DEPARTMENT: Development Services
SUBJECT: TPV 17-016 Tree Preservation Variance for Graytown Road Improvements
SUMMARY:
Request by Mr. Rick Gray, P.E., for approval of a tree preservation variance request from Unified Development Code 35-523 (h), "significant trees shall be preserved at eighty (80) percent and heritage trees at one hundred (100) percent preservation within both the 100-year floodplains and environmentally sensitive areas." Staff recommends approval. (Herminio Griego, (210) 207-6042, herminio.griego@sanantonio.gov, Development Services Department)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Project A/P# 2057043
Council District: Outside City Limits
Consultant: Rick Gray, P.E. of KFW Engineers
Staff Coordinator: Herminio Griego, Assistant City Arborist, (210) 207-6042
ANALYSIS:
The Development Services Department (DSD) has reviewed the information presented in Mr. Rick Gray's letter dated July 7, 2017.
The Unified Development Code (UDC) - Article V, Section 35-523 (h), 100-Year Floodplain(s) and Environmentally Sensitive Areas states that, "Significant trees shall be preserved at eighty (80) percent preservation within both the 100-year floodplains and environmentally sensitive areas. Mitigation shall be prohibited in floodplains and environmentally sensitive area except when a variance is granted by the Planning Commission."
The applicant is requesting a Variance Request to mitigate for removal of tree stand within the 100-year floodplain in excess of the 80% minimum preservation of protected trees in place under the 2015 Tree Preservation Ordinance for construction of Graytown Road Improvements (a.k.a. Summerhill Subdivision). DSD staff does agree with the applicant's request to mitigate for tree stand below 80% preservation for the following reasons:
1. Existing site conditions - The project is unable to preserve the minimum 80% of tree stand on site due to existing site conditions, design and layout constraints, and the downstream grading to improve the 1...
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