DEPARTMENT: Development Services
SUBJECT: TPV 16-008 Tree Preservation Variance for The DoSeum Parking Expansion
SUMMARY:
Request by Mr. David Byer, Stantec, for approval of a tree preservation variance to mitigate for removal of significant trees in excess of 80% minimum preservation of protected trees in place under the 2015 Tree Preservation Ordinance for construction of a new parking lot for The Doseum. (Mark C Bird, (210) 207-0278, mark.bird@sanantonio.gov, Development Services Department)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Project A/P# 2134737
Council District: 1
Engineer/Surveyor: Stantec
Staff Coordinator: Herminio Griego, Assistant City Arborist, (210) 207-6042
ANALYSIS:
The applicant requests to mitigate for removal of significant trees in excess of the 80% minimum preservation of protected trees within the 100-year floodplain under the 2015 Tree Preservation Ordinance for construction of a new parking lot for The DoSeum. DSD staff agrees with the applicant’s request to mitigate for significant below 80% preservation in the floodplain for the following reasons:
1. Due to existing conditions, design and layout constraints; the project is unable to preserve the minimum 80% of significant trees in the floodplain on site. There are a total of fourteen (14) protected size trees within the projected limits of which two (2) will be preserved due to the required grading, utility infrastructure, and location of the proposed parking lot.
2. The project will meet the required mitigation of 118.2 inches by planting a total of 22 trees (for a total of 51.5 inches) and paying the remaining 66.7 inches of mitigation into the Tree Mitigation Fund. The proposed planting plan provides added species diversity to include large, medium, and small species native trees per Appendix E “San Antonio Recommended Plant List.” Recommended trees proposed to be planted for mitigation include: Shumard Red Oak, Yaupon Holly, Mexican Redbud, Texas Mountain Laurel, and Bald Cypress.
3. In addition to the tree plantings and tree mitigation fund payment, the project will also include Low Impact Development (LID) features to help capture runoff from the 52 new parking spaces. The two LID features will be located along the E. Mulberry frontage. The parking lot design focused on highlighting the two (2) biorentention areas (approx. 18,047 sq. ft.) to serve as demonstration gardens showcasing the importance of Low Impact Development in order to treat storm water runoff. The design team followed the LID recommendations set forth by Bexar County and collaborated with Jake Aalfs at the San Antonio River Authority. The LID features will be enhanced by using native landscape plant material adaptable to a variety of wet and dry conditions.
DSD staff supports the applicant’s request to go below the minimum 80% of significant tree preservation requirements in the floodplain based on the conditions of the side, design constraints, and exceeding mitigation and canopy requirements. The proposed Variance Request meets the intent and spirit of the Tree Ordinance therefore, staff recommends approval.