DEPARTMENT: Office of Historic Preservation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Shanon Shea Miller
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Districts 1 and 5
SUBJECT:
Consideration of proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code including design requirements for a new River Improvement Overlay District relating to San Pedro Creek (RIO-7).
SUMMARY:
The proposed amendments will revise the existing language for properties in the River Improvement Overlay (RIO) districts to include San Pedro Creek and create a new zoning district relating specifically to San Pedro Creek (RIO-7). The proposed zoning district will place design requirements for both public and private properties in the vicinity of San Pedro Creek.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The UDC currently authorizes six RIO districts which guide development for properties that either abut or are in close proximity to the San Antonio River. The RIO districts provide design requirements which inform the Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) process as well as list land use prohibitions which prevent undesirable uses along the San Antonio River. The current RIO districts were created in 2002 and updated in 2011.
The RIO districts have been successful in anticipating developments which potentially impact the quality and character of the San Antonio River. The public improvements of the River Walk are a desirable amenity that has attracted investment in the center city. With the completion of the Museum Reach and Mission Reach expansions, dozens of mixed-use and multi-family projects have since been developed in close proximity to the River. The existing UDC requirements for RIO properties ensure that new developments follow good urban design practice, contribute to broader neighborhood planning goals, and respond to the River itself in regards to building design and orientation. Most importantly, development projects are reviewed for conformance with the design requirements as part of a public hearing process through the HDR...
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