Department: Transportation & Capital Improvements
SUBJECT:
FPV# 18-003; FPDP #2018287 -3939 Thousand Oaks, Bright Kids Daycare Center #2
SUMMARY:
Request by Government Relations Group of TX for approval of a variance request associated with a Floodplain Development Permit (FPDP) #2018287 for an existing commercial tract (Zoned C-3) located at 3939 Thousand Oaks, at the northwest corner of Thousand Oaks and Salado Creek Tributary F, east of Bulverde Road. Staff recommends Approval. [(Jacob Powell, Storm Water Engineering Manager, (210) 207-0176, jacob.powell@sanantonio.gov, TCI Department)]
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Council District: District 10 - San Antonio
Filing Date: June 7, 2018
Owner: Mr. Padmasiri “Sam” Somawardana, Bright Kids Daycare Center #2
Agent: Mitsuko Ramos, Government Relations Group of TX
Staff Coordinator: Jacob Powell, Storm Water Engineering Manager, (210) 207-0176
ANALYSIS:
Variance Request:
On June 7, 2018, the applicant requested a variance from Sections 35-F124(f)(19) and 35-F133(6) in Appendix F of the Unified Development Code (UDC). The TCI Department, Storm Water Division has no objection to the granting of the variance as indicated in the attached letter (ATTACHMENT #1).
Substantial Damage/Improvement:
The structure at 3939 Thousand Oaks was substantially damaged by fire, and the owner is requesting to rebuild the structure. The site is currently within the regulatory 1% annual chance ultimate conditions (100-year future conditions) floodplain. The applicant provided survey information indicating that the existing finished floor elevation is below the base flood elevation (BFE) of the floodplain. The applicant is proposing to elevate the finished floor when reconstructing the building to a point at least one foot (1’) above the floodplain, as per code.
However, Section 35-F124(f)(19) states that development may be allowed when, “Parking lot construction where water depths do not exceed six (6) inches during a future 1% annual chance storm event.” Additionally, Section 35-F133(6) states approval or denial of a floodplain development permit shall be based on, “The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles; flow depths for access shall be within the Proceed with Caution Range as per figure 504-2 for a future 1% annual chance flood event.” Based on the survey information provided by the applicant, the depth of flood inundation exceeds what is allowed by 35-F124(f)(19) and 35-F133(6). The applicant has requested a variance from these code sections, under the condition that the building be elevated in accordance with the code; that the owner will install an early flood warning system along Thousand Oaks; and that the owner install signage in the parking lot indicating the potential for flooding.
It is noted that a Floodplain Development Permit (FPDP) and building permit will not be issued until said variance has been approved by Planning Commission and all related construction documents have been reviewed and approved.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff reviewed the request, and found it to be in conformance with the Unified Development Code (UDC) with exception of the Variances mentioned above. In regards to these Variances, staff does concur with the applicant's justification. Therefore, the Director of TCI recommends approval of the variances.