DEPARTMENT: Development Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Roderick J. Sanchez, AICP, CBO
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
SUBJECT: Low Impact Development and Conservation Subdivision Unified Development Code Amendments
SUMMARY:
Consideration and recommendation of amendments to Chapter 35 of the Municipal Code, the Unified Development Code (UDC), adding Low Impact Development (LID) as a voluntary site design option and updating the existing Conservation Subdivision regulations.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
As a part of the 2015 UDC Amendments, the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) submitted amendments on May 1, 2015 to change the UDC by adding LID as a voluntary site design option as well as updating the Conservation Subdivision regulations. SARA submitted the amendment after extensive public outreach, coordination with several City Departments, and stakeholder consultation.
The Planning Commission's Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) considered the LID and Conservation Subdivision amendments on several different occasions between July and November. On November 23, 2015, the TAC recommended approval of the amendments.
The Board of Adjustment and Zoning Commission will consider the amendments and provide a recommendation to City Council. The Planning Commission will also need to make a recommendation to the City Council.
ISSUE:
The LID amendments add a voluntary option for Low Impact Development which specifically allows LID features to be integrated into developments. The LID amendments also add Trees and Storm Water incentives to encourage LID development.
The Conservation Subdivision amendments modify the existing Conservation Subdivision regulations in the UDC by clarifying and simplifying the option, and adding a matrix for bonus densities associated with Conservation Subdivision developments.
Both amendments have been thoroughly vetted by both stakeholder groups and the TAC.
ALTERNATIVES:
The main alternative is to leave the...
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