Department: Development Services
SUBJECT:
922 NW 36th Street
SUMMARY:
A customer is requesting approval of a floodplain variance to Section 35-F125 (a) (2) of the Unified Development Code (UDC) regarding allowable development within the regulatory floodplain for the Building permit at 922 NW 36th ST. AP# 1981728, a residential lot within the Zarzamora Creek watershed.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Council District: 7
Filing Date: March 16, 2015
Owner: Clara Sanchez
Engineer/Surveyor: N/A
Staff Coordinator: Lee Muniz, Sr. Engineering Associate, (210) 207-0096
ANALYSIS:
Variance Request:
The applicant has submitted a building permit for the construction of a residential structure at 922 NW 36th street. A house was previously occupied at the address, but a fire damaged the structure to the extent that a new structure would be required to be built. Initially the home owners attempted to apply for a floodplain development permit to repair foundation piers for the existing structure (AP# 1943470). It was determined, however, by Development Services that the existing structure had severe structural damage and would require a completely new residential structure. The building permit for a new residential structure (AP# 1981728) requires a variance to the City of San Antonio's floodplain ordinance so that construction can be completed.
Alternative Actions:
1) Approval of request
2) Denial of request
3) Continuance for additional information
RECOMMENDATION:
Denial of the proposed variance to Appendix F, Section 35-F125 (a) (2)
The Director of Transportation & Capital Improvements recommends the denial of the floodplain variance (Attachment 3) with the following conditions:
· Allowing the proposed residential development would endanger the lives of any residents living in the habitual structure.
· In the event of an emergency during a flood event, the lives of the first responders would be endangered due to flooding within area and/or structure.
· Allowing the proposed residential structure to be built within the 1% Flood Hazard Area would be in conflict with the City of San Antonio's Floodplain Ordinance, approved and accepted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and may jeopardize the City's National Flood Insurance Policy.
The Director of Development Services recommendation for the residential building permit AP# 1981728 is Pending the approval or denial of this variance request.
Attachments
1. Variance Request
2. Variance Response/Letter to applicant
3. Variance recommendation
4. Floodplain exhibit