DEPARTMENT: Development Services
SUBJECT: TPV 18-004 Tree Preservation Variance for UPRR Bridge 9.0 Replacement
SUMMARY:
Request by Ms. Paige Anderson 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# 2303513
Council District: 3
Consultant: Paige Anderson of Olsson Associates
Staff Coordinator: Herminio Griego, Assistant City Arborist, (210) 207-6042
ANALYSIS:
The Development Services Department (DSD) reviewed the information presented in Ms. Paige
Anderson's letter dated December 20, 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 significant trees within the 100-year floodplain in excess of the 80% minimum preservation of protected trees in place under the 2015 Tree Preservation Ordinance for the removal and replacement of Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) Bridge 9.0. The bridge is aging and is scheduled for replacement to maintain the integrity of mainline track. UPRR and Olsson Associates staff coordinated with city staff to ensure that the proposed tree mitigation meets desired criteria. The project team also coordinated with Ms. Anderson to evaluate alternatives to ensure the maximum preservation of ...
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