DEPARTMENT: Development Services
SUBJECT: TPV 18-011 Tree Preservation Variance for Union Pacific Railroad San Antonio Intermodal Terminal South Lead
SUMMARY:
Request by Mr. Richard Wilson 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# 2322080
Council District: 4
Consultant: Mr. Richard Wilson of HDR, Inc.
Staff Coordinator: Herminio Griego, Assistant City Arborist, (210) 207-6042
ANALYSIS:
The Development Services Department (DSD) has reviewed the information presented in Mr. Wilson's letter dated January 16, 2018.
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 surveyed 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 construction of the an additional track south and east of the of the existing Laredo Subdivision mainline track. The new track will allow the existing Laredo Subdivision to be the southern lead into the San Antonio Intermodal Terminal (SAIT). Mr. Wilson coordinated with city staff to ensure that the proposed tree mitigation meets desired criteria. In addition, the project team coor...
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