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 new 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 existing 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.
Various boards and commissions were briefed on the amendments and made the following recommendations:
* Planning Commission recommended approval on December 16, 2015
* Historic and Design Review Commission recommended approval on December 16, 2015
* Board of Adjustment recommended approval on December 21, 2015
* Zoning Commission will consider the amendments and provide a recommendation on January 19, 2016
ISSUE:
The LID amendments add a voluntary option for Low Impact Development which specifically allows LID features to be integrated into developments. LID is a storm water management approach which aims to increase water quality. LID components include:
* Treating the first 1.5 inches of storm water
* Reducing flood peaks
* Using natural features and engineered solutions that mimic natural features
* Exam...
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