DEPARTMENT: Development Services
SUBJECT: TPV 19-002 Tree Preservation Variance for Terra Falls PUD
SUMMARY:
Request by Mr. Jose Cantu, 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", general located off of Bella Sky and Heuermann Road. Staff recommends approval. (Mark Bird, (210) 207-0278, mark.bird@sanantonio.gov, Development Services Department)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Project A/P# 2398235
Council District: 8
Consultant: Jose Cantu, P.E. with Red & Black Engineering Group, LLC.
Staff Coordinator: Mark Bird, City Arborist, (210) 207-0278
ANALYSIS:
The Development Services Department (DSD) has reviewed the information presented in Mr. Jose Cantu's letter submitted October 8th, 2018. Please refer to the attached Map for approximate location. Also refer to the applicant's letter and site plan for more information.
The Unified Development Code (UDC) - Article V, Section 35-523 (h), states that 'Significant trees shall be preserved at eighty (80) percent preservation within both the 100-year floodplains and environmentally sensitive areas. Heritage trees shall be preserved at one hundred (100) percent preservation within both the 100-year floodplains and environmentally sensitive areas. Mitigation shall be prohibited in floodplains and environmentally sensitive areas except when a variance is granted by the planning commission'.
The applicant wishes to remove significant trees in excess of the preservation requirements for environmentally sensitive areas. DSD staff does agree with the applicant's request to go below the minimum preservation for steep slopes for the following reasons:
1. Due to the shape of the lot, design constraints, and the location of the natural low that contains slopes in excess of 20% the m...
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