for removal of a building foundation exceeding the 4-foot limitation 1 3. 4. 5. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions Speakers: Brad Jackson, DSD Kane Wei, applicant (AW) A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Qureshi’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Bristol was absent. A motion to approve the Williamson Creek Interceptor variances with conditions passed on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second, on an 8–0 vote. Commissioner Bristol was absent. Presentation, discussion, and recommendation on the Great Springs Project – Mikey Goralnik, Trails and Transportation Planner, Great Springs Project; Requested by Environmental Commissioner David Sullivan Speakers: Mikey Goralnik, Great Springs Ana Aguirre, member of the public A motion to recommend the Great Springs Project passed on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second, on a 6–1 vote. Commissioner Brimer voted against. Commissioner Cofer abstained. Commissioner Bristol was absent. Chair Bedford called for a recess at 8:35 pm. Chair Bedford reconvened the meeting at 8:41 pm. DISCUSSION ITEMS Briefing on the listing status of native mussels – Matt Johnson, Texas Freshwater Mussel Conservation and Recovery Coordinator, Fish and Wildlife Service Item conducted as posted. No …
