Department: Development Services
SUBJECT:
5506 De Zavala Starbucks
SUMMARY:
A customer is requesting approval of a floodplain variance to Section 35-F133 (c) (1-4) of the Unified Development Code (UDC) regarding allowable development within the regulatory floodplain for the Building permit at 5506 De Zavala Rd. AP# M2008117, a commercial lot within the Huebner Creek watershed.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Council District: 8
Filing Date: March 16, 2015
Owner: Starbucks Corp.
Engineer/Surveyor: Pape-Dawson
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 commercial structure (Starbucks) at 5506 De Zavala Rd. The lot is currently undeveloped with majority of the surrounding area as developed. A portion of the building permit is proposing to construct (2) 6'x3' concrete box culverts where there is currently an existing earthen channel that conveys storm water from existing public streets and private lots. The existing channel conveys a portion of the 1% annual chance flood hazard area according to the recent FEMA maps. Once the construction of the box culverts is complete, the 1% annual chance flood hazard area will be conveyed within the box culverts. The improvements will alter the current FEMA floodplain map, which will require a CLOMR/LOMR. Pape-Dawson would like to begin construction of the said improvements prior to the FEMA approval of the CLOMR.
Alternative Actions:
1) Approval of request
2) Denial of request
3) Continuance for additional information
RECOMMENDATION:
Approval of the proposed variance to Appendix F, Section 35-F133 (c) (1-4)
The Director of Transportation & Capital Improvements recommends the approval of the floodplain variance (Attachment 3) with the following conditions:
· The proposed channel improvements will not create an adverse impact upstream.
· Pape-Dawson is currently working with COSA to get an approved CLOMR.
· The proposed changes to the 1% annual chance flood hazard area are due to proposed improvements to existing drainage infrastructure.
The Director of Development Services recommendation for the commercial building permit AP# M2008117 is Pending the approval or denial of this variance request.
Attachments
1. Variance Request from Pape-Dawson
2. Variance Response/Letter to applicant
3. Floodplain exhibit